© Getty ImagesDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott insisted he was "healthy" after undergoing ankle surgery.
Prescott needed surgery after suffering an ankle injury in October last year and he made just five appearances last season.
The 27-year-old's long-running contract saga came to an end earlier this week, signing a four-year deal reportedly worth $160million.
Prescott said he was getting closer to being completely healthy as preparations continue for the new season.
"I thought about jogging out here and jumping up on the stage, but I don't know if y'all are ready for that," he told a news conference on Wednesday.
"I'm healthy. I control what I can control, I followed the doctor's orders the whole time, put in my own work ethic to it. You saw me walking out here. I've been on that field back there [rehabbing]. I'm healthy and I'm getting close."
Prescott added: "I'll be ready when it matters and I'll be more healthy and better than I was before."
Since taking the starting role as a rookie in 2016 from an injured Tony Romo, Prescott has thrown for 17,634 yards with 106 touchdowns and 40 interceptions.
He has also rushed for 1,314 yards and a further 24 touchdowns.
Though he missed most of last season, Prescott is 10th among qualifying quarterbacks in yards per attempt (7.69) and 12th in passing plays of 25 yards or more since 2016.
Prescott needed a second surgery on his ankle and he explained why he decided to undergo another operation.
"Obviously the first surgery with an open wound, you want to get that and eliminate any risk of infection," Prescott said.
"We got a month or so down the road and said it would be best if we went in there and did do that [second surgery] now so as Mr [Jerry] Jones said, 10 years, 15 years, I can be playing still and not have to deal with something bothering me.
"We might as well knock it out and get it straight now while I'm already missing time. That was obviously the thought behind that."