The Dallas Cowboys head into Week 17 needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, so it's slightly concerning when their quarterback isn't on the practice field.

According to Jon Machota, Prescott missed practice for the first time in his NFL career on Thursday.

Back in Week 15, the Cowboys were able to defeat the Los Angeles Rams 44-21 handily. While the team celebrated the victory, Prescott appeared to have injured his throwing shoulder at some point in the game.

Last week, Prescott was a limited participant in practice, as it was hard for him to throw a football. Despite his status throughout the week, Prescott was active for the Cowboys versus the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16.

The injury seemed to have affected the fourth-year starter negatively. Prescott had one of his worst games of the season as he completed 56.8 percent of his passes (second-lowest percentage of the season).

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Along with his completion percentage, the 26-year-old quarterback also failed to complete a touchdown pass. It was only the third game of the season that he failed to record a touchdown.

With the disappointing loss to the Eagles last Sunday, Dallas is in dire need of a win and a loss by the Eagles in Week 17. If not, then the Cowboys will be watching this year's postseason within the confines of their houses.

Regardless of everyone's opinion on Prescott, he's proven to be very durable. Since entering the NFL in 2016, Prescott has started in 63 consecutive contests for the Cowboys.

With that being said, he was unable to be a participant in practice for the first time on Thursday. As shocking as that may seem, it will be a bit more concerning if he's incapable of logging another practice from now until Sunday.