In Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns, Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson went down with an injury later determined to be an MCL sprain. Although the possibility of Ferguson returning this season is high, it might not be for a few games. With the Ravens, Steelers, and Lions looming over the Cowboys soon, how can they prepare at tight end?
Jake Ferguson’s Injury Opens Up Big Opportunities for Cowboys Tight Ends
Ferguson’s Fellow Tight Ends
The tight-end room in Dallas is relatively shallow. All of the players have been playing for fewer than 3 years. This is Ferguson’s third season with the Cowboys and he’s had a lot of upward potential going for him.
Last year, Ferguson had the second most receiving yards right after CeeDee Lamb, collecting 761 yards. He also has an incredible reception to target rate at just under 70%. In the 2023 draft, the Cowboys brought in Luke Schoonmaker. Although he had some playing time last season, Ferguson ended up taking over as the veteran player and showing star potential. The Cowboys acquired John Stephens Jr. and Brevyn Spann-Ford in the offseason and signed them to the team, so they’re new to the squad as well
Stephens Jr. with Hamstring Issues
Even more concerning than Ferguson’s injury is the lack of depth behind him. Stephens Jr. was reported with a hamstring injury and was out in the previous game against the Browns. Stephens Jr. provides some versatility to Ferguson’s play style. He’s smaller, which means he is shifty and fast.
He’s also an excellent catcher, having a standout game specifically against the Chargers, going 3 receptions for 40 yards, with an explosive 24-yard carry. Not to mention that he didn’t miss a single targeted pass in preseason, going 8/8 overall. If he can come back from his hamstring injury, it can be something special for the Cowboys.
Shooting the Shot with Schoonmaker
Schoonmaker is 2nd on the unofficial depth chart for the Cowboys primarily due to familiarity. The Cowboys know Schoonmaker since he’s played on the squad for a year already and therefore, he’s the most likely to take over if Ferguson is out long-term. In the preseason, Schoonmaker did average, collecting 2/3 receptions in the Raiders game as well as the Chargers game, for 13 and 14 yards respectively. The biggest need for Schoonmaker is to show more power. However, if he’s lacking in that department, there’s always Spann-Ford.
A Powerful Tight End
A film for Brevyn Spann-Ford from college at Minnesota shows him powering through several people, needing multiple defensive players to take him to the ground.
Where Schoonmaker could be similar to Ferguson, it’s Spann-Ford’s pure power and dominance that could make him a great tight end.
Not to mention Spann-Ford is the biggest tight end in the room, a monstrous 6’ 7” and 270 lbs. When compared to the other tight ends, Spann-Ford has 36 lbs on Ferguson, 20 lbs on Schoonmaker, and nearly 50 on Stephens Jr. At this size, Spann-Ford is rather slow in his running after the catch, but his power carries him.
Spann-Ford did pretty well in preseason too, with 2/2 receptions for 13 yards against the Rams. Although he went 0/1 against the Raiders, in the game against the Chargers, Spann-Ford was 3/4 for 28 yards.
If the Cowboys are looking for a different alternative to Ferguson’s swift and shifty plays, Spann-Ford could present that for them.
The Good News About Jake Ferguson’s Injury
Because Ferguson’s injury is only a sprain, the Cowboys don’t have to worry about him being out more than a few weeks. But this time is a great opportunity for the young guys who are fighting for the ability to stand out of their shadow. And we’ll soon get to see if they’re able to do just that.
Main Photo: [Scott Gal] – USA Today Sports
