Ferguson was diagnosed with a back contusion after his early exit from Thursday's practice, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It sounds like he was in pain at the time but should be able to practice again soon. Ferguson signed a four-year, $52 million extension a couple weeks ago, with the Cowboys betting big on a rebound after he managed just 494 yards and no touchdowns in 14 games last year. Better health would go a long way, both for Ferguson himself and for QB Dak Prescott.

Ferguson (lower back) departed the practice field early Thursday after a collision in 11-on-11 drills, Joe Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ferguson appeared to grab his lower back when leaving the field, per Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and he skipped a visit to the injury tent entirely before entering the locker room. The No. 1 tight end is less than two weeks removed from signing a four-year, $52 million extension with the Cowboys, and while the severity of his injury remains unknown, he now looks like a candidate to be unavailable for Saturday's preseason opener against the Rams. Luke Schoonmaker, who filled in admirably for Ferguson over a three-game stretch last season, figures to handle the bulk of first-team TE reps if Dallas' starter misses any time.

Ferguson and the Cowboys agreed Sunday on a four-year, $52 million extension, with $30 million guaranteed, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ferguson has taken hold of Dallas' No. 1 tight-end role since posting a quiet 2022 rookie campaign, though he saw his numbers drop last year and didn't score a touchdown all season. That can be at least partly attributed to Dak Prescott missing over half the campaign due to injury, though, as the pair has worked well together when Prescott has been healthy. Ferguson ranked second on the Cowboys last season with 86 targets, but there could be less looks to go around in 2025 with George Pickens now in the fold alongside returning target-hog CeeDee Lamb. Nonetheless, with Prescott back to health, Ferguson could be in for a bounce-back campaign, and the Cowboys clearly see him as an important part of their future given the length and amount of the extension.

Ferguson caught two of four targets for 12 yards in Sunday's loss to the Commanders.

EDGE Analysis

The third-year tight end had a quiet end to a disappointing season, failing to top 40 receiving yards or score a TD in any of his last seven appearances dating back to Week 10. Ferguson dealt with injuries in 2024 but also was a victim of a loss effectiveness for the Cowboys offense, particularly after Dak Prescott (hamstring) was lost for the season. After posting a 71-761-5 line during a breakout 2023, Ferguson slid back to 59 catches (on 86 targets) for 494 yards and zero touchdowns in 2024. He currently has one year left on his rookie contract, which should ensure he heads into next season at the top of the depth chart, but Luke Schoonmaker could take on a bigger role as a pass catcher and cut into Ferguson's volume in 2025.

Ferguson secured three of five targets for 18 yards and lost a fumble in the Cowboys' 41-7 loss to the Eagles on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Ferguson tied Jalen Tolbert for second on the Cowboys in receptions and was also the runner-up in targets, but he wasn't able to parlay his opportunities into any meaningful production. Additionally, the third-year tight end's second-quarter fumble at the Cowboys' 36-yard line following a six-yard grab helped set up an Eagles field goal while the game was still within reach for Dallas. Ferguson will look to close out the season in much better fashion in Week 18 against the Commanders.

Ferguson recorded six receptions on eight targets for 40 yards in Sunday's 26-24 win over Tampa Bay.

EDGE Analysis

Ferguson's nine targets were his highest mark since Week 9, though that didn't lead to a particularly strong fantasy showing. With the exception of a 21-yard reception, he was limited to work in very short areas of the field and has now been held to 40 yards or fewer in six of seven games since the Cowboys' Week 7 bye.

Ferguson recorded two receptions on four targets for 23 yards in Sunday's 30-14 win over the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

Dallas was able to take its foot off the gas in the second half thanks to a multi-score lead, and Cooper Rush attempted nine passes in the final two quarters. That limited volume for all pass catchers with the exception of CeeDee Lamb, and Ferguson saw only four targets -- good for third on the team -- as a result. The game script should look different in a Week 16 showdown with Tampa Bay, giving Ferguson a better chance to produce.

Ferguson brought in three of six targets for 32 yards in the Cowboys' 27-20 loss to the Bengals on Monday night.

EDGE Analysis

Making his return from a two-game absence due to a concussion, Ferguson finished second in receptions, receiving yards and targets for the Cowboys on the night. Cooper Rush only threw for 183 yards overall, so Ferguson's production was serviceable if unspectacular in that context. The promising tight end draws a favorable matchup in a Week 15 road clash with the Panthers.

Ferguson (concussion) does not carry an injury designation ahead of Monday's matchup against the Bengals, Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ferguson was a full participant in Thursday's practice, clearing the way for the veteran to return from his two-game absence. Dak Prescott (hamstring) clearly had a chemistry with Ferguson, one that might not be as prevalent with backup quarterback Cooper Rush, but Ferguson's replacement, Luke Schoonmaker, did see 20 targets over the past three games. It's possible Ferguson will step right into the role that allowed Schoonmaker to have some fantasy relevance, and there figures to be plenty of passing opportunities come Monday against the porous Bengals defense.

Ferguson (concussion) practiced in full Thursday, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

EDGE Analysis

This marks Ferguson's first official practice since he sustained a concussion in the first quarter of a Week 11 loss to the Texans. With an uncapped session under his belt Thursday, he appears to be closing in on emerging from the protocol for head injuries, but it's unclear yet if he's gained clearance from an independent neurologist. In any case, Ferguson has plenty of time to do so ahead of Monday's game against the Bengals.