FRISCO, Texas — While the Dallas Cowboys await word on possible season-ending surgery for Dak Prescott’s torn hamstring, they don’t have a healthy quarterback or head coach under contract after this season.

The pursuit of a fourth straight trip to the playoffs isn’t dead yet, but it’s close — even in the unlikely scenario that Prescott avoids surgery and returns.

Owner and general manager Jerry Jones is left to evaluate coach Mike McCarthy’s future without the franchise QB, and the offseason decision on whether to replace Prescott won’t be easy.

“My criteria has always been the way we play,” Jones said after Sunday’s 34-6 loss to Philadelphia. “Do we have an advantage? Are we in principle, are we competitive? Are we competitive when we are disappointed? That kind of thing.”

The Cowboys (3-6), who have made the playoffs 12-5 in each of the last three seasons, are 0-4 at home and on a four-game losing streak heading into the visit of AFC-leading Houston South (6-6). 4) Monday evening.

Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Bill Parcells, who spent four years leading the Cowboys two decades ago, used to say that a team is what its record is. Jones still quotes it from time to time.

“Not as much, obviously, the score, what Bill says you are, what the score says you are,” Jones said as he continued his explanation of McCarthy’s evaluation. “But still, you look at all these things and there is no fairness. Let me be very clear, no one is trying to be fair here. We’re trying to win a game. There is no joy here without winning games.”

Cooper Rush started in place of Prescott and played poorly. Hopes that he could match his 4-1 record from two years ago, when Prescott was sidelined with a broken finger, quickly faded. He had 45 yards passing and lost two fumbles.

Trey Lance, who stood out at No. 3 in 2021 in San Francisco and came to Dallas in a trade last year, wasn’t much better. He threw for 21 yards with an interception in his first action since throwing five picks in the preseason finale.

A week ago, McCarthy wasn’t ready to address the issue of outside help at quarterback. It’s a more pressing issue — McCarthy says a third QB is on the way — but history doesn’t suggest other options will change things.

When Tony Romo broke his collarbone early in the 2015 season, the Cowboys lost all seven games before his return. After Prescott’s season-ending ankle injury in Week 5 of 2020, a four-game losing streak ensued.

The trail is littered with replacement attempts as they try to stay in contention: Matt Cassel and Brandon Weeden nine years ago. Andy Dalton, Ben DiNucci and Garrett Gilbert during the infamous COVID-19 season.

Additionally, the Dallas offense was struggling before Prescott tore his hamstring in a 27-21 loss to Atlanta a little more than a week ago.

“We’re going to have to play better than we’re playing right now,” Jones said. “I don’t know if there are any answers outside of the organization, but we’re going to have to play better in all positions.”

what’s up

Micah Parsons didn’t miss a beat in his return after missing four games with a high ankle sprain. The star quarterback sacked Jalen Hurts twice, the second causing a fumble that gave Dallas a chance to take the lead in the second quarter. The Cowboys failed to get 6 yards for a touchdown, kicked a field goal for a 7-6 deficit, and never got another chance the rest of the game.

“I thought it got us there,” Jones said. “And of course it’s great to have him on the field. But you know, a player can’t do that.”

Which needs help

The giant sliding windows beyond AT&T Stadium’s west end could use some curtains, as All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb suggested after dropping a potential touchdown pass in the sun in the second quarter. The problem is, it won’t happen. Jones doesn’t want them.

Supply

LB DeMarvion Overshown led Dallas with eight solo tackles and tied Parsons with two sacks.

Stock down

RB Ezekiel Elliott had a costly fumble in the end zone as Dallas looked to take over in the second quarter. He finished with 22 yards for the week after being sent home for disciplinary reasons.

injury

Overshown, who missed his entire rookie season in 2023 with a torn knee ligament, had a knee injury scare in the second half. But he came back.

Key number

82-22 — Third quarter score for Dallas’ opponent this season. The NFL’s next point differential in the third after the Cowboys’ minus-60 is Cleveland at minus-34.

Next steps

The Cowboys are in the middle of a four-game stretch against teams with winning records. If they go 0-4, they could be on their way to the highest draft position based on their record since Pro Football Hall of Fame QB Troy Aikman went no. 1 overall in 1989. Elliott was the fourth overall pick in 2016.