With Jake Ferguson questionable for the time being, how will the Cowboys handle the tight end position? I was surprised to see that Brevyn Spann-Ford played as many snaps as Luke Schoonmaker in the first game. Could the rookie become the main guy when Ferguson is absent? – Bill Hendricks/Dallas, TX
Nick Eatman: I think the main guy would be Schoonmaker, if Ferguson is indeed out for the game. As of Friday morning, it's unclear what his status would be. He could be ruled out for the game by the afternoon but he hasn't practiced Wednesday or Thursday and that's not a great sign for him to play. Schoonmaker needs the opportunity to step up. Dak Prescott said on Thursday he has complete confidence in him and he just needs a chance to shine. What better time than Sunday if Ferguson is out. I don't know if the Cowboys would call up Princeton Fant from the practice squad. Hunter Luepke could handle the No. 3 tight end duties like he did last week. And yes, Spann-Ford would slide into the No. 2 role. I think he's going to get better and better with every rep. They can handle it without Ferguson but you obviously want to see him return as soon as possible.
Patrik: As of now, it's still unknown if Ferguson will miss any time and that itself is fantastic news when you consider he dodged a major injury. That said, in the event he is told to rest against the Saints and/or the Ravens over the next couple of weeks, yes, expect more work for Brevyn Spann-Ford. He's a "angry" blocker who can also catch passes and that's a no-brainer that he'll move up in rep count. John Stephens Jr. is also one to keep an eye on this week, seeing as he missed the opener with a hamstring injury. The hope is he can go versus the Saints and his ability to catch passes is the best in the bunch outside of Ferguson's, and I'll add that I would expect Princeton Fant to be elevated from the practice squad — though maybe less for tight end and more to spell Hunter Luepke in some fullback packages. Why's that? Well, considering how bullish Mike McCarthy, Brian Schottenheimer and Jerry Jones have been this week in pushing Luepke to the front of the tight end line in a scenario where Ferguson doesn't play, you'd be wise to assume more production there as well — also look for more targets to guys like Jalen Tolbert and Jalen Brooks to help supplement the lost production.
