During Thursday’s practice session in Oxnard, California, Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson was struck in the back during a red-zone passing drill and had to leave practice early. The hit occurred when linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. collided with Ferguson, causing him to remain on the ground briefly before rising on his own.
Details of the Incident and Immediate Reactions
Ferguson stayed on his back for several minutes as teammates gathered around, signaling concern before he was evaluated by a team trainer. As Ferguson attempted to stretch his back, he eventually exited at the beginning of the next practice period. Fellow player Kenneth Murray Jr. described the situation, stating,
“I just got to keep my teammate up. Down in the red zone, everything happens fast, you know, just trying to be on it quick. There’s not a lot of space, not a lot of room.”
Quarterback Dak Prescott commented on the nature of the collision, emphasizing that instinctive reactions often take over in split-second plays. He said,
“More importantly, Jake jumped up, Jake dapped him up and said he was good, and we’re going to move forward.”
Ferguson’s Recent Performance and Contract Status
Ferguson recently signed a significant four-year contract extension valued at $52 million, which includes a $12 million signing bonus, underscoring his importance to the Cowboys’ offensive plans. Last season, he recorded 59 receptions for 494 yards but did not score a touchdown. This followed a previous year when he achieved career highs with 71 catches, 761 yards, and five touchdowns.
Additional Injury Concerns for the Cowboys
The team also saw rookie running back Jaydon Blue and backup offensive lineman Dakoda Shepley leave Thursday’s workout due to lower-body injuries. These setbacks compound earlier losses, including starting left tackle Tyler Guyton, sidelined for four to six weeks with a right knee fracture, and backup guard Rob Jones, who will miss two to three months because of a broken neck bone.
Potential Impact on Cowboys’ Season Outlook
Ferguson’s early exit raises concerns as the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming season, especially given the recent string of injuries affecting both the offensive line and skill positions. With key players sidelined, the team’s depth and adaptability will be tested, and updates on Ferguson’s condition will be closely monitored to determine his availability moving forward.