The Dallas Cowboys, who were road underdogs, easily defeated the Cleveland Browns on Sunday; the final score of 33-17 did not accurately reflect the game’s lopsidedness; the Cowboys led 27-3 early in the third quarter and held a 24-point lead until the Browns scored a consolation touchdown in the final minute of regulation; Mike Zimmer’s defense played flawlessly, and Dak Prescott was effective and surgical in the first half to help Dallas jump out to a multiple-touchdown lead. The only disappointing aspect of the game was tight end Jake Ferguson’s injury, as the Pro Bowler came up limp following an ugly-looking tackle that left his left leg pinned underneath a Browns defender. Ferguson clutched his knee and headed straight to
Late on Sunday, reports indicated that Ferguson had escaped an ACL damage, which gave the Cowboys hope. Ferguson even voiced confidence before to Monday’s crucial MRI regarding Prescott’s ailment. Cowboys supporters can now finally breathe easy.
Ferguson sent a message on social media on Monday morning that appeared to be positive news regarding his knee. Ian Rapoport revealed shortly afterward that Ferguson had sustained a bone bruise in addition to a sprained MCL. He is evaluated on a weekly basis.
Cowboys News: During the first-week victory, Jake Ferguson sprained his MCL.
Ferguson will probably miss a few games, but considering how serious the injury appeared in real time, this update seems like the best-case situation. Ferguson had a noticeable limp as he made his way to the dressing room, barely able to apply any pressure to his knee.
Ferguson’s season might have ended with a variety of other ailments, despite assurances that his ACL was unharmed. J.J. McCarthy, a rookie quarterback for the Vikings, and Derrick Brown, a standout defensive lineman for the Panthers, have already lost their seasons due to torn meniscus tears.
Although the Cowboys’ tight end room is deep this year, two players—undrafted rookie Brevyn Spann-Ford and second-year pro John Stephens Jr.—have never played in an NFL game. The other player, Luke Schoonmaker, a 2023 second-round pick, was not targeted at all against the Browns despite posting eight catches for 65 yards in his rookie season.
Stephens’ hamstring ailment kept him out of the game on Sunday. It is unclear how he will feel going into the home opener versus the Saints next Sunday. The Cowboys might have to promote Princeton Fant from the practice squad if he is unable to play. Schoonmaker and Spann-Ford, on the other hand, each only played 19 snaps.
The obvious alpha in the group is Ferguson. With almost 100 targets, he was Prescott’s second-favorite target from the previous season, behind CeeDee Lamb. With 71 receptions, 761 receiving yards, and three touchdown catches, he was third on the team.
Ferguson’s absence from the Cowboys will be felt greatly over the next few weeks, but his return this season is a victory nonetheless.
