The Dallas Cowboys are experiencing a progressive collapse. Losses keep piling up, and the Minnesota Vikings delivered the decisive blow. The defeat effectively removed Dallas from the realistic wild-card race. While the locker room feels the impact, Dak Prescott has already accepted it publicly.
“Unfortunately, I’m pretty sure the playoffs are no longer in play,” Prescott said, via Ed Werder. The quarterback spoke plainly and shifted his focus. He now emphasizes personal pride and the work done throughout the season. The math supports his stance, as the Cowboys have only a 1% chance of reaching the playoffs.
The team is not officially eliminated. However, the scenario is extreme and requires perfection. Dallas must win every remaining game. The team also needs outside help, since the Philadelphia Eagles would have to lose all their remaining games. In addition, Dallas faces two matchups against the Commanders, and Washington recently snapped an eight-game losing streak. The context clearly does not favor the Cowboys.
Two weeks ago, the outlook looked different. The Cowboys had strung together three straight wins and climbed above the .500 mark. Confidence grew quickly, but that momentum has now vanished. The final stretch of the season has become a test of character.
Prescott steps into the Diggs controversy
According to a report from Essentiallysports, the loss also coincided with renewed internal tension. Trevon Diggs remains at the center of controversy. He practiced during the week but was not activated against the Vikings. Diggs said he felt ready to play. Jerry Jones, however, publicly disagreed and stated the cornerback was not healthy.
Dak Prescott recognizing his team has a 1% chance at making playoffs: “Unfortunately, I’m sure the playoffs are out of the out of the picture, but it’s about taking pride in who you are as a man, and not only that, and your job and everything that’s gotten you to this point.” pic.twitter.com/ucqIy2oLhB
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) December 15, 2025
Prescott chose to intervene. He showed support for Diggs, and Joseph Hoyt quoted him on X. “The Cowboys quarterback, Dak Prescott, said he spoke with CB Trevon Diggs when Diggs was told he would not be activated this week.” Prescott added that he asked Diggs to seek clarity. “Prescott said he told Diggs to find out exactly what they want from him next week.”
The situation highlights significant communication issues. Diggs admitted he does not know what the team expects from him. He has not played since October. He continues to deal with knee problems and previously suffered a concussion at home. The 21-day practice window raised expectations, but those expectations never materialized.
According to ESPN, Dallas must activate Diggs before December 20, or he will remain on injured reserve for the rest of the season. With the year nearly lost, the risk increases. Diggs could eventually end up with another team. Cracks are already visible inside the locker room, and Prescott understands it. That is why he speaks about pride and prepares to endure the final stretch.
