Dak Prescott is still a key part of the Dallas Cowboys' plans despite the quarterback having suffered a serious ankle injury.
Prescott will likely be out for the remainder of the season after sustaining a fractured and dislocated ankle in the Cowboys' win over the New York Giants on Sunday.
The 27-year-old will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2020 campaign unless the Cowboys opt to again place the franchise tag on him.
However, with Prescott having undergone successful surgery on Monday, Dallas executive vice-president Stephen Jones has insisted he remains in the team's plans.
When asked if Prescott's injury had changed the team's approach to his contractual situation, Jones told 105.3 The Fan in Dallas: "Absolutely not.
"He's our future. He's special. If anyone can overcome anything, it would be Dak. This is something that our doctors feel good that he'll overcome and come back better than ever.
"He's our heartbeat. Just to lose him, really just kills you in terms of deep down."
#4Dak pic.twitter.com/FoCbevCy7c
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) October 12, 2020
Despite the severity of the injury, Jones has no concerns over Prescott's ability to recover.
"For him, you hurt for everything that he stands for and I think we're still in shock. But certainly, Dak is such a warrior. He's been through a lot. He's always overcome it, and this is going to be no exception.
"He's going to get in there and do what he needs to do, I'm sure. Obviously, everybody's prayers are with him.
"He should be able to do everything you need to do to rehab and come back ready to go. It's just a very difficult setback for him and for us. It's something that we feel great about him totally overcoming and being ready to go next year."
The Cowboys are 2-3 from their opening five games of the regular season.