Considering the successful day for the Cowboys, especially Dak Prescott, it seemed appropriate for the Dallas quarterback to address the one concern that marred their 33-17 Week 1 victory over the Browns: Pro Bowl tight end Jake Ferguson’s apparent knee injury in the third quarter.
Fortunately, Prescott reassured fans that the early signs regarding Ferguson’s injury were positive.
According to The Athletic’s Jon Machota, Prescott told reporters, “I think we dodged a big one. Talking to him, he gave me a lot of confidence that he’ll be OK.”
The injury occurred with 6:35 left in the quarter when the Cowboys were leading 27-10. Backed up at their own 13-yard line, Prescott threw a sideline pass to Ferguson, who was tackled awkwardly by Browns linebacker Jordan Hicks, causing concern as Ferguson grabbed his knee immediately.
Ferguson Walks Without a Brace
Despite the initial scare, several reporters noted that Ferguson walked under his own power after the game and stated he could have returned if needed.
Patrik Walker of the Cowboys’ website tweeted: “Jake Ferguson just walked out of the locker room toward the buses with teammates and there was no brace on his knee — also no crutches. Only an ice pack held on by gauze.”
NFL media’s Ian Rapoport added: “Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson, who went down with a knee injury today, is not believed to have suffered an ACL tear based on initial tests. X-rays were negative, MRI tomorrow.”
The Cowboys Network also reported Ferguson’s optimism, saying he felt capable of playing through the injury and would undergo an MRI.
Ferguson finished with three catches for 15 yards—his lowest yardage since Week 6 last season. In 2023, he was a key piece for the Cowboys’ offense, recording 71 receptions, 761 yards, and five touchdowns, with a 74.5 Pro Football Focus grade, ranking ninth among NFL tight ends.
Cowboys Celebrate a Big Day for the Franchise
Beyond the win, the headline of the day was Prescott’s new four-year, $240 million contract, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history on a per-year basis. It marked the resolution of contract extensions for the Cowboys’ three biggest stars—Prescott, receiver CeeDee Lamb, and edge rusher Micah Parsons, though Parsons will finalize his deal next offseason.
Parsons made an immediate impact in the victory, recording four tackles, a sack, a pass defensed, and five quarterback hits, further cementing his value as a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ defense.
