Right now, after mandatory mini-camp have come to an end, expectations surrounding the Dallas Cowboys are high. This is a team who is not only returning all of their starting offense this year, but one who is expected to improve by leaps and bounds defensively from a season ago. Because of that, the Cowboys are a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
While it’s true expectations are high in 2026 for the Cowboys, it’s also true there’s still plenty concerns surrounding this team that could dampen things
just a bit. The new-look defense still needs to prove themselves under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, but that’s not even the biggest concern. No, that would be Dak Prescott’s troublesome injury history dating back to 2020.
In 2020, Prescott only managed to play a total of five games due to a season-ending ankle injury he sustained that ultimately required surgery. The following season he bounced back in a big way throwing for nearly 4,500 yards (4,449) and 37 touchdowns, leading the Cowboys to a 11-5 record before losing to the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs.
Then in 2022 a right thumb injury limited Prescott to just 12 starts, leading to one of his worst seasons of his career. He threw a career-high 15 INT’s to just 23 touchdowns and 2,860 yards. But once again, he bounced back in a big way in 2023 throwing for 4,516 yards, 36 touchdowns and just nine INT’s, helping him to finish second in the MVP race.
The injury-plagued trend continued once again for Prescott in 2024. He only managed to play a total of eight games, finishing with only 1978 passing yards, 11 TDs, and eight INT’s. But once again, he bounced back in 2025 spearheading one of the best offensive units in the entire league, which led to his fourth Pro Bowl appearance. Hopefully, this is where this concerning trend ends.
With one of the toughest 2026 schedules and with such high expectations this year, the Cowboys simply can’t afford Dak Prescott to miss any amount of time due to injury this season. That’s especially true considering the depth behind him.
Of the Cowboys QB2 options, Sam Howell at least has some starting experience. Joe Milton’s arm strength, athleticism, and upside make him an intriguing option as well. As things stand right now though, neither has separated himself in the QB2 position battle and neither really inspires much confidence if needed to step in as the starter.
Dak Prescott’s importance to the team’s success this year is unquestionable. If his injury-plagued trend continues the Cowboys don’t have much hope this year. If the trend comes to an end though, this team could be a serious Super Bowl contender. No matter the outcome though, Dallas will go as far as Prescott will lead them.
