Cowboys injury report: Jake Ferguson doesn’t practice, Marshawn Kneeland limited
The Dallas Cowboys resumed practice for day two of their on-field preparation for the New Orleans Saints. The Cowboys enter the week tied with the Philadelphia Eagles for the lead in the NFC East and are favored to win at home against the Saints as they look to begin the year 2-0.
What’s interesting is that while a 2-0 start seems insignificant, the Cowboys have not started 2-0 in consecutive years since 2008. For the Cowboys to accomplish that feat, being as healthy as possible is at the forefront. Here’s where the Cowboys stand after day two of practice this week.
Thursday’s injury report for Saints-Cowboys … Taliese Fuaga downgraded with a back issue. That’ll obviously be a big one to watch. Tyrann Mathieu and Lucas Patrick return to practice after missing Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/MLthRRjoJR
— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) September 12, 2024
Jake Ferguson was seen working with the coaches today but officially was cited as a DNP at practice. There was some optimism that Ferguson had an outside chance of playing against New Orleans, but seeing him on the report is trending in the wrong direction. After getting a limited practice due to rest yesterday, Eric Kendricks, Brandin Cooks, Demarcus Lawrence, and Zack Martin ramped up their involvement Thursday and were full participants. Tight John Stephens, who made the team as a second-year undrafted free agent, was seen working in a limited fashion at practice, yet was also marked down as DNP.
Assuming that both Ferguson and Stephens are ruled out tomorrow, Hunter Leupke, Breveyn Spann-Ford, and Luke Schoonmaker will be the primary options to fill the void. Marshawn Kneeland was present during Thursday’s practice after missing yesterday with a calf injury and listed as limited. Hopefully, Kneeland can log another practice tomorrow to solidify his chances to play against the Saints, but we’ll see if his status changes tomorrow and Saturday.
The Saints’ secondary welcomed back one of their most integral players Thursday. Tyrann Mathieu (heel), but Marshon Lattimore was cited as DNP again Thursday. Tight end Foster Moreau, who scored a touchdown last week against the Carolina Panthers, was upgraded to a full participant in recovery from a concussion. Finally, Saints tackle Tailese Fuaga was downgraded to DNP with a back injury. That is a very important one to monitor the rest of the week.