Dak Prescott details his mental recovery from a 2024 injury as the Cowboys rebuild their O-line to challenge the Eagles. Get the latest from June 2025 OTAs.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The Dallas Cowboys' 2025 season hinges on two things: the health of Dak Prescott's body and the strength of his mind. Fresh off a 2024 season cut short by a torn hamstring, the franchise quarterback opened up Friday about the mental hurdles of recovery. While he's throwing in OTAs, the real test is yet to come, and his words, 'Just felt good being back out there,' carry the weight of a team desperate to reclaim the NFC East from the reigning Super Bowl LIX champion Philadelphia Eagles.
Coach Saban asked me to dial it back at practice like, come on Tyler, those are your teammates. I rather be told to scale it back than to be asked to pick it up.
It’s not just about the hamstring. For Dak Prescott, it's about rebuilding trust in a body that has betrayed him multiple times. From the devastating ankle injury in 2020 to last year's season-ending surgery, the QB has spent more time rehabbing than any star would want. He admitted the challenge is as much mental as physical, focusing on 'being healthy' above all else. Under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, Prescott's progress is the single most-watched storyline. He's not cleared for full contact yet, but his participation in team activities is a crucial first step toward leading an offense that needs him at his best.
If Prescott is the engine, the offensive line is the chassis, and it's being completely overhauled. The Cowboys are banking on a youth movement, with a projected starting front of Tyler Guyton, Tyler Booker, Cooper Beebe, Tyler Smith, and Terrence Steele. The focus is squarely on first-round pick Tyler Booker, who is already making waves with his aggressive mentality forged under Nick Saban at Alabama. His admission that Saban had to tell him to 'dial it back' in practice is exactly the kind of attitude this unit needs after struggling with penalties last season. The question remains: can this young, inexperienced group gel quickly enough to protect their quarterback and pave the way for a successful run game?
While the offense retools, the Cowboys are working to secure their defensive cornerstone. Rumors swirled this week that Micah Parsons was seeking a shorter-term contract extension, but those were swiftly shut down by his brother, Terrence Parsons Jr., and Cowboys insider Clarence Hill, who labeled the reports 'fake news.' With the team having recently signed CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott to shorter deals, the precedent is there, but all signs point to a long-term agreement getting done. Both sides are optimistic a deal will be finalized in the coming weeks, ensuring the All-Pro pass rusher is locked in and ready for the start of training camp on July 1.
With the major contracts and quarterback questions settling, attention now turns to the roster battles that will define training camp. Key competitions are expected at running back, where the team is looking for a new lead dog, and at wide receiver, where young players will vie for spots behind CeeDee Lamb. On defense, the edge rusher spot opposite Parsons is up for grabs. These battles will be fierce as rookies and unproven players fight for a spot on the 53-man roster, making the trip to Oxnard one of the most anticipated in years.
The pieces are falling into place for the 2025 Dallas Cowboys. Dak is on the mend, the foundation of a new, meaner offensive line is being laid, and the team's defensive superstar is on the verge of a long-term commitment. But questions abound. Can the O-line rookies handle the pressure? Can Dak stay healthy and regain his elite form? The answers will start to emerge when the pads come on in Oxnard. Training camp, kicking off July 1, can't get here soon enough.
