Schoonmaker may get an opportunity to start versus the Saints in Week 2 with Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reporting that Jake Ferguson (knee) is expected to miss time.
Schoonmaker and undrafted rookie Brevyn Spann-Ford each played 30 percent of the offensive snaps as backups to Ferguson in Week 1 versus Cleveland. However, neither tight end was targeted in the game while fullback Hunter Luepke saw two targets after Ferguson's exit, catching both for 18 yards. Considering the investment Dallas made by 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 caught only eight passes in 2023. Ferguson is reportedly considered week-to-week due to a bone bruise and MCL sprain, so he figures to be sidelined multiple contests. John Stephens (hamstring), who was inactive in Week 1, could also be in the tight end mix for Dallas once he gets healthy.