![](https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sporting_news/31/89/dak-prescott-101120-getty-ftrjpg_k1ilz6zz9gbo1gwo9910l6hhi.jpg?t=431518453&quality=100)
Four weeks after the Cowboys’ first appearance in the NFL preseason, Dak Prescott is ready to play in the team’s regular-season opener against the reigning Super Bowl champs next week.
Prescott has been absent from the preseason because of a latissimus strain in his right shoulder that was reported July 28. The Cowboys and head coach Mike McCarthy never seemed too worried about Prescott making a quick recovery. They were right.
“He’s full go,” McCarthy said at a press conference on Friday.
The matchup against the Buccaneers will be Prescott’s first game action since Week 5 last season. He left that game after suffering a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle.
SN’s NFL POWER RANKINGS: Where Cowboys stand entering season
Speaking with the media Friday, Prescott claimed to be fully prepared to move past his shortened 2020 season.
“I have high expectations for myself. I plan to come out starting fast. I plan to come out better than I was last year, to be honest,” Prescott said, via David Moore of the Dallas Morning News.
Prescott has a lot of catch-up work ahead in the next few days. He will have three more practices before heading to Tampa with the team on Wednesday. He has practiced with the team just five times since suffering the injury.
EARLY WEEK 1 PICKS: Rough night for Cowboys?
The Cowboys will be on center stage on “Thursday Night Football.” Facing the champs in his comeback game excites Prescott.
“I love night games. Love playing on prime time,” Prescott said, via Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News. “I think it’s just set for the perfect stage. Them coming off of the Super Bowl title and us, having fans back to full capacity, I think this is what the NFL and the world needs.”