The Dallas Cowboys are staring down the barrel of a grueling 2026 schedule, and quarterback Dak Prescott isn't shying away from the challenge. With six primetime games already on the docket—including a punishing three-game night stretch from Week 5 to Week 7—the team knows there won't be much time to catch their breath this season. But instead of complaining, Prescott is embracing the opportunity.
"I'm excited; it's my first time playing an international game going into my 11th season," Prescott said, via Jon Machota. "I would have thought we would have had one by now, but it's all good. Obviously, the travel will be tough. But as part of growing this game, we'll manage; we'll figure out the best way to take care of our bodies. We've been a part of three games in 11 days every year, pretty much with our Thanksgiving Day game, so nothing new—just having to do it earlier."
The Cowboys are no strangers to packed schedules, especially around Thanksgiving when they often cram four games into 18 days. But this year's challenge feels different. Dallas will travel to Brazil in Week 3 for a showdown with the Baltimore Ravens—a trip that comes so early in the season that there's no bye week to help them recover afterward. Interestingly, this will be Prescott's first international appearance. The Cowboys' last game abroad was back in 2014 against the Jaguars in London.
"Sleeping on the plane has never been too difficult for me," Prescott joked Thursday during the Cowboys' annual Reliant Home Run Derby, held at the Frisco RoughRiders' home stadium. "Hopefully it doesn't start that week."
Things don't get any easier from there. The Cowboys hit the road to face the Houston Texans in Week 4 before quickly turning around for a Thursday night home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It's a brutal stretch that will test the team's depth and resilience early.
Despite the daunting schedule, the Cowboys have time to prepare for their trip to Brazil and the demanding games that follow. According to left guard Tyler Smith, head coach Brian Schottenheimer and the coaching staff are already working on a plan to keep the team fresh. For a franchise that prides itself on "America's Team" status, this season's gauntlet is just another chance to prove they belong in the spotlight.