With training camp set in late July, the Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, along with six significant players, received a major injury update, providing a clear picture of where the roster stands as the team prepares for the 2026 season. 

Mike Moraitis of Sports Illustrated detailed the Cowboys' most notable injury updates following the mandatory minicamp that was held from June 16 to 18.

“For now, there doesn't appear to be a reason to worry, unless you are superstitious and believe in the even-numbered-year curse many believe Prescott has been a victim of,” Moraitis wrote.

The updates involved notable Cowboys players: Dak Prescott, Donovan Ezeiruaku, DaRon Bland, Jalen Thompson, Matt Hennessy, Malik Hooker, and James Houston, with most expected to be ready when training camp begins in July.

Prescott was absent on the first day of the mandatory minicamp due to some knee soreness, which was a result of fluid, but he was available from Day 2 of the minicamp.

“Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Ezeiruaku is slowly adding more to his plate in recent weeks, and Bland did 'a little bit more' during OTAs,” Moraitis wrote.

Linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku underwent surgery to repair a labrum tear in his hip, while cornerback DaRon Bland is currently recovering from foot surgery after missing significant time in 2024 and 2025 due to foot injuries. 

Moraitis noted that Schottenheimer indicated both players are expected to be ready for full participation when training camp begins.

“The Cowboys' prized free-agent signing, Thompson, is dealing with a pectoral strain, but it isn't clear when he suffered the injury,” Moraitis wrote.

Safety Jalen Thompson is currently recovering from a minor pec strain sustained during the Cowboys' offseason activities. He was able to work in a limited capacity during the minicamp, but is expected to be back from the start of training camp. 

Beyond those updates, Moraitis also provided the latest on Malik Hooker, James Houston and backup center Matt Hennessy.

Additional Injury Updates on Hooker, Houston, and Hennessy

According to Mike Moraitis of Sports Illustrated, Hennessy was placed on a season-ending injured reserve, though he was expected to start the season on the PUP list.

“Hennessy was slated to be Dallas' backup center, so Dallas will have to find another,” Moraitis noted. “For now, T.J. Bass looks to be the guy after seeing first- and second-team reps at center in practice.”

The Cowboys recently signed offensive lineman Chris Glaser for the position behind center Cooper Beebe after backup center Matt Hennessy underwent neck surgery during the OTAs.

“Hooker was spotted doing cords work with the rehab group on Day 1 while Houston was doing conditioning work on the other side of the practice field on the same day,” Moraitis noted.

Safety Malik Hooker and edge rusher James Houston were limited during OTAs and minicamp due to back issues, with the Cowboys taking a cautious approach to ensure they are healthy for training camp.

With Prescott back on the field after missing the opening day of minicamp and several other injured players trending toward training camp participation, the Cowboys appear to be entering the next phase of the offseason with few major health concerns.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Rudra Dubey