Cowboys training camp 2025: full fantasy breakdown

Adam Schefter flagged the Dallas Cowboys as the most interesting training camp storyline across all 32 teams heading into 2025, covering it on his ESPN podcast with co-host Ty Schmit.

Here is what fantasy managers need to act on.

Dak Prescott is back and healthy

Prescott told reporters on July 8 that he is fully recovered from the hamstring surgery he had last November. The injury, a partial avulsion that nearly tore his hamstring tendon completely off the bone, ended his 2024 season in Week 9 against Atlanta. He expects to be a full participant when camp opens.

With Prescott healthy, CeeDee Lamb back, and George Pickens now in the fold, the Cowboys passing game has real upside. Prescott is a strong QB1 target if you trust the health.

George Pickens breakout looks sustainable

Pickens, WR, Dallas Cowboys, was traded from Pittsburgh before the 2025 season and immediately delivered: 93 catches, 1,429 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 137 targets in 17 games. He averaged 17.2 PPR points per game, ranking sixth among all wide receivers.

He skipped OTAs this spring in a contract dispute but showed up for mandatory minicamp and is in the building for camp. If Prescott stays healthy and the offense clicks, Pickens is a legitimate WR1. Target him with confidence.

What does the Micah Parsons situation mean for IDP?

Parsons, LB, Dallas Cowboys, reported to camp as promised despite no new contract extension being in place. He is playing 2025 on his fifth-year rookie option at $24 million. T.J. Watt's three-year, $123 million extension with Pittsburgh ($41 million per year) sets the bar for what Parsons will likely demand.

Parsons was mostly a passive observer during drills, which is standard for a player in a contract standoff. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said he is confident Parsons will play in Week 1 against Philadelphia. For IDP managers, there is no immediate concern, but watch this situation as the season moves along.

The RB room is a fantasy nightmare

Dallas overhauled its backfield this offseason, adding Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders as veterans, drafting Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, and retaining Hunter Luepke. That is too many bodies competing for touches.

Williams, RB, Dallas Cowboys, is the nominal starter and is seeing the most first-team reps per The Athletic. Sanders is currently sidelined with a knee issue. Blue had a strong camp and preseason flash but suffered heel and ankle injuries that have him listed third.

Bleacher Report called it a fantasy football nightmare, and that is accurate. There is no clear workhorse. Williams has the inside track right now but the situation remains fluid.

Cowboys Week 1 context

Dallas opens the 2025 regular season on September 4 against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC. It is a tough opener that will reveal a lot about where this offense stands.

How to handle Cowboys players in drafts

Prescott is a strong QB1 with Lamb and Pickens both healthy. CeeDee Lamb remains an elite WR1. Pickens is a top-6 PPR wide receiver worth targeting with confidence. On the Cowboys RB depth chart, avoid committing significant draft capital until one back separates from the group. Williams is the safest bet right now but carries real split risk.