By Ben Morse, CNNUpdated 1032 GMT (1832 HKT) September 12, 2022 Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott reacts after injuring his thumb when he hit his hand against Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaq Barrett during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. (CNN)It wasn't just the one-sided nature of the team's 19-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers which would have troubled Dallas Cowboys fans on Sunday night; the sight of their star quarterback leaving with a hand injury was enough to give nightmares.
In the Cowboys' season-opening game in front of a raucous crowd at their AT&T Stadium against Tom Brady and the Bucs, Dallas's 2022 season began with a stutter and a scare.
If the struggling offensive performance wasn't enough to worry about — Dallas didn't score after opening the game with field goal — a potentially serious injury to Dak Prescott could have long-term repercussions.
In the fourth quarter, as he attempted to power the offense and produce a comeback, Prescott's throwing hand — his right — connected with the hands of Bucs outside linebacker Shaq Barrett during a pass attempt.