Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer, left, and quarterback Dak Prescott bump fists during a training camp scrimmage against the Los Angeles Rams, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Oxnard, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)Mark J. TerrillAP

The  will begin their 2025 preseason without under center, as the franchise opts for caution with its star quarterback’s return from a season-ending hamstring injury.

Prescott admitted he would be ready and willing to play in Saturday’s opening preseason game, but acknowledged the decision is ultimately out of his hands.

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The Cowboys have traditionally taken a conservative approach to early preseason action, and with the 32-year-old entering his 10th season, the priority is ensuring he is fully healthy for the opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 4.

This will be Prescott’s first game action since missing the final nine contests of the 2024 season. Before the injury, he was enduring one of the least productive years of his career, unable to find rhythm in an offense that struggled to generate consistent scoring.

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New era brings fresh challenges

When Prescott does return to competitive play, he will do so in an entirely new environment. The 2025 season is his first under head coach Brian Schottenheimer, and the Cowboys have reshaped their offensive roster.

The front office added running back Javonte Williams, wide receiver George Pickens and veteran back Miles Sanders in the offseason, signalling a shift toward a more dynamic attack.

The transition will require Prescott to quickly develop chemistry with new teammates while adapting to Schottenheimer’s system.

While the quarterback has successfully returned from serious injury before, notably his comeback from a broken leg in 2020, this offseason presents more variables than any he has faced.

“I would play if it was my call,” Prescott told reporters this week, underscoring his desire to get back on the field. But the organization sees the long-term picture, especially after going 7-10 in 2024, their first losing season since Prescott’s injury year in 2020.

Despite recent struggles, expectations in Dallas remain high. Both within the building and among fans, the standard is clear: the Cowboys are expected to compete for the postseason every year.

Testing schedule awaits Dallas

The Cowboys’ regular season schedule offers little margin for error. They open with a divisional clash in Philadelphia before returning home to face the New York Giants in Week 2.

While the Giants have been inconsistent, offseason upgrades make them a potentially tougher opponent.

Beyond the NFC East, the Cowboys will match up with the AFC West in 2025, a slate that includes some of the league’s most dangerous teams.

Six of their ten non-divisional games will be on the road, but home matchups against the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers could offer a slight advantage, even if the challenges remain significant.

For Prescott, the focus will be on building timing and confidence with his revamped offense during practice and later preseason appearances.

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The Cowboys believe that if he can regain his best form and adapt quickly to the new system, they have the pieces in place to rebound from last year’s disappointment.

The journey back to contention begins without Prescott taking a snap this weekend. But in Dallas, the hope is that this cautious start will lead to a stronger, healthier finish.