The Cowboys absorbed a massive blow in their 37-34 victory over the Giants on Sunday as franchise quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a gruesome ankle injury that will cause him to miss the remainder of the 2020 NFL season.
Team owner and general manager Jerry Jones issued a postgame statement of support of for Prescott, who began the long road to recovery by having surgery Sunday night.
MORE: How long is Dak Prescott out?
"We are all heartbroken for Dak and this very disappointing injury," Jones said. "The outpouring of messages that I have received regarding his setback speaks volumes to the respect and admiration that he has earned from his teammates, former Cowboys players and Cowboys supporters everywhere. I know this young man very well. I know the personal hardship and strife that he has faced, dealt with and overcome in his young life. And I know of no one who is more prepared, from the perspective of mental and emotional toughness and determination, than Dak Prescott to respond and recover from this challenge that has been put in front of him.
"He is an inspiration to everyone he touches. He has all of our love and support. And we have no doubt that he will return to the position of leadership and purpose that he brings to our team."
MORE: Prescott leaves the field in tears after injury
Many around the league have echoed Jones' sentiments about Prescott's character. But what stands out most about Jones' statement might be the last sentence, which seems to indicate that he has wanted, and still wants, Prescott to be the centerpiece of the franchise for years to come.
The two sides were unable to work out a long-term contract extension in the offseason. Some would think a potentially career-altering injury could hurt Prescott's chances of getting that kind of deal, but SN's Vinnie Iyer believes the emotional response to Prescott's injury is proof that he's invaluable. Jones' statement seems to suggest that he believes that, too.