Tight end is one of several positions still up for grabs on the Dallas Cowboys' 53-man roster heading into Friday’s preseason finale There is growing buzz surrounding undrafted rookie Rivaldo Fairweather., who practiced with the 12 personnel this week alongside starter Jake Ferguson while Luke Schoonmaker was sideline with a concussion.
With a strong finish, Fairweather could potentially push Schoonmaker off the roster. While that battle rages on, another tight end - John Stephens Jr. - may have bowed out of the heated race.
Stephens Jr. did not suit up against the Falcons due to knee swelling. The third-year pro is one of several players who needed a big finale to clinch a roster spot. Already climbing uphill, Stephens' odds of making the team are now slim to none.
Cowboys TE John Stephens Jr. likely won't be on the 53-man roter
Nothing is official, but again Schoonmaker and seemingly Fairweather are both ahead of Stephens, who's coming back from his second torn ACL in as many seasons. That is almost certainly the root of his knee swelling, which is really unfortunate.
Injuries are the biggest reason why Stephens hasn't played a down for the Cowboys. He was trending toward making the team as an undrafted rookie in 2023 before he suffered a torn ACL in the preseason.
In an incredible display of resilience, he fought back to make the roster last season. Unfortunately, he suffered another torn ACL in the same knee during an October practice. He hadn't appeared in a game up until that point, but odds are that would've changed over the subsequent three months given Jake Ferguson missed time with a knee injury and a concussion.
It's a harsh reality for the young TE, who will only turn 26 in September. Stephens is a player who embodies grit and perseverance. Hopefully he can shake the injury and make it back to the practice squad if he's ultimately let go.
At some point, though, you have to wonder how many more chances - if any - he is going to get.
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