LUKE SCHOONMAKER NEWS

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

Impact 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.

JANUARY 13 • ROTOWIRE

Two grabs despite Ferguson's return Schoonmaker brought in both targets for 22 yards in the Cowboys' 27-20 loss to the Bengals on Monday night.

Impact 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.

DECEMBER 10, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Mazi Smith, Luke Schoonmaker turning the corner for the Cowboys It was a much-maligned rookie season for Mazi Smith and Luke Schoonmaker alike, but the former Wolverines are starting to figure it out for...

DECEMBER 3, 2024 • DALLASCOWBOYS.COM

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

Impact 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.

NOVEMBER 29, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Were the Cowboys Right About Luke Schoonmaker? Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker played a key role in the 34-26 win over the Washington Commanders.

NOVEMBER 27, 2024 • SACBEE.COM

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

Impact 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 recorded 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.

NOVEMBER 25, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Poised for bigger role Sunday 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.

Impact 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.

NOVEMBER 22, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

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

Impact 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.

NOVEMBER 19, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

No targets in Week 7 loss 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.

Impact 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.

OCTOBER 16, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

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

Impact 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.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Cowboys wanted consistency from TE Luke Schoonmaker. In first start, they finally got it With Cowboys’ starting tight end Jake Ferguson missing Sunday’s game against the Saints, Luke Schoonmaker got the start and made the most of...

SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 • DALLASNEWS.COM

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

Impact 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 recorded 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.

SEPTEMBER 15, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

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

Impact 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.

SEPTEMBER 15, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

First big opportunity awaits Luke Schoonmaker with Ferguson likely out The Cowboys will likely get their first good look at tight end Luke Schoonmaker, who should get plenty of snaps this week with Jake Ferguson...

SEPTEMBER 13, 2024 • DALLASCOWBOYS.COM

Slated for increased workload 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.

Impact 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.

SEPTEMBER 13, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Opportunity knocks 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.

Impact 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.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

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

Impact 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.

AUGUST 12, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Cowboys' Luke Schoonmaker says camp injury is 'nothing crazy', aims for quick return Schoonmaker is day-to-day with a groin injury after leaving Friday’s practice early.

AUGUST 4, 2024 • DALLASNEWS.COM

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

Impact 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.

AUGUST 3, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

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

Impact 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.

JULY 25, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Missing OTAs with hamstring issue 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.

Impact 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.

MAY 22, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Next Man Up: Big jump needed from Schoonmaker The Cowboys had one tight end make a huge jump in his second season last year. The hope is that Luke Schoonmaker can do the same in 2024.

APRIL 17, 2024 • DALLASCOWBOYS.COM

Mazi Smith, Luke Schoonmaker rehabbing from offseason shoulder surgery The Cowboys will see their first three picks from the 2023 draft go through rehab processes this offseason with Mazi Smith and Luke Schoonma...

MARCH 26, 2024 • DALLASCOWBOYS.COM

Cowboys TE Luke Schoonmaker: Bust or Boost? Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker may look to the example set by teammate Jake Ferguson to improve his performance next season.

JANUARY 28, 2024 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Cowboys TE Luke Schoonmaker: Bust or Boost? Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker may look to the example set by teammate Jake Ferguson to improve his performance next season.

JANUARY 28, 2024 • SUNHERALD.COM