The buzz in Dallas isn’t about who’s coming to training camp- it’s about who might not be ready for it. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is still on the mend, and fans who assumed he was fully healthy got a jolt this week.
Despite reports and footage of him working out with teammates, Cowboys executive vice president and co-owner Stephen Jones threw cold water on the optimism surrounding Prescott’s recovery.
Jones, speaking to The Dallas Morning News’ Calvin Watkins, made it clear the team doesn’t plan to rush its $60 million quarterback back into action.
“Just as you would expect. We’re going to be very cautious and conservative,” Jones said. “But if you left it up to him, he’d be out here throwing to them, ready to play the Giants on Monday night.”
That comment alone raised some eyebrows and sparked immediate concern. If Dak Prescott were truly at full strength, would there even be a need for such a conservative tone?
Caution Clouds Confidence
Though he’s appeared in several offseason throwing sessions with teammates, the fact that Jones still won’t commit to him being ready for Organized Team Activities on May 19 says a lot. The organization clearly remembers how fast things can go south when Prescott isn’t right. And with a reshaped division that includes a reloaded Eagles squad, a surging Washington roster, and a Giants team fresh off a strong draft, the Cowboys can’t afford a slow start.
Dak Prescott turned 31 this offseason. The margin for error shrinks every year, especially when you’re playing under one of the league’s biggest contracts. If the Cowboys stumble and their quarterback can’t stay healthy, the front office will face difficult decisions in 2026.
For now, the message is clear: the Cowboys trust their guy, but they’re not taking chances. They’ve seen what happens when Prescott pushes too hard, too soon. Whether that cautious approach keeps him on the field or leads to a longer wait, one thing is certain, all eyes in Dallas are locked on No. 4.
