In the middle of the 2024 season, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott sustained a hamstring tear and eventually underwent a season-ending surgery in November. The injury had ended his season after only eight games and raised major concerns for the Cowboys’ 2025 campaign.

The Cowboys finished third in the NFC East behind the eventual champions Philadelphia Eagles, and conference finalists Washington Commanders. After quite a few seasons of consistent playoff finishes, the last season was a dark one for America’s Team. The team’s disappointing finish only added pressure on key figures, especially Prescott, whose injury had clouded the offseason outlook.

At the time, it wasn’t clear if Prescott would be ready for spring football activities. Now, those doubts have been put to rest. Newly instated head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed that Prescott had returned to team activities during the Cowboys’ OTAs.

“He will be doing most of the work with the starters. That was never guaranteed just a few weeks ago, so this is a big step for us,” said Schottenheimer during a media briefing on Tuesday.

On Monday, Prescott joined the voluntary workouts, highlighting a significant change in his condition and the progress of the rehabilitation efforts. What stood out more was that Prescott had already begun taking first-team reps.

Prescott had signed a four-year, $240 million extension during Week 1 of the 2024 season. He became the highest-paid player in the league before the injury. The team had kept quiet about his return timeline throughout the offseason. Nevertheless, Prescott’s participation had surprised some analysts who expected him to be limited through the summer.

All eyes are on Dak Prescott as he faces a make-or-break season in 2025

Dak Prescott entered the 2025 NFL season facing more questions than most veteran quarterbacks in the league. Even before missing most of the season to injury, Dak Prescott had been questioned for his poor performances.

This year, the Cowboys strengthened their offense by adding receiver George Pickens to pair with CeeDee Lamb. Although it is early to judge how the partnership would turn out, Pickens and Lamb are perceived as a dangerous threat to opponents. Furthermore, Prescott also noted his excitement in a recent admission.

Internally, the Cowboys believe that they could bounce back with Prescott healthy. However, the fans aren’t confident yet. With the past year of poor management decisions, their reasons of being doubtful is also valid.

CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin recently named Prescott as one of five NFL players with the “most to prove” in 2025.

Can he stay healthy after missing extensive time in three of his last five seasons? Can he keep George Pickens happy opposite CeeDee Lamb? Can he finally push Dallas deep into the playoffs under a new coach in Brian Schottenheimer? The list goes on for such an accomplished veteran.

Cody Benjamin asked

These were fair questions, considering Prescott had missed time in three of the last five seasons. His production or numbers were never the real issue, it was mainly about the financial weight of his contract and the brand image of the team. After such a huge pay, the starved franchise hoped things would change with a fresh new quarterback.

Additionally, the next season provides Prescott the best chance to flip the questions. The Cowboys’ 2025 schedule puts Prescott directly against a bunch of elite quarterbacks and proven contenders. From Weeks 12 to 17, Dallas faces six straight teams that each won 11 or more games last season, a first in NFL history.

Matching up with Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes, and Justin Herbert is the perfect opportunity to get media to sing his tune. The games against these QBs is a indeed a national platform to silence doubts and prove he still belongs among the league’s best.