Sep 22, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle (23) is helped up by tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford (89) during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images

Cowboys’ Brevyn Spann-Ford Injures Leg as Jake Ferguson Secures Extension Through 2029

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Bjorn Anderson | Last updated Jul 27, 2025 10:12 PM ET

A considerable setback and a long-term commitment led the way in the Dallas Cowboys tight end room Sunday. Rookie tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford suffered a leg injury during practice, and starting tight end Jake Ferguson signed a lucrative deal—both developments will impact the team’s future plans for the offense.

TE Brevyn Spann-Ford went to the locker room early with an apparent leg injury. Looked like he got rolled up on a run play.

— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) July 27, 2025

Brevyn Spann-Ford’s Injury Slows Rookie’s Progress

Another rookie who had become a hit in early workouts was Brevyn Spann-Ford, an undrafted player who rolled his ankle while running block during Sunday practice. Initial reports are that he will be sidelined for a long time, but that will depend on the evaluation that will be done. Spann-Ford was expected to be the third-string tight end behind Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker, but his absence could pave the way for other hopefuls on the roster with a larger role during the preseason, possibly John Stephens.

Jake Ferguson Signs Four-Year Extension

With focus shifting to the tight end depth chart, Dallas proved to create its headlines as well, extending Jake Ferguson on a four-year agreement of 52 million, including a 12 million signing bonus. Such is the case with Ferguson, who at the tender age of 26 has recently gained added importance to the passing offense of the Cowboys, and he caught 59 passes for 494 yards last season and has established himself as a reliable receiver. Through this contract, he will be the depended-upon leader and playmaker at least in the immediate future.

Jan 14, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) scores a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the first half for the 2024 NFC wild card game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Depth Will Be Key Moving Forward

Locking Ferguson was a great idea by the Cowboys and could not have been made at a better time, considering the injury to Span-Ford and the need for tight ends in general in the new head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s scheme. Once more, Dallas will have to turn to good depth, and this is particularly strong with Luke Schoonmaker and even John Stephens likely to take over bigger roles in case Brevyn Spann-Ford is sidelined.

With the Cowboys entering into the 2025 season, Ferguson has given the club stability at a key position, and Spann-Ford re-applied to highlight how fast fortunes can turn inside the NFL training camp.

Nov 28, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette (87) hurdles Dallas Cowboys linebacker Damone Clark (18) before being tackled by tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford (89) on a punt return during the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images