FRISCO, Texas — Football is back folks. Granted it is not the exciting collision-filled game between the hash marks, but it is a start. The Dallas Cowboys returned to the field on Monday for the start of voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs), but the first day of practice and virtual conference calls open to media occurred on Tuesday. Here are some takeaways from the Star during Day 2:
- Dak Prescott returned. Obvious but clearly noteworthy. Since suffering a compound right ankle fracture and dislocation in Week 5 against the New York Giants, his comeback has been much anticipated. He hit the field for the first time with teammates and the coaching staff took a “footwork driven focus” with Prescott according to head coach Mike McCarthy. He was kept out of team drills and pass rush situations as No. 4 is cautiously worked back into the fold. The tentative plan for Prescott is no 11-on-11 periods for the Mississippi State product until training camp in July. He played in full 7-on-7 on Monday and McCarthy noted his “two-minute drill and mechanics” were productive for him on Tuesday.
- In addition, the wall was back. Tackles Tyron Smith and La’el Collins participated in team drills, making their first debut since injury. Both garnered high praise from Prescott, noting both are in “the best shape they have ever been in in their career.” Collins was placed on injured reserve with a hip injury prior to Week 1 in 2020 and would later undergo surgery, missing the remainder of the season. Smith had “correctable” neck surgery following the Week 4 matchup with the Browns and was placed on IR. Both were a welcome sight in the team headquarters. The tandem was present during phases one, two and three and will be “full-go” come training camp per McCarthy.
- Ezekiel Elliott did not participate in Tuesday’s practice but was in the building according to Mike McCarthy.
- As a cautionary measure, both wide receiver Amari Cooper and right guard Zack Martin were in attendance and on the field but did not work. McCarthy described, “we are just being smart with the guys, particularly the ones coming off of surgery and have some things that are hanging on from last year.” Cooper has been rehabbing his foot after ankle clean-up surgery in January. Martin injured his calf during the team’s Thanksgiving loss to Washington and was placed on injured reserve. He is slowly being worked back into the mix.
