The 2024 season was a year the Dallas Cowboys would rather forget. Following a 12-win season, the team stumbled to a 7-10 record, compounded by a hamstring injury that sidelined quarterback Dak Prescott midway through the year.
Now, they face a critical 2025 season where their current core needs to deliver results. Much of their success hinges on Prescott’s health. Fortunately, the quarterback himself has provided a positive update on his recovery.
Dak Prescott Speaks About Injury Recovery
The 2023 season marked Dak Prescott’s best performance in the NFL. He set career highs in completion percentage (69.5%) and passer rating (105.9), while also throwing for his second-highest passing yards (4,516) and touchdowns (36).
This performance propelled the Cowboys to 12 wins and earned Prescott some MVP consideration. Although the team ultimately fell short in the playoffs, his stellar play was enough for team owner and general manager Jerry Jones to make him the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history.
Unfortunately, the 2024 season did not unfold as planned. Even before his injury, Prescott ranked 30th out of 39 eligible players on PFSN’s QB+ metric. However, he aims to return to his 2023 form, at a minimum, next season.
And it appears he is on track for a full recovery by the time the regular season begins. Speaking at the annual Children’s Cancer Fund gala, he detailed, “If I had to play a game today, I definitely could do that.”
However, the focus is on preparing for the demands of a full NFL season. “However, the challenge is getting ready for the rigors of a full NFL season. It’s about moving forward healthy to make sure I can play 17 times, 20 [times] — whatever we get to when the time’s right.”
Regarding his timeline, the next significant football activities on the NFL calendar are OTAs and training camps, which begin in May. Prescott believes he will be ready to participate in them.
“I’m getting close to where I want to be. I don’t want to put a percentage on it. I know we’ve got team activities coming up, imagine myself being involved in some sort if not all.” But his participation might not be entirely his decision.
At 31, his health is a crucial consideration. Consequently, the training staff and team doctors might implement a gradual increase in his workload to ensure his long-term health, a strategy the three-time Pro Bowler fully understands.
“Then again I just understand my age, what I’ve had, what I’ve went through, it’s about being my best in the fall. So I’m not rushing anything, but I’m where I want to be.”
As it stands, if Dallas hopes to break their long championship drought, Prescott needs to be the consistent force under center he was in 2023. Ensuring his full health is the crucial first step in making that aspiration a reality.