Luke Schoonmaker Injury News & Updates

Schoonmaker caught two of his three targets for 25 yards in Sunday's loss to the Broncos.

The Cowboys curiously went away from Jake Ferguson in the contest as a receiving option, and as a result Schoonmaker saw a season-high three targets while also reaching double-digit receiving yards for the first time in 2025. The production wasn't much, but it's at least a positive sign for the third-year tight end. If Ferguson's disappearance from the game plan proves to be more than just a one-week trend, Schoonmaker could benefit.

Schoonmaker went without a target while playing 22 of the Cowboys' 67 offensive snaps in Sunday's 44-22 win over the Commanders.

Though quarterback Dak Prescott spread the ball around to eight different pass catchers in Sunday's romp, Schoonmaker didn't get in on the act. The third-year tight end had drawn at least one target in each of Dallas' first six games, accruing a 5-24-0 receiving line over that stretch.

Schoonmaker failed to catch two targets in Sunday's 40-37 overtime win over the Giants.

The 2023 second-round pick is still looking for his first catch of the season, whiffing on all three of his targets while Jake Ferguson dominates the receiving opportunities at tight end for Dallas. Even Schoonmaker's hold on the No. 2 spot on the depth chart could be slipping, as Brevyn Spann-Ford is proving to be a better blocker and caught his only target Sunday, albeit for just three yards.

Schoonmaker failed to catch his only target in Thursday's loss to the Eagles.

The third-year tight end had a limited role, as expected, while working behind starter Jake Ferguson. Schoonmaker's hold on the No. 2 spot on the depth chart may not be secure either, despite his standing as a 2023 second-round pick -- he played 15 snaps on offense to Brevyn Spann-Ford's 10, and the latter made a more noticeable impact with his blocking.

Schoonmaker (concussion) isn't listed on Dallas' injury report for Monday, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

Schoonmaker landed in concussion protocol after leaving practice early Aug. 19, but it appears he's since been medically cleared. The third-year tight end is slated to work behind Jake Ferguson in the pecking order in 2025.

Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said Wednesday that Schoonmaker is in the concussion protocol, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Schoonmaker departed Tuesday's practice early and is now in the concussion protocol, meaning he'll need to gain full clearance before suiting up for a game. That effectively rules the No. 2 tight end out for Friday's preseason finale against the Falcons, though he'll have just over two weeks to return to full health before Week 1 against the Eagles on Thursday, Sept. 4. Likely No. 3 tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford (ankle) hasn't practiced since late July, so for the time being John Stephens and Princeton Fant figure to benefit from increased reps behind Jake Ferguson as they each compete for to make Dallas' initial 53-man roster.

Schoonmaker (undisclosed) left Tuesday's training camp practice early with training staff, Garrett Podell of CBS Sports reports.

It's not clear at this point what kind of issue Schoonmaker is dealing with, but his health will be worth monitoring as the regular season quickly approaches. He ranked second among Dallas' tight ends in offensive snaps in 2024 as a capable blocker and reliable short-range target. With Brevyn Spann-Ford (ankle) also tending to an injury, the door could be ajar for any of John Stephens, Princeton Fant, Rivaldo Fairweather or Tyler Neville to make a run at a spot on the Cowboys' final 53-man roster.

Schoonmaker caught 27 of 36 targets for 241 yards and a touchdown over 17 regular-season games in 2024.

The second-year tight end took a step forward with his production, and over a three-game stretch in Weeks 11-13 during which Jake Ferguson was dealing with a concussion, Schoonmaker delivered a solid 14-144-1 line on 20 targets. The Michigan product will head into 2025 in the No. 2 spot on the Dallas depth chart, but if Ferguson deals with injuries once again, Schoonmaker has shown he's capable of handling the starting job.

Schoonmaker brought in both targets for 22 yards in the Cowboys' 27-20 loss to the Bengals on Monday night.

Schoonmaker encouragingly remained involved to an extent even with fellow tight end Jake Ferguson making his return from a two-game absence due to a concussion. Schoonmaker had seen 20 total targets over the previous three games, and although his participation will likely continue to be modest now that Ferguson is healthy, it appears the former has earned a more active role than he previously enjoyed due to his solid play in recent weeks.

Schoonmaker recorded five receptions on six targets for 33 yards in Thursday's 27-20 win over the Giants.

Schoonmaker looked to be in for a massive game in the absence of Jake Ferguson (concussion), as he caught all five of his passes within Dallas' first two offensive possessions. However, the Cowboys were able to play from ahead for most of the contest, limiting the passing volume of Cooper Rush. Ferguson has 11 days to progress through concussion protocol, but Schoonmaker has the chance to remain a decent streaming option heading into a Week 14 matchup against the Bengals.

Schoonmaker secured three of four targets for 55 yards and a touchdown in the Cowboys' 34-26 win over the Commanders on Sunday.

Schoonmaker finished second in receiving yards on the Cowboys for the afternoon while stepping into the top tight end role for Jake Ferguson (concussion). The second-year Michigan product had already proven worthy of an expanded role in the Week 11 loss to the Texans after Ferguson went down, recording a 6-56 line on 10 targets. While he managed only half that catch total Sunday, he nearly matched the receiving yards and added his first touchdown of the campaign on a 22-yard scoring grab just past the midway point of the fourth quarter. Schoonmaker could well remain in the same role for the Cowboys' next game, which is a Thanksgiving Day home battle against the Giants on Thursday that Ferguson could be hard-pressed to be ready for.

Schoonmaker will stand to take on a bigger role than normal Sunday at Washington with Jake Ferguson (concussion) ruled out for the contest, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

Ferguson lasted seven offensive snaps during Monday's game against the Texans before departing with a concussion. The development freed up more work for other Cowboys tight ends, as Schoonmaker led the position in snap share (53 percent) and targets (10), while Brevyn Spann-Ford earned 49 and five, respectively. Such a breakdown implies Schoonmaker will share the load rather than take on Ferguson's outsized role (typically, at least 75 percent of snaps in five of his previous six healthy appearances). Still, Schoonmaker's 10 targets translated to six catches for 56 yards Week 11, so he should be plenty busy behind No. 1 WR CeeDee Lamb.

Schoonmaker had six receptions (10 targets) for 56 yards in Monday's 34-10 loss to the Texans.

Starter Jake Ferguson (concussion) exited early Monday after being checked for a head injury, opening the door for Schoonmaker to take over as the primary tight end for most of the contest. The second-round sophomore posted career receiving numbers while matching his previous game high of six receptions that he set back in Week 2 against the Saints. Fantasy managers desperate for a tight end in Week 12 will have to wait on Ferguson's status in the coming days before finalizing any waiver claims on Schoonmaker following a solid effort against Houston.

Schoonmaker didn't draw a target while playing 21 of the Cowboys' 69 snaps on offense in Sunday's 47-9 loss to the Lions.

Quarterbacks Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush dropped back 48 times and spread the ball around to seven different pass catchers in the blowout loss, but Schoonmaker didn't get a look even while top tight end Jake Ferguson (46 snaps) saw less playing time than usual. While filing in for an injured Ferguson in a Week 2 loss to the Saints, Schoonmaker recorded six catches for 43 yards, but he's been limited to two receptions for 13 yards on four targets over the subsequent four contests since Ferguson rejoined the lineup.

Schoonmaker caught one of two targets for five yards in Sunday's loss to the Ravens.

With Jake Ferguson back in the lineup after missing last week's contest with a knee injury, Schoonmaker saw his usage predictably crater. The second-year tight end still has seven catches through three games, a vast improvement on the eight receptions he managed in 17 games as a rookie, but his role in the Dallas offense will remain minor as long as Ferguson stays healthy.

Schoonmaker caught all six of his targets for 43 yards in Sunday's 44-19 loss to the Saints.

With Jake Ferguson (knee) sidelined, Schoonmaker stepped into the starting lineup and made some athletic grabs, although his longest gain went for only 15 yards. The 2023 second-round made only eight receptions total as a rookie, but he appears ready to make an impact in his second NFL campaign. Ferguson's status for a Week 3 clash with the Ravens is still uncertain, but Schoonmaker's performance should reassure the Cowboys that they don't need to rush their starting tight end back into action.

Schoonmaker is in line to be the Cowboys' No. 1 tight end Sunday against the Saints with Jake Ferguson (knee) doubtful to play, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

A 2023 second-round pick, Schoonmaker has yet to miss a game in his brief NFL career, but he also has just eight catches (on 15 targets) for 65 yards and two touchdowns in 18 regular-season contests. As such, he won't hold as much sway as Ferguson for as long as the latter is sidelined due to an MCL sprain, but the increased opportunity for Schoonmaker should result in more regular looks from quarterback Dak Prescott. The other options to fill in at the position are Brevyn Spann-Ford and practice-squad member Princeton Fant.

Schoonmaker is facing an opportunity to start versus the Saints in Week 2 with Jake Ferguson (knee) expected to miss time due to injury, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Schoonmaker and Brevyn Spann-Ford both played 30 percent of offensive snaps as backups to Ferguson in Week 1 versus Cleveland, and neither were targeted. Considering the investment Dallas made selecting Schoonmaker in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, he should be the favorite to fill in for Ferguson atop the depth chart, but he's struggled to consistently stay healthy in his young career. Ferguson is reportedly considered week-to-week due to a bone bruise and MCL sprain, so he could be sidelined multiple contests.

Schoonmaker saw two targets but failed to catch either one in Sunday's 13-12 preseason loss to the Rams.

The second-year tight end had been dealing with a groin injury early in training camp, but he was deemed healthy enough to start Sunday while Jake Ferguson sat out the preseason opener along with the rest of the Cowboys' offensive starters. Schoonmaker didn't make any kind of impact though, letting a short pass from Trey Lance go through his hands on the team's second drive before the duo failed to connect on a deep out on the next play. Schoonmaker's status as a second-round pick in 2023 gives him the edge on winning the No. 2 spot on the depth chart, but he's struggled to stay healthy to begin his career and could face a stiff challenge in camp from John Stephens.

Schoonmaker didn't practice Saturday and is considered day-to-day due to a groin injury, Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The fact that the injury has been deemed day-to-day rather than week-to-week suggests it's not serious, but it's unclear when Schoonmaker may get back on the field. The second-year pro is slated to work as Dallas' No. 2 tight end behind Jake Ferguson this season. He's struggled to stay healthy since the end of the 2023 campaign, though, as he underwent offseason shoulder surgery and then missed OTAs due to a hamstring issue before suffering the current groin injury.

Schoonmaker (hamstring) has been cleared for the start of Cowboys camp, Nick Harris of the team's official website reports.

Schoonmaker underwent shoulder surgery following last season and then picked up a hamstring injury that caused him to miss the entirety of OTAs. He's now healthy, and the 2023 second-round pick has the inside track at No. 2 tight end duties behind Jake Ferguson in Dallas. Schoonmaker caught just eight balls for 65 yards and two touchdowns across 17 regular-season games last season, spanning 368 offensive snaps.

Coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday that Schoonmaker (hamstring) could miss the entirety of OTAs due to a new injury, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Schoonmaker is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, though per Todd Archer of ESPN.com, McCarthy confirmed that his rehab from shoulder surgery has gone well. The 2023 second-round pick has had issues staying healthy in his young career, having missed time last spring due to a foot issue, though he did play all 17 games as a rookie despite battling a shoulder issue.

Schoonmaker (shoulder) is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery and expected to be ready for training camp, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Schoonmaker is coming off a quiet rookie campaign, in which he secured just eight of 15 targets for 65 yards and two touchdowns over 17 regular-season appearances. While he didn't miss time or make regular appearances on the injury report, it appears the 2023 second-round pick was hampered by a shoulder issue in that stretch. With another offseason to get acquainted to Dallas' offense and build chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott, Schoonmaker will need to improve his production totals during the 2024 season in order to retain any real optimism about his development, at least for fantasy purposes.

Schoonmaker caught eight of 15 targets for 65 yards and two touchdowns over 17 regular-season games in 2023.

The Cowboys used a second-round pick on the Michigan product in 2023, drafting him 58th overall, but while fellow rookie tight ends like Sam LaPorta (34th overall), Dalton Kincaid (25th overall) and the Packers' duo of Luke Musgrave (42nd overall) and Tucker Kraft (78th overall) all made impacts, Schoonmaker saw minimal looks behind Jake Ferguson and caught more than one pass in a game only once all year. Schoonmaker should have a bigger role in 2024, but as long as Ferguson stays healthy, a breakout seems unlikely.

Schoonmaker played 25 of the Cowboys' 89 snaps on offense and recorded one reception for 12 yards on one target in Thursday's 41-35 win over the Seahawks.

Schoonmaker drew a target for the sixth consecutive game and has cobbled together a 6-60-1 receiving line during that stretch. The rookie out of Michigan has been operating as the Cowboys' No. 2 tight end behind starter Jake Ferguson for most of the season, though Schoonmaker's standing on the depth chart could be affected by the return of Peyton Hendershot (ankle), who was activated from injured reserve Wednesday.

Schoonmaker caught both his targets for 23 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's win over the Panthers.

The rookie tight end opened the scoring late in the first quarter on an 18-yard TD toss from Dal Prescott, setting the tone in a 33-10 victory. Schoonmaker has caught only five passes on 11 targets through his first 10 NFL games, but two of them have turned into touchdowns. He remains behind Jake Ferguson on the depth chart, but Schhonmaker is teasing the upside that made him a second-round pick in a 2023 draft class that is already living up to its billing as one of the most talented TE groups in history.

Schoonmaker went without a target while playing 17 of the Cowboys' 64 snaps on offense in Monday's 20-17 win over the Chargers.

Schoonmaker's 27 percent snap share was his lowest since Week 3, after he had played north of 40 percent of the snaps in both of the Cowboys' previous two contests. The rookie out of Michigan is the clear No. 2 option on the depth chart at tight end and likely can't be counted on for more than a target or two per game while Jake Ferguson is available.

Schoonmaker caught his only target for a one-yard touchdown in Sunday's win over the Jets.

After fellow tight end Jake Ferguson opened the scoring in the first quarter with a four-yard TD reception, Schoonmaker snagged his first career NFL catch and first career touchdown two minutes before halftime. Through two games with head coach Mike McCarthy as the new play-caller, the Cowboys have leaned heavily on their TEs in the red zone -- Ferguson already has five targets inside the 20-yard line, while Peyton Hendershot also has a target and a carry on a jet sweep at the goal line. That division of volume puts a ceiling on the fantasy value of any one member of the trio, but Schoonmaker will be a viable deep-league dart throw in favorable matchups, such as the one Dallas gets in Week 3 against the winless Cardinals.

Schoonmaker recorded two catches on two targets for 14 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 31-16 preseason win over the Raiders.

Schoonmaker was on the field to start the game and played several series. The highlight of his performance came on a nine-yard score when he leaked off the right side of the offensive line and then bowled over a defender into the end zone after making a short catch. Schoonmaker projects to work behind Jake Ferguson to begin the season but still should see the field plenty in his rookie campaign.

Schoonmaker indicated after Tuesday's practice that he is no longer feeling any pain in his foot, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

"It's pretty much back to where it was before [the injury]," Schoonmaker said of his plantar fasciitis. "I'm just doing strengthening stuff. I'm really trying to get the rest of my foot strong around it so that I don't have any issues." Taken in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft despite his existing foot issue, Schoonmaker is expected to open his rookie season working behind Jake Ferguson at tight end, but he could push for a bigger role as the campaign goes on if he's able to stay 100 percent healthy.

Schoonmaker caught his only target for eight yards in Saturday's preseason loss to the Jaguars.

As expected, Jake Ferguson got the start at tight end for the Cowboys and was a favorite target of Cooper Rush early in the game, but Schoonmaker received his first taste of NFL action -- even if only of the preseason variety -- and caught Will Grier's first pass of the second half. The Michigan product has gotten in little work since being drafted in the second round of the 2023 draft due to plantar fasciitis, but he appeared healthy Saturday and should be able to start ramping up with an eye on getting ready for Week 1.

Schoonmaker (foot) will play in Saturday's preseason game versus the Jaguars, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

A rookie second-round pick, Schoonmaker has been limited throughout training camp while recovering from a partial tear of his plantar fascia that he suffered during OTAs, but it looks like he's healthy enough to handle some game reps versus Jacksonville. With Dalton Schultz now in Houston, Schoonmaker is competing for snaps with Peyton Hendershot and Jake Ferguson.

Schoonmaker (foot) will get more work in practice Thursday, Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Schoonmaker continues to ramp up his activity as he recovers from a partial tear of his plantar fascia, which he suffered earlier in the summer. The Michigan product had his first practice with the team Monday following his activation from the non-football injury list, and he will likely see his participation level increase as camp proceeds, as long as he can stay healthy. The 24-year-old is expected to compete with Peyton Hendershot and Jake Ferguson for tight-end snaps this season.

Schoonmaker (foot) was a more active participant in practice Tuesday, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

The tight end returned to practice Monday after coming off the active/non-football injury list, and Dallas coach Mike McCarthy said earlier Tuesday that the next step would be taking "some padded team reps." Schoonmaker has been nursing a partial tear to his plantar fascia since before training camp. The 2023 second-round pick is projected as one of the Cowboys' backup tight ends along with Peyton Hendershot behind 2022 fourth-round selection Jake Ferguson.

The Cowboys are activating Schoonmaker (foot) from the active/non-football injury list Monday, Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Schoonmaker continues to work his way back from a partial tear to the plantar fasciitis of his right foot. The rookie tight end is expected to operate in a limited capacity in his return to practice Monday, and coach Mike McCarthy declined to comment about his chances of suiting up for preseason action versus the Jaguars on Saturday. In any case, returning for crucial training camp helps will be helpful as Schoonmaker looks to compete with Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot for regular-season work.

Schoonmaker (foot) could return to practice as early as Monday, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Schoonmaker, who began training camp on the the non-football injury, was prevented from returning to practice Saturday with what coach Mike McCarthy called a "minor" setback. The rookie second-round pick is nursing a partial tear to the plantar fasciitis that dates back to college, but it looks like he could get back on the field in short notice and get in some crucial offseason reps. McCarthy said that Schoonmaker is "really close to getting past" his injury and has already resumed running routes in a full uniform.

Schoonmaker is dealing with a partial tear to the plantar fasciitis, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Schoonmaker was placed on the non-football injury list earlier this week with a foot injury that evidently predated the 2023 NFL Draft. The rookie second-round pick suggested this injury was worse than a full tear of the plantar fasciitis, but he still anticipates being able to practice in the coming weeks. In the meantime, Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot will continue to get critical reps in a battle to replace multi-year starter, Dalton Schultz, who signed with the Texans this offseason.

Schoonmaker (foot) may eventually be cleared for training camp but doesn't currently have a return timeline, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The Cowboys recently placed Schoonmaker on the non-football injury list due to plantar fasciitis that predates his time in the NFL. It's unclear if they knew about it when making him a second-round pick in April, but the team at least seems optimistic he'll be ready at some point this summer. Even if he's back by Week 1, the missed time in camp impacts Schoonmaker's rookie-year fantasy outlook, hurting his chances to eclipse second-year pros Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot in a TE room that no longer has Dalton Schultz.

Schoonmaker (foot) is on the non-football injury list for the start of training camp.

The use of the NFI list rather than PUP suggests Schoonmaker's foot issue predates the 2023 NFL Draft or else was suffered afterward while he was away from the team. Either way, he was limited during spring practices and isn't off to the best start as he attempts to earn snaps for a team that lost TE Dalton Schultz to Houston in the offseason. The rookie second-rounder out of Michigan will compete with second-year pros Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot for playing time.

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said Tuesday that Schoonmaker (foot) is expected to be ready for training camp, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Schoonmaker has been sidelined while battling a plantar fascia issue, but it doesn't appear to be too serious. When healthy, the rookie second-round pick should compete with Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot for snaps in 2023.

Schoonmaker is dealing with a case of plantar fascia and has been limited at OTAs, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

Schoonmaker was spotted wearing a protective boot on his right foot at practice Thursday. The tight end was selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft and once healthy, he's expected to compete with Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot for snaps this season.

The Cowboys selected Schoonmaker in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 58th overall.

Schoonmaker is athletic (4.63-second 40-yard dash, 127-inch broad jump) and has a viable in-line tight end frame (6-foot-5, 251 pounds), but the Michigan product doesn't project as a fantasy standout in the NFL. Schoonmaker turns 25 in September, and he struggled as a pass catcher for Michigan prior to last season. Schoonmaker's 418 yards and three touchdowns on 48 targets (8.7 YPT) in 2022 might mark a pivot point in his development, which may have been stunted by playing mostly quarterback in high school. Though more toolsy than Cowboys incumbents Jake Ferguson or Peyton Hendershot, Schoonmaker isn't necessarily more skilled.

The Cowboys selected Schoonmaker in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 58th overall.

Schoonmaker is athletic (4.63-second 40-yard dash, 127-inch broad jump) and has a viable in-line tight end frame (6-foot-5, 251 pounds), but the Michigan product doesn't project as a fantasy standout in the NFL. Schoonmaker turns 25 in September, and he struggled as a pass catcher for Michigan prior to last season. Schoonmaker's 418 yards and three touchdowns on 48 targets (8.7 YPT) in 2022 might mark a pivot point in his development, which may have been stunted by playing mostly quarterback in high school. Though more toolsy than Cowboys incumbents Jake Ferguson or Peyton Hendershot, Schoonmaker isn't necessarily more skilled.