Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Were the Cowboys Right About Luke Schoonmaker?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mike Fisher | Last updated Nov 26, 2024 6:26 PM ET

FRISCO - Whisper it very quietly, but Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker is playing some good football right now. ... and based on the team's pre-Thanksgiving injury list, his timing is very, very good.

The much-maligned second-year tight end has been on the receiving end of some harsh yet fair criticism this season, but over the last two weeks, it appears the former Michigan Wolverine is beginning to find his feet.

In the 34-26 win over the Washington Commanders, for the second straight week, the Cowboys were without starting tight end Jake Ferguson (ruled out in the first quarter of Houston loss), and it gave Schoonmaker the opportunity he craved - and he hasn't wasted it.

Back-to-back games of 50+ receiving yards, and in Washington, Schoonmaker hauled in the first receiving touchdown by a Dallas tight end all season.

“It felt amazing, just the work that we put in as tight ends every week,” Schoonmaker said. “I think someone needed to get a touchdown this year, so it was great to have that for the room and Jake's [Ferguson] texting us, so happy, excited for the win, so it was a great feeling all around.”

Many feared for the tight end room after Ferguson was ruled out with a concussion against the Texans, but Schoonmaker and Brevyn Spann-Ford have both made plays for Mike McCarthy's offense.

Regarding the Thursday Thanksgiving visit from the New York Giants? A check on the injury list from Tuesday's practice shows how helpful it would be if "Schoony'' can be "amazing'' again.

Dallas #Cowboys / New York #Giants Practice Injury Report - News on Martin, Diggs, Ferguson pic.twitter.com/qE4azGVUoe
— fishsports ✭ (@fishsports) November 26, 2024

Ferguson is still listed as a DNP. Also worth noting is the status of Zack Martin and Trevon Diggs; they are both also Tuesday DNPs. Cooper Rush and CeeDee Lamb are among those listed as limited.

Schoonmaker, a second-round pick, was expected to perform well last season, but injuries coupled with poor form meant he underwhelmed. This season, he still hasn't reached the heights many wanted, with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer stating he needs to be more consistent on a daily basis to warrant snaps.

Well, in the last two weeks, Schoonmaker has looked to be not only finding his feet in the offense but excelling, and while it took time for him to get this kind of chance, he's now making the most of it.

Better late than never - and right on time for Thanksgiving.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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