Report: Cowboys' Prescott won't return in Week 5 vs. Rams

Quarterback Dak Prescott won't make his return when the Dallas Cowboys face off with the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, a source Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News.

Cooper Rush is expected to start under center once again, with Will Grier serving as his backup.

Team owner Jerry Jones didn't close the door on Prescott returning in Week 5 despite revealing that the quarterback still can't grip the ball well enough to play.

"I know it's better," Jones said on 105.3 The Fan, according to The Athletic's Jon Machota. "I know he's gonna go out every day and make progress toward being able to grip the ball. He'll have a big week, and he'll be hard on himself getting ready to go."

Jones added: "Yesterday was a day off. My point is we're just starting the week. Let's see how the week goes."

Prescott, 29, has been sidelined since Dallas' season opener after undergoing surgery on a fracture near his thumb. He said last week he was targeting a Week 5 return against the Rams.

Rush, meanwhile, has led the Cowboys' offense in Prescott's absence, winning all three of his starts. Rush, 28, has thrown for four touchdowns to zero interceptions and engineered two game-winning drives.

Jones said in September he would welcome a quarterback competition if Rush played well enough. He noted Tuesday he doesn't see a scenario in which Rush starts over a healthy Prescott.