Latest news with #Children'sCancerFund
New York Times
14-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Cowboys still have a WR need: 4 potential draft picks who could help them
Dak Prescott said he's getting close to being fully recovered from the season-ending hamstring injury he suffered at Atlanta in November. 'If I had to play a game today, I definitely could do that,' the Dallas Cowboys quarterback said Friday at the 35th annual Children's Cancer Fund gala at the Hilton Anatole Dallas. 'It's about moving forward healthy to make sure I can play 17-20 (games), whatever we get to when the time's right.' Dak Prescott: 'If I had to play a game today, I definitely could do that.' More from Dak on working his way back from a season-ending hamstring injury: — Jon Machota (@jonmachota) April 11, 2025 Regardless of the exact timetable of Prescott's return, upgrades are still needed at the skill positions around him. Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones acknowledged as much two weeks ago at the annual league meeting in Florida. While he said they like their wide receiver room, he added that losing veteran Brandin Cooks in free agency has opened them up to 'looking at a really explosive No. 2 that could upgrade us.' Advertisement They have their obvious No. 1 in CeeDee Lamb. They're probably in good shape at numbers three though six, if they want to keep that many on the 53-man roster. But the No. 2 spot is the one that could be in play as early as the first round of next week's NFL Draft. 'CeeDee is an incredible player,' Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said at the league meeting when asked about No. 2 wide receiver. 'Always looking to add depth in that room. Really proud of Jalen Tolbert. Talked about him since the time we started talking about it two years ago when he was improving to now we talk about him as the leading receiver touchdown-wise on our team. 'Along with finding guys and adding more pieces, it's our job as a staff to be a developmental staff. We need to get these guys, like Ryan Flournoy, (Jonathan) Mingo to take the next step. We have to do that. That's our job. One of the things that we're working on right now is an improvement plan for each guy. … Between developing those guys on the roster and always looking under every corner to add some speed, some more playmaking skills, we're always looking to do that.' Tolbert is next on the depth chart behind Lamb, followed by some combination of Mingo, KaVontae Turpin, Jalen Brooks, Flournoy and recently signed Parris Campbell. The Cowboys are unlikely to keep more than six. Tolbert enters his fourth season having improved in each of his previous three. He led the team with seven touchdown receptions last year after only having two in his first two seasons. Mingo is a 2023 second-round pick that Dallas traded for in November. At 6-2, 220 pounds, he has good size for an outside receiver. The Cowboys believe he still has a lot of upside. 'We're really excited about the traits,' Schottenheimer said. 'But at the end of the day, when you look at Mingo, you can't evaluate him based on last year. You come in late like that, it's really, really hard. Here's a guy with a lot of talent, he's back right now training and lifting, I think he's going to do a hell of a job.' Turpin has an opportunity to have a bigger role in the offense in his fourth season. He doesn't have ideal size, but his speed is a weapon the Cowboys need to get more from beyond what he brings as a returner. Dak Prescott on Cowboys players stepping up as leaders — Jon Machota (@jonmachota) April 11, 2025 It would be a surprise if Lamb, Tolbert, Mingo and Turpin aren't four of the potential six. Add in a high-round draft pick and that probably only leaves one spot between Brooks, Flournoy and Campbell to battle for in training camp and preseason. Beyond Jones' recent comments about the No. 2 WR spot, the draft prospects who have been part of the Cowboys' top 30 national visits also show a strong consideration in taking a wide receiver with the 12th pick. Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan, Texas' Matthew Golden, Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka and Missouri's Luther Burden III are all considered first-round talents. They are ranked as the top four at the position in this class according to Dane Brugler, The Athletic's NFL Draft expert. Advertisement All four are a little different, so here's a brief breakdown of what the Cowboys could be getting if they decide to upgrade the wide receiver position with their first pick. • McMillan (6-4, 213 pounds): He's had 26 touchdown catches over the last three seasons while playing 78.1 percent of his college snaps on the outside. 'McMillan is only average in the speed and separation categories, but he is a long and limber athlete with exceptional tracking and ball-winning instincts,' Brugler wrote in 'The Beast,' his annual draft guide. 'He fits the Tee Higgins mold as a unique playmaker, because of his size and catch-point skills.' • Golden (5-11, 191 pounds): After starting his college career at Houston, Golden had his best season last year with the Longhorns, catching 58 passes for 987 yards and nine touchdowns. 'It might bother some teams that he doesn't have better size,' Brugler wrote, 'but Golden also doesn't have any glaring flaws to his game that would keep him from becoming a productive pro. He can play inside or outside and become the go-to target for an NFL offense.' • Egbuka (6-1, 201 pounds): He's had 24 touchdown catches over the previous three seasons with 10 coming this past year for the national champion Buckeyes. 'Egbuka is a very quarterback-friendly target — not because he is bigger, stronger or faster than defenders,' Brugler wrote, 'but because he understands detailed subtleties to uncover and command the catch point. Though he can line up outside, he would thrive in a Rashee Rice-like slot role, where he can expand a play-calling menu with his diverse skill set.' • Burden (6-0, 206 pounds): After recording 1,212 receiving yards and nine touchdowns two years ago, he finished with 676 yards and six touchdowns last season. 'Burden is still working on his undergrad degree in route setup and separation,' Brugler wrote, 'but he holds a master's in creating with the ball in his hands, because of his explosive speed and competitive toughness. For an NFL team targeting a (yards after catch) weapon with upside to be more, he will be an appealing option early.' Advertisement When combining the potential of those four with what the Cowboys currently have on their roster, McMillan seems like the best bet at No. 12, if he is still available. He could instantly improve Dallas in the red zone, giving Prescott a large target to dominate in the end zone like Dez Bryant did in his prime. While the others could end up having better careers, No. 12 seems a little rich for them. They might be better options if Dallas traded back a few spots. (Photo of Matthew Golden: Tim Warner / Getty Images)
USA Today
12-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott talks hamstring injury recovery, says he could play a game today
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott talks hamstring injury recovery, says he could play a game today Show Caption Hide Caption Micah Parsons shares his wish list for Cowboys in 2025 NFL draft Micah Parsons weighs in on expectations and hopes for Dallas Cowboys next season. He also talks about his partnership with EA Sports. The NFL regular season might not kick off for another five months, but Dak Prescott says he would be ready to play today if he had to. Prescott is coming off a season-ending hamstring injury, one of many things that ultimately derailed the 2024 Dallas Cowboys season. "If I had to play a game today, I definitely could do that," Prescott said at the 35th annual Children's Cancer Fund gala on Friday, according to the Cowboys' website. "It's about moving forward healthy to make sure I can play 17 times, 20 [games], whatever we get to when the time's right." The 31-year-old suffered a partially torn hamstring in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons, which limited him to just eight games in 2024. Dallas went on to miss the playoffs, which kickstarted an offseason of change for the Cowboys. The team fired head coach Mike McCarthy, promoting offense coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to replace him. Given the changes, it would be beneficial for Prescott to take part in some offseason activities, which the quarterback plans to be involved in to some degree. "I'm getting close to where I want to be, I don't want to put a percentage on it," Prescott said. "I know we've got team activities coming up, imagine myself being involved in some sort if not all." However, Prescott did point out that it's about being at his best during the season. "Then again I just understand my age, what I've had, what I've went through, it's about being my best in the fall," he added. "So I'm not rushing anything, but I'm where I want to be." Luckily for Prescott's sake, this isn't his first rodeo. The quarterback has previously dealt with injury recovery, especially the severe kind. That, he said, allows him to realize a better version of himself is just on the other side of those challenges. "It's just the work that I've put into it, unfortunately I've been through this process of recovering from injuries before that I embrace it," Prescott said. "I know that a better version of me is on the other side, so that's just the way that I've approached this whole offseason and this whole rehab process." Considering the nature of the injury and his history, there was some concern about Prescott's mobility going forward. The quarterback said he hasn't lost or gained any weight, but shifted it around during the rehab process to build his legs back up. That is all with the goal of continuing to be a mobile quarterback. "Me playing my best, I'm mobile," Prescott said. Whether it's actually running past the line of scrimmage or just scrambling making plays happen with my arm, so that's vital for me, that's a big part of this." Prescott inked a four-year, $240 million extension before last season, which is set to begin this season. The Cowboys' quarterback room will look a little different in 2025 after they lost their backup, Cooper Rush, to the Baltimore Ravens in free agency. Dallas swung a trade with the New England Patriots for Joe Milton III, adding some youth and potential to the room if Prescott fails to stay healthy. While Prescott will be focused on his health, he will also be looking for a bounce-back season statistically. The quarterback posted career worsts in passer rating (86.0) and QBR (45.3), in addition to being on pace to set a career high in interceptions. He posted a 3-5 record, which also highlighted the need for more talent on the roster. Prescott will continue working back to full strength, but also a return to form.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dak Prescott gives positive update on hamstring injury: 'If I had to play a game today, I definitely could'
Dak Prescott is confident that he will return in full form next season. The Dallas Cowboys quarterback, who underwent season-ending surgery on a hamstring injury in November, told reporters this week that he is "getting close" to full recovery. Prescott spoke about his hamstring at the 35th annual Children's Cancer Fund gala in Dallas on Friday. The 31-year-old seemed optimistic about his short- and long-term health after months of rehab. Advertisement "If I had to play a game today, I definitely could do that," Prescott said. "It's about moving forward healthy to make sure I can play 17 (games), 20, whatever we get to when the time's right." Prescott suffered the injury during the Cowboys' loss to the Atlanta Falcons in early November, with Dallas placing him on IR later that week. The quarterback provided an update in December, saying that his rehab was coming along but that he had "no hard timeline" for his return. On Friday, Prescott seemed confident that he would return at full force in the fall — and potentially earlier team activities — though he did not want to rush the process. "I'm getting close to where I want to be, I don't want to put a percentage on it," Prescott said. "I know we've got team activities coming up, imagine myself being involved in some sort if not all. Then again, I just understand my age, what I've had, what I've went through, it's about being my best in the fall. So I'm not rushing anything, but I'm where I want to be." Advertisement This is not the first time that Prescott has had to return from a significant injury. In 2021, Prescott came back after a season-ending ankle injury that required multiple offseason surgeries. A thumb injury also sidelined Prescott for five games in 2022. When asked if he was approaching in rehab differently this time around, Prescott said that he was following the physical therapy plan that he and his doctors put together. As a result, Prescott said that he was progressing well — and that he might even be bettered by going through the ordeal.
Reuters
12-04-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott on injury rehab: 'I'm where I want to be'
April 12 - Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott said he is progressing in his recovery from his season-ending hamstring injury. So much so, in fact, that Prescott said he would be able to suit up right now if needed. "If I had to play a game today, I definitely could do that," Prescott said on Friday at the 35th annual Children's Cancer Fund gala. "It's about moving forward healthy to make sure I can play 17 times, 20 (games) -- whatever we get to when the time's right." Signed to a four-year, $240 million contract extension in September that made him the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history in terms of annual average value, Prescott played just eight games before sustaining his season-ending injury. With 11 touchdown passes and eight interceptions, Prescott was on pace for one of his worst statistical seasons. Prescott, 31, said Friday that he plans to participate in organized team activities in some capacity. "I'm getting close to where I want to be, I don't want to put a percentage on it," Prescott said. "I know we've got team activities coming up, imagine myself being involved in some sort if not all. "Then again I just understand my age, what I've had, what I've went through, it's about being my best in the fall. So I'm not rushing anything, but I'm where I want to be." A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Prescott owns a 76-46 record in 122 career starts since being picked by Dallas in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He has thrown for 31,437 yards with 213 touchdowns and 82 interceptions.
Fox News
12-02-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Cowboys' Dak Prescott expresses hope for team's future as Eagles, Commanders surge in NFL
The NFC East was showcased in two of the final three games of the 2024 NFL season. The Philadelphia Eagles topped the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship before eventually defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. The Eagles had a veteran team with an incredible defense that tormented Patrick Mahomes all night on their way to a win. The Commanders got very close to making the Super Bowl for the first time in over 30 years with a rookie quarterback in Jayden Daniels. With Philadelphia and Washington being the talk of the NFL, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott expressed optimism on Tuesday about his team's chances of making their mark. "I feel like we've competed with the Eagles and beat them for the most part when we've played them," he told reporters at an event for the upcoming Children's Cancer Fund gala, via ESPN. "I don't want to say, 'Check the record,' when the other guy is holding the trophy, right? So credit to them. They've earned it, and they deserve it by all means. But, yeah, [we're] very close." Dallas did suffer a rash of injuries during the 2024 season that took them from a 12-5 playoff team to a fledgling 7-10 team. "Especially even watching the NFC Championship and those two teams -- teams that we battle against each and every year a couple of times," he added. "As I said, [I] feel confident that we've gotten the better part each and every time. But just seeing such a dominating fashion, credit to them. It's our turn, and it's on us." The Eagles routed the Cowboys in both of their matchups in 2024. Prescott did not play in either game as his season ended in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons. Dallas had a wild win over Washington in Week 12 but lost in the season finale against them. The Cowboys will enter the 2025 season with new head coach Brian Schottenheimer at the helm and a few question marks as star players like Micah Parsons in trade rumors. Former Cowboys star Dez Bryant told Fox News Digital he did not expect Dallas to be back in the fold anytime soon. "I don't expect the 'Boys to be good for the next couple years. You need good role players, you need more star players, especially in today's NFL. Teams are loaded. You can't have just one receiver. You got teams with three ones, two ones. The Cowboys only got one one. And the rest might be threes. I don't see us getting better." he said. "It's not anything personal. It's just the writing on the wall." Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
