Dak Prescott showed up at Cowboys practice on Friday afternoon.
Per Ed Werder, this was Prescott’s first appearance at Dallas Cowboys practice since his season-ending ankle surgery. The Cowboys were glad to have him back. For one, he’s an extra pair of eyes to help improve their offensive output, which isn’t where it needs to be right now. Second, Prescott doubles as a leader off the field and in the quarterback room. Having him in those sessions will prove invaluable, even if that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet.
Prescott and teammate Ezekiel Elliott had some fun at the other’s expense on Friday.
Zeke, of course, is mocking Prescott’s supposed limp, but apparently Dak can walk just fine without crutches, despite being nowhere near ready to step on the football field again.
Can the Cowboys still make the playoffs without Prescott?
Dallas sits just a game out of the NFC East, as incredible as that sounds. Still, they remain behind all three opponents in the Eagles, Giants and Washington Football Team, so it’s an uphill climb. Not to mention, the Cowboys haven’t looked remotely capable in recent weeks, even losing to Washington at home on Thanksgiving.
The Cowboys have plenty of winnable games left on their schedule, which gives them an advantage over their competition. Dallas heads to Baltimore this weekend, playing an ailing Ravens team that could be without Lamar Jackson once against due to COVID-19. After Baltimore, they face the Joe Burrow-less Bengals at home, followed by the middling 49ers.
Dallas ends the season with back-to-back divisional contests that’ll likely decide the NFC East. Week 16 they play the Eagles at home, followed by a trip to the Meadowlands to close out the year against the Giants.
With Prescott’s presence back in the locker room, perhaps the Cowboys can ride that energy boost to a division crown in a forgettable year for the NFC East.