Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is showing hopeful signs of returning to form during training camp ahead of the 2025 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL season, following a 2024 campaign cut short by injury. With Dak Prescott Cowboys comeback stats improving, the team and fans are cautiously optimistic about his ability to lead the Cowboys back into playoff contention.

According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, Prescott completed 18 of 24 passes in a recent padded practice session, bringing his total to 61 completions out of 91 attempts over the course of four such practices. Notably, Prescott has avoided interceptions during these sessions, a promising development given his crucial role in the Cowboys’ offense. Archer highlighted an impressive play by receiver CeeDee Lamb, who managed to secure a difficult catch despite tight coverage, demonstrating the offensive chemistry Prescott is beginning to rebuild.

While Prescott has been regarded as generally cautious with the ball during regular seasons, his playoff record includes seven interceptions in seven games, indicating an area for improvement when the stakes are highest.

Challenges Leading up to Prescott’s 2024 Injury

Before the injury ended Dak Prescott’s 2024 season prematurely, his performance had raised concerns across the Cowboys organization and fanbase. Entering the final stretch of a five-game losing streak, the team stood at 3-5, struggling to regain momentum. During those eight games, Prescott threw eight interceptions, putting him on pace to exceed his previous career high of 15 interceptions from the 2022 season.

This downward trend cast a shadow over his injury and complicated expectations for his comeback. The contrast between the struggling 2024 version of Prescott and the high-achieving 2023 season is stark: in 2023, Prescott started every regular season game for the first time since 2019, throwing for 4,516 yards, 36 touchdowns, and just nine interceptions. He also contributed 242 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, finishing second in the NFL MVP voting behind Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens.

The Cowboys’ future success hinges significantly on whether Prescott can recapture that 2023-level performance rather than slipping back into his 2024 form.

Shifting Landscape of the NFC East Challenges Prescott’s Return

Prescott returns to an NFC East division that has evolved in his absence, presenting new challenges for the Cowboys’ playoff ambitions. Despite any potential regression, the team remains committed to Prescott due to his four-year, $240 million contract signed before the 2024 season, which includes $231 million guaranteed—making him the highest-paid player in NFL history.

Before the injury and the 2024 season, Prescott was widely considered the top quarterback in the division. Now, however, he is seen as the third-best signal-caller in the NFC East, trailing behind Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Hurts and Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels by a noticeable margin. Hurts led the Eagles to their first Super Bowl victory and was awarded Super Bowl MVP, while Daniels achieved a team-best 12-5 record for the Commanders and earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors after a deep playoff run to the NFC Championship.

This change in division hierarchy intensifies the pressure on Prescott and the Cowboys to return to competitiveness under these new circumstances.

Outlook for Prescott and the Cowboys’ 2025 Season

The progress Prescott has made during training camp suggests potential for a successful return, but uncertainty remains given his declining form before injury and the strengthened NFC East competition. If he can approximate his 2023 performance, the Cowboys could mount a serious playoff push in 2025. Conversely, a repeat of his 2024 struggles would pose substantial challenges for Dallas’ postseason hopes.

The Cowboys’ front office and fans will closely watch Prescott’s continued recovery and camp performance to better gauge his readiness for the regular season. How he manages to adapt to the evolving competition within the NFC East and minimize turnovers during high-pressure moments may ultimately determine the Cowboys’ trajectory this year.