The Dallas Cowboys enter mandatory minicamp with several key players progressing toward full health. Cornerback DaRon Bland continues recovering from offseason foot surgery, while rookie edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku is working his way back from hip labrum surgery. Wide receiver Jonathan Mingo has also been limited by a minor groin strain, though Dallas does not view the injury as a long-term concern. The Cowboys expect all three players to continue increasing their workloads as training camp approaches.

Dak Prescott - Knee

Prescott dealt with some knee soreness related to fluid buildup during the offseason program, which limited him early in mandatory minicamp. However, the Cowboys quarterback participated in most drills from June 16-18 and showed no signs of a significant issue.

The team does not view the knee as a major concern, and Prescott is expected to be a full participant for training camp. His increased workload during minicamp suggests the soreness is being managed effectively and should not impact his readiness for the start of the season.

Matt Hennessy - Neck

Hennessy's 2026 season is over after undergoing neck surgery. The Cowboys have placed the veteran center on injured reserve, ending his season before it began.

Neck injuries are always significant for offensive linemen given the physical demands of the position, and the decision to place Hennessy on season-ending injured reserve indicates the team is prioritizing his long-term health and recovery. Dallas will now have to look elsewhere for depth at center heading into the season.

DaRon Bland - Foot

Bland is working his way back from foot surgery that limited his participation during the offseason program. While he was not a full participant during minicamp, the Cowboys remain optimistic about his recovery.

Bland is considered on track to return for training camp, and there is currently no indication that the injury will affect his availability for the start of the regular season.

Donovan Ezeiruaku - Hip

Ezeiruaku continues to recover from offseason hip surgery and had a limited role during minicamp as he focused on rehab work. The rookie has been progressing well, and there have been no reports of setbacks in his recovery.

The expectation is that Ezeiruaku will be ready for training camp, giving him a chance to fully ramp up ahead of his first NFL season.

Jonathan Mingo - Groin

Mingo has been limited during Cowboys OTAs due to a minor groin strain. The wide receiver has remained involved in walkthroughs and other mental-rep portions of practice but has not participated fully in on-field drills as the team manages the injury conservatively. Mingo is expected to attend mandatory minicamp and could see some limited work, though Dallas is not viewing the issue as serious. The expectation is that he will be fully healthy and ready to go by the start of training camp.

George Pickens - Contract

Pickens has not participated in Cowboys OTAs, but his absence is not injury-related. The Pro Bowl receiver signed his franchise tag earlier this offseason and has chosen to train away from the team during the voluntary portion of the offseason program. Pickens is coming off the most productive season of his career and enters 2026 with no known health concerns. The expectation is that he will report for mandatory minicamp and immediately step into a full workload. Both head coach Brian Schottenheimer and quarterback Dak Prescott have expressed confidence that Pickens will be in attendance and ready to work when minicamp begins.

UPDATE: Pickens reported to Cowboys' mini-camp but is expected to be limited in his participation.