Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott goes down with gruesome ankle injury

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Dontari Poe (95) kneels during the national anthem before a game against the New York Giants on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

ARLINGTON, Texas _ What started as a routine run by Dak Prescott became the worst nightmare for the fifth-year quarterback and the Dallas Cowboys.

Prescott knew something was wrong as soon as he was tackled after gaining 9 yards on the play.

His right foot got caught in the turf and was turned the opposite direction. He quickly waved his hand for assistance from the sideline.

New York Giants offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, left, works on the sideines during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

The injury cart came out and his despondent teammates gathered a visibly emotional Prescott as he sat there for a several minutes being tended to by Cowboys doctors before being lifted on the cart.

On the field next to coach Mike McCarthy was former Cowboys coach and now New York Giants offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, who drafted Prescott as a rookie in 2016 and promoted him ahead of then-starter Tony Romo.

Almost every player on the Cowboys sideline ran on the field to offer well wishes as he was carted off the field, biting on a towel with tears streaming from his eyes.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy looks at the scoreboard during the first quarter against the New York Giants on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Several Giants players reached out to greet him as well and he raised his fist in the air to cheers from the crowd as he headed to the tunnel.

The Cowboys announced that Prescott was being taken to the hospital with a serious right ankle injury. Per reports, Presott was expected to undergo surgery to repair a fractured ankle Sunday night.

Former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback and former TCU star Andy Dalton, who signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys in the offseason, replaced Prescott.

New York Giants outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) catches a tipped pass by Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) during the first quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

After running back Elliott finished off the drive with a touchdown to make the score 31-23, the Giants kicked a field goal, the fourth of the day by Graham Gano.

And then disaster struck, as Dalton fumbled a bad snap from center Tyler Biadasz.

The Giants recovered and scored on a Devonta Freeman's 4-yard run.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) makes a leaping catch on the final drive of the half against New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

The Giants converted the two-point conversion to take a 34-31 lead.

Dalton then led the Cowboys to a 40-yard field goal from Greg Zierlein.

After the team's maligned defense got a stop, Dalton led them to victory.

Dallas Cowboys fan Jamie Ramirez, of Amarillo, Texas, reacts after quarterback Dak Prescott was injured on a tackle by New York Giants cornerback Logan Ryan during the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Prescott was injured on the play when Ryan came down on his right leg and left the game. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

A 38-yard pass to Michael Gallup was followed by a 19-yard pass to Gallup, setting up a 34-yard game-winning field goal as time expired, giving the Cowboys a 37-34 victory.

The Cowboys ended a two-game losing streak and are now in sole possession of first place in the NFC East at 2-3.

The Philadelphia Eagles are next at 1-3-1 followed by the Washington Football team at 1-4 and the Giants at 0-5.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is carted off the field after sustaining an ankle injury in the third quarter against the New York Giants on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

The question now is how will the Cowboys fair without Prescott presumably for the rest of the season.

They have extra day to figure it out as they face the Arizona Cardinals at home next Monday night on ESPN.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is brought down by New York Giants cornerback Logan Ryan (23) during the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Prescott was injured on the play when Ryan came down on his right leg and left the game. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

New York Giants outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) returns an interception on a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) for a touchdown during the first quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

New York Giants outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) dives over Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) as he returns an interception for a touchdown during the first quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is carted off the field after sustaining an ankle injury in the third quarter against the New York Giants on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott motions for medical attention after being injured on a tackle by New York Giants cornerback Logan Ryan during the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Prescott was injured on the play when Ryan came down on his right leg and left the game. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is sacked by New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) during the first quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott receives medical attention after being injured on a tackle by New York Giants cornerback Logan Ryan during the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Prescott was injured on the play when Ryan came down on his right leg and left the game. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Trysten Hill (72) returns to the field on crutches after he sustained an injury against the New York Giants on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) is hit by New York Giants running back Dion Lewis (33) after making a catch during the first quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) pushes past New York Giants safety Adrian Colbert (34) during the second quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Giants on a last second field goal, 37-34. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott leaves the field on a cart after being injured on a tackle by New York Giants cornerback Logan Ryan during the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Prescott was injured on the play when Ryan came down on his right leg and left the game. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) scores past Dallas Cowboys cornerback Daryl Worley (28) during the first quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) fumbles as he is hit by Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (90) during the second quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Cowboys cornerback Anthony Brown (30) recovered the fumble and returned it for a touchdown. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Anthony Brown (30) returns a fumble for a touchdown during the second quarter of against the New York Giants on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

New York Giants players, including cornerback Darnay Holmes (30), kneel in prayer before a game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ced Wilson (11) tries to hurdle New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24) and free safety Adrian Colbert (34) during the first quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) catches a touchdown pass against the New York Giants during the second quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys fans celebrate a touchdown by running back Ezekiel Elliott during the second quarter against the New York Giants on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

New York Giants offensive coordinator Jason Garrett calls the plays from the sidelines against the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is brought down by New York Giants cornerback Logan Ryan (23) during the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Prescott was injured on the play when Ryan came down on his right leg and left the game. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys fans react after quarterback Dak Prescott was injured on a tackle by New York Giants cornerback Logan Ryan during the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Prescott was injured on the play when Ryan came down on his right leg and left the game. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws a pass toward the end zone during the first quarter against the New York Giants on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys offensive guard Zack Martin (70) leads the team onto the field to face the New York Giants on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) tips a pass into the hands of New York Giants outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) during the first quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Fackrell returned the interception for a touchdown. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott waits for medical attention after being injured on a tackle by New York Giants cornerback Logan Ryan during the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Prescott was injured on the play when Ryan came down on his right leg and left the game. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys fans cheer as their team takes the field before an game against the New York Giants on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott leaves the field on a cart after being injured on a tackle by New York Giants cornerback Logan Ryan during the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Prescott was injured on the play when Ryan came down on his right leg and left the game. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is brought down by New York Giants cornerback Logan Ryan (23) during the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Prescott was injured on the play when Ryan came down on his right leg and left the game. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Anthony Brown (30) returns a fumble for a touchdown during the second quarter against the New York Giants on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Giants on a last second field goal, 37-34. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) pushes past New York Giants safety Adrian Colbert (34) during the second quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) grabs his right leg after being injured on a tackle by New York Giants cornerback Logan Ryan (23) during the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Prescott was injured on the play when Ryan came down on his right leg and left the game. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) dives in to the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter against the New York Giants on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Giants on a last second field goal, 37-34. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones applauds with the fans as quarterback Dak Prescott is carted off the field, sustaining a leg injury against the New York Giants in the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys kicker Greg Zuerlein (2) watches his last second, game-winning field goal against the New York Giants on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Giants on a last second field goal, 37-34. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys defensive back Steven Parker (40) makes a flying tackle on New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) during the second quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Assisting on the tackle is Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54). (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Trysten Hill (72) is carted off the field after sustaining an injury against the New York Giants on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott leaves the field on a cart after being injured on a tackle by New York Giants cornerback Logan Ryan during the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Prescott was injured on the play when Ryan came down on his right leg and left the game. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is brought down by New York Giants cornerback Logan Ryan (23) during the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Prescott was injured on the play when Ryan came down on his right leg and left the game. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott leaves the field on a cart after being injured on a tackle by New York Giants cornerback Logan Ryan during the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Prescott was injured on the play when Ryan came down on his right leg and left the game. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) breaks up a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) during the first quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

With tears in his eyes, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) points skyward as he is carted off the field after sustaining a leg injury in the third quarter against the New York Giants on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones returns to his seat after quarterback Dak Prescott was transported to a local hospital. Prescott sustained an ankle injury against the New York Giants in the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at AT&T Stadium Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)