Cowboys QB Dak Prescott limited in minicamp with minor knee issue
As the Dallas Cowboys begin mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, quarterback Dak Prescott will be limited with his participation because of a minor knee issue, according to head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
“Dak Prescott has a sore knee,” Schottenheimer said. “It’s nothing we’re concerned about. We’re just going to be smart going into these last couple of days.”
Prescott will only participate in individual work and 7-on-7 team work, but Sam Howell and Joe Milton III will fill in for Prescott during the full 11-on-11 portions of practice, at least on Tuesday. The team has three practices this week, culminating on Thursday with the final session of the summer before the team departs for training camp in Oxnard, Calif. in late July.
Heading into his 11th season, Prescott and the offensive staff will look to protect his health by all measures ahead of an important season for the offense and team as a whole. After missing the final nine games of the season in 2024 with a torn hamstring, Prescott put together his seventh fully healthy season in 2025 by starting all 17 games.
Joining Prescott on the injured list for minicamp is safety Malik Hooker (back) limited and defensive back Jalen Thompson (pec) who will also be limited this week. Outside linebackers Donovan Ezeiruaku (hip) and James Houston (back) along with cornerback DaRon Bland (foot) will remain with the rehab group during practice.
For Milton and Howell, it’s an opportunity to shine with the first-team offense as the two battle it out to be Prescott’s backup in 2026.
“In the league you have to compete every day,” Milton said during OTAs. “No matter where I end up or where he ends up, you have to compete. Nothing is just given to you. Going back to high school, I had to compete for my starting job. You just have to compete.”
“I’m always competing with myself, trying to go out there and be the best version of myself every day and try to get better and focus on what I can control and how I can help,” Howell said. “I’ve learned a lot of different systems, and I’ve been able to learn how to pick up things fast. You try to prepare every week like you’re going to play, and that’s what keeps you going.”
