Dallas Cowboys rookie tight end Luke Schoonmaker hasn't hit the ground running through the season's first six weeks. Many had hoped he would be a viable contributor from Day 1, as he was drafted in the second round.
Unfortunately, nothing is a given in the NFL, and Schoonmaker was dealing with an injury during training camp, which could be a big reason for his slow start.
But as the Cowboys come off their bye week, tight end coach Lunda Wells says that the coaching group is working with Schoonmaker on his development in various areas and are hoping to see the results of that sooner rather than later.
“We got behind the eight ball a little bit in the offseason with the injury,” Wells said. “But since he’s been able to get back on the grass, he’s continually gotten better with some of the things that we’ve been emphasizing in the run game, in the passing game, just being more decisive. So we’ll continue to work on that and also just the ball skills and RAC [run after catch] ability.
Added Wells: “He’s progressing … At some point in the near future, we’re hoping to make some hay on some of the stuff we’ve been working on with him.”
Schoonmaker has only one catch for one yard, which was a touchdown reception.
While Schoonmaker's slow start will cause some of Cowboy Nation to move uneasily in their seats, fellow tight end Jake Ferguson has shown glimpses of his talent after assuming the No. 1 role due to Dalton Schultz's departure to the Houston Texans.
Ferguson is third in yards (190) and targets (21) for the Cowboys offense as he looks like the leading force in the tight end room.
“Ferguson’s done a heck of a job handling the responsibility, preparing himself to get to this point,” Wells said. “We look forward to this next half of the season for him and the group.”
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