For the Dallas Cowboys, this offseason wasn’t about sweeping roster overhauls or headline-chasing free agent signings. It was about one question: where Dak Prescott stood after a year dominated by injuries and uncertainty. Thumb and ankle surgeries had clouded the franchise’s long-term outlook, forcing the organization to evaluate not only Prescott’s health but also his future as the cornerstone of a roster in transition. After a winter of speculation and a cautious spring buildup behind closed doors, the Cowboys have begun to show their hand. And their bet is still firmly on No. 4.
Prescott spent the better part of last season battling his way back from thumb and ankle injuries that derailed not just his year but arguably the Cowboys’ shot at a deeper playoff run. His absence was a glaring hole, with the team leaning heavily on a shaky offense that couldn’t fully find its rhythm. Now, after months of recovery, conditioning, and closed-door workouts, Prescott is reportedly back to full-time training. And for Cowboys Nation, that’s not just an update—it’s a declaration.
The official signal came from none other than the Cowboys themselves. Taking to Instagram, the team dropped a shot of Prescott and star receiver CeeDee Lamb from behind, simply captioned, “Back to work.” No dramatic announcement. No PR rollout. Just two franchise cornerstones locked in and ready to go. After all the uncertainty, seeing Dak and CeeDee gear up together says everything fans needed to hear about the team’s confidence heading into training camp.
Insiders like Jon Machota of The Athletic have also confirmed that Prescott’s physical shape is ahead of expectations. The team reportedly feels “extremely positive” about his mobility and timing after spring conditioning sessions. While the Cowboys are keeping a careful eye on managing his reps early on, sources suggest that Dak could see full preseason action—a huge leap considering how last year looked at this point.
Even bigger? This offseason has been a turning point for Prescott mentally too. Instead of hiding away during rehab, Dak stayed involved, mentoring younger teammates and sharpening his leadership off the field. The Cowboys’ social media team calling him “back to work” wasn’t just about workouts. It was about Prescott resuming his role as the team’s emotional center—and they’ll need every bit of that fire come September. While Prescott’s return brings renewed hope for Cowboys fans, his recent advice to a rising star sheds light on the harsh business reality awaiting NFL hopefuls.
Dak Prescott’s been there, done that
As Prescott gears up physically, he’s also speaking out on the harsh realities of NFL life, especially for younger players about to step into the spotlight. In a conversation that made waves last week, Dak shared advice with Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, son of Deion Sanders. Shedeur, considered a top draft prospect, could find himself facing the brutal politics of the NFL Draft.
Dak didn’t sugarcoat it. As quoted by Athlon Sports, he told Sanders plainly, “It’s a business.” Those three words carry a heavyweight of truth. Prescott knows better than most how quickly loyalty can evaporate in the league, especially when injuries or contract talks enter the picture. Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders took Prescott’s advice to heart. During a recent interview, he praised Dak’s honesty, saying, “It’s rare to get that real advice from someone who’s been there, especially when they didn’t have it easy either.”
Prescott’s journey—from a fourth-round pick to franchise cornerstone—makes him uniquely qualified to mentor the next wave of stars. What’s refreshing is how Prescott isn’t just saying it from a place of bitterness. Sources close to the Cowboys say Dak has embraced the business side with a “calm, professional mindset” this offseason, even amid lingering contract extension rumors. This new perspective could be key as he leads a younger, retooled Cowboys squad that’s dealing with significant roster changes, including the departures of long-time veterans Tyron Smith and Leighton Vander Esch.
Dak also opened up about learning from Tom Brady’s longevity playbook, telling USA Today earlier this year that he’s investing heavily in “body maintenance, nutrition, and mental clarity” to extend his career. “You learn that the game’s not promised tomorrow. So everything you do today matters more,” Dak said. That mindset shift shows just how different 2025 Dak Prescott is from the 2022 version fans last saw healthy.
If the Cowboys were hoping for a comeback, it looks like they’re getting something even better: a quarterback who’s not just healed but evolved. And judging by how “back to work” this team feels already, the NFC might want to pay very close attention. With Dak Prescott back in action and mentoring the next generation, could this season finally mark a turning point for both his career and the Cowboys’ championship hopes?”
The post Cowboys Announce Big Dak Prescott Injury Update as QB Reveals NFL Reality to Shedeur Sanders appeared first on EssentiallySports.
