In a pivotal moment ahead of Sunday night’s must-win clash with the Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer delivered the kind of news that shifts expectations for the NFC East showdown.
Amid widespread concern about a calf injury that knocked tight end Jake Ferguson out of practice midweek, Schottenheimer confirmed that Ferguson will play against the Vikings, giving Dallas a much-needed boost on offense.
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The announcement came as part of the Cowboys’ latest injury outlook and instantly eased one of the biggest questions surrounding Dallas’ game-day roster.
Other injury narratives continue to unfold in Dallas’ camp. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has reportedly cleared concussion protocol and is set to play, adding even more firepower to the offense. Meanwhile, players like Jadeveon Clowney and others remain game-time decisions, underscoring the fine line Dallas must walk between health and urgency in this critical Week 15 matchup.
Regarding the star TE, Ferguson’s status had been uncertain after he was limited early in the week and did not participate in Thursday’s practice. And it sparked speculation about his availability. Fans and analysts alike zeroed in on the tight end’s situation because of his role as a key pass-catcher and blocker in Dallas’s offensive scheme.
Jake Ferguson #87 of the Dallas Cowboys dives with the ball against Avonte Maddox #29 of the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game at Ford Field on December 04, 2025, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Schottenheimer’s revelation flips that narrative just days before kickoff, giving quarterback Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ offense a critical weapon as they attempt to keep their fading playoff hopes alive.
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From a strategic standpoint, having Ferguson available is more than just a psychological lift. The tight end leads Dallas’ receiving corps in yards and has been a favorite target for Prescott on crucial downs. His presence helps maintain balance in the Cowboys’ attack, especially against a Vikings defense that has struggled to contain tight ends all season.
Jake Ferguson has logged about 75 receptions for roughly 550 yards and seven touchdowns in the 2025 season, per ESPN’s official stats. His scoring output is one of the highest totals among NFL tight ends this year, and his reception volume shows how consistently Dallas has relied on him in the passing game.
With the Cowboys and Vikings both clinging to postseason aspirations in a crowded NFC picture, Ferguson’s insertion into the lineup could be a defining factor in how Dallas approaches red-zone situations and third-down conversions.
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