Cowboys training camp 2024: Luke Schoonmaker and Israel Mukuamu leave practice early
One of the most unfortunate things about training camp and football being back is the inevitable injuries that come with it. Players work all offseason long to get ready, and then they can be sidelined by injury in an instant.
It’s especially tough for players who are fighting for jobs or are looking to elevate their game. Such looks to be the case for defensive back Israel Mukuamu and tight end Luke Schoonmaker, both of whom left practice early on Friday.
Luke Schoomaker and Israel Mukuamu didn’t finish Friday’s practice
Year two needs to be a big one for former Michigan Wolverine Luke Schoonmaker. The Cowboys’ 2023 second-round pick didn’t make much of an impact last season and spent much of the offseason rehabbing from an offseason surgery.
With an elevation needed from TE2, the last thing he can afford is to miss time. However, early in practice, it was reported that Schoonmaker came off the field, went to the locker room and did not return to action.
TE Luke Schoonmaker now being taken to the tent.
HC Mike McCarthy was talking just 2 hours ago about how good Schoonmaker was looking & all he needed to do now was avoid the injuries that have bitten him in the past.
He is now walking toward the locker room. pic.twitter.com/DuceylKwqM
— David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) August 2, 2024
The injury comes after head coach Mike McCarthy spoke up about him before today’s practice and even touched on the fact that Schoonmaker staying healthy would be vital.
Thought Luke Schoonmaker has been having a good camp. Mike McCarthy agreed — both from a blocking and route running standpoint.
“Frankly he just needs to stay healthy. He’s had some things bite him in the past.”#Cowboys pic.twitter.com/ndG2HZHt0P
— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) August 2, 2024
What the injury is, or if he will miss any time, is not known right now, but it comes at an inopportune time. The Cowboys are a little over a week away from their first preseason action of the season.
While Schoonmaker was one injury, he wasn’t the only injury of the day, unfortunately. Defensive back Israel Mukuamu came off the field early on Friday as well, and much like Schoonmaker, the timing couldn’t be worse.
Israel Mukuamu left practice during special teams drills after walking to the medical tent under his own power. Unclear what happened at moment. Post practice will update.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) August 2, 2024
The injury follows just two days after a stellar practice in which he recorded two interceptions and displayed his rare size and ability. While the status of the injury is unknown at this time, the young defensive back cannot afford to miss much time.
Mukuamu is fully entrenched in a roster battle within a loaded defensive secondary. With the known starters in place, Mukuamu is tasked with trying to show his versatility both as a cornerback and a safety that defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer may be able to deploy.
Both players are in the midst of their own battle, and with training camp heating up and preseason games on the horizon, every missed rep can quickly add up and stack against you.