To kick off the 2024 season, the Dallas Cowboys faced off against the Cleveland Browns on the road in Week 1. The Cowboys dominated the first half, building a 20-3 lead that Cleveland couldn’t overcome. Dallas emerged victorious with a final score of 33-17, starting the season with a 1-0 record. Unfortunately, starting Tight End Jake Ferguson sustained a knee injury during the game and was unable to return to the field.
Further tests on Ferguson’s knee revealed that he has a bone bruise and an MCL sprain. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the 25-year-old player is considered week-to-week in terms of recovery. Quarterback Dak Prescott expressed relief that Ferguson’s injury was not more severe. With Ferguson sidelined for the time being, Luke Schoonmaker is expected to see increased playing time.
Jake Ferguson is week-to-week with a bone bruise and an MCL sprain
It’s a bone bruise and an MCL sprain for Jake Ferguson. Week to week. https://t.co/aIwPRr9k78
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 9, 2024
In the 2022 NFL draft, the Cowboys selected TE Jake Ferguson from Wisconsin in the fourth round. As a rookie, Ferguson played in 16 games and started eight. He recorded 19 catches for 174 yards and two touchdowns that season. His breakout year came in 2023, where he played all 17 games, started 16, and amassed 71 receptions for 761 yards and five touchdowns. Last year, CeeDee Lamb led the team in catches, with Jake Ferguson trailing closely behind.
Heading into his third year with the Cowboys, Ferguson was the starting TE. Despite a slow start in Week 1 with just three catches for 15 yards, Ferguson’s game was cut short due to a knee injury in the second half. Reports from Ian Rapoport indicated that Ferguson’s injury comprised a bone bruise and an MCL sprain. Initially feared to be a long-term setback, Ferguson’s status was later updated to week-to-week. With Ferguson out, Luke Schoonmaker, a second-round pick from Michigan in 2023, is expected to step up as the starting TE. Schoonmaker played in all 17 games last season but did not make any starts.
