The Dallas Cowboys ruled starting tight end Jake Ferguson as doubtful to play in Sunday’s home opener against the New Orleans Saints because of an MCL sprain in his left knee, which figures to cause a shakeup in the team’s plans at the position.
With a hamstring injury sidelining another tight end, John Stephens Jr., the Cowboys need reinforcements. And Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones told 105.3 The Fan that Dallas is likely to elevate Princeton Fant from the practice squad to help fill the void.
Fant appeared in two games last season and played only on special teams. He’d join 2023 second-round pick Luke Schoonmaker and undrafted rookie Brevyn Spann-Ford as the Cowboys’ available tight ends Sunday at AT&T Stadium.
Cowboys coaches also identified fullback Hunter Luepke as an option to replace some of Ferguson’s in-game contributions.
The Cowboys (1-0) did receive more positive injury news Friday when rookie defensive end Marshawn Kneeland practiced in full and did not appear on the game status report with his calf injury. Barring a change, Kneeland will suit up Sunday for his home debut.
Meanwhile, the Saints (1-0) had a longer list of injuries appear on their status report. Four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hip/hamstring) is one of five players the Saints listed as questionable to play Sunday. Below are the full injury reports.
Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson is listed as doubtful for Sunday, while Marshawn Kneeland is a full go against the Saints.
In New Orleans, Marshon Lattimore didn’t practice all week and is listed as questionable. pic.twitter.com/RBEFZct8WL
— Aaron Kasinitz (@AaronKazreports) September 13, 2024