DALLAS — Just about everybody right now is thinking the Dallas Cowboys will go as far as quarterback Dak Prescott’s hamstring lets him.
Prescott is in the glaring spotlight with NFL teams starting to get ready for the new season.
He’s recovering from a hamstring injury and it looks good now.
“Maybe the best news coming out of the Cowboys’ first week of OTAs was seeing Dak Prescott out there, leading his team and moving well,” Mickey Spagnola said at DallasCowboys.com.
Prescott’s Injury and the Cowboys’ 2024 Struggles
Last season, the Cowboys’ playoff aspirations evaporated after Prescott suffered a partial hamstring avulsion in Week 9.
The team, 3-5 at the time, stumbled to 6-11 and missed the postseason for the first time since 2020. Prescott’s absence was felt acutely, with the offense struggling to find rhythm and consistency.
The Cowboys are a different team when Dak Prescott is on the sidelines versus the field. Maybe with a new coaching staff after Mike McCarthy’s departure, it’s an even bigger spotlight now.
A New Chapter: Recovery and Optimism
Now, the narrative in Dallas is one of optimism. Prescott, who turned 31 and is entering his 10th NFL season, has been aggressive in his rehab.
“If I had to play a game today, I definitely could do that,” Prescott said in April. “It’s about moving forward healthy to make sure I can play 17 times, 20 [games]—whatever we get to when the time’s right.”
He credits his early start to the offseason and work with the Cowboys’ training staff for his rapid progress.
“Pretty much can do it all. Feel good … I’m out there in the team activities, feel good. Just trying to stay that way,” Prescott told reporters at OTAs.
Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer echoed the sentiment.
“He’s out there, he’s working, he’s leading—it’s exactly what you’d want to see,”he said.
While Prescott isn’t yet cleared for contact, he’s taking the bulk of first-team reps and showing no lingering effects from surgery. He’s told reporters he will be ready for contact at training camp.
Roster Upgrades and New Weapons
The Cowboys’ front office, led by Jerry Jones, responded to last season’s disappointment with significant changes.
Notably, Dallas traded for wide receiver George Pickens, pairing him with All-Pro CeeDee Lamb to create one of the NFL’s most dynamic receiver duos.
“Pickens is physical, fast, and excellent at catching difficult passes,” noted Pro Football Focus’ Ryan Smith.With tight end Jake Ferguson also emerging, Prescott’s arsenal is deeper than ever.
The coaching staff also saw changes, with Brian Schottenheimer taking over as head coach. The new system is designed to maximize Prescott’s strengths and keep him upright and healthy.
Pressure and Expectations
Despite his accomplishments — three Pro Bowls, over 31,000 career passing yards, and a 76-46 record as a starter — Prescott faces immense pressure in 2025.
The Cowboys have not reached the NFC Championship Game in nearly three decades, and with the current core aging, the window for a Super Bowl run may be closing.
Analysts believe Prescott is poised for a major season.
“He could emerge as a leading candidate for the Comeback Player of the Year award,” predicted PFF’s Ryan Smith.
His 2023 campaign, where he posted a 90.0 PFF grade and led the league with 38 big-time throws, is evidence of his elite potential when healthy.
Availability: The Most Underrated Trait
“Do not minimize Dak’s availability,” Spagnola said.
In a league where durability is often overlooked, Prescott’s ability to take the field and lead is the Cowboys’ most valuable asset.
“People say a lot of things about me, man,” Prescott said. “I just show up and control what I can control healthy. Trying to stay healthy. Feels good. Just trying to push the energy and make sure I continue to get better.”
Looking Ahead
With a revamped roster, new coaching staff, and a healthy Prescott, the Cowboys are positioned to rebound in 2025.
Prescott must stay on the field and perform at his best. If he does, Dallas could once again be a contender in the NFC.