Dallas Cowboys tight end John Stephens Jr. (hamstring) has been officially ruled out of Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns. Stephens Jr. picked up the injury this week at practice, appearing on the Cowboys' first injury report of the season. It's a tough development for the second-year TE, as he missed his entire rookie season with a torn ACL. However, this should not affect Dallas' game plan as he is the fourth of four tight ends held by Dallas. The 24-year-old is the only player on the Cowboys' active roster not available for the team's road opener this Sunday. The former Horned Frog was also the only player not participating in Wednesday's practice. A week of rest should do the young tight end some good as he'll look to return to health in anticipation of Dallas' home opener against the New Orleans Saints in Week 2.
John Stephens Jr. Catches A Touchdown In The First Preseason Game
Dallas Cowboys rookie wide receiver John Stephens Jr. played well and caught a touchdown in his first NFL action for the Cowboys first preseason game. He was targeted a team-high seven times, making five catches for 56 yards and a score. His touchdown came from quarterback Will Grier. Stephens Jr., an undrafted rookie, has a long road to make the final roster, but this was certainly a good start.
John Stephens Jr. Impressing After Positional Switch
Dallas Cowboys tight end John Stephens Jr. came into the league as a wide receiver. However, the team decided based on his size to move Stephens over to the tight end spot. The undrafted rookie appears to be doing well with the transition early in camp. The Cowboys don't have a ton of competition at tight end after the departure of Dalton Schultz this offseason. There's a chance Stephens ends up on the Week 1 roster, but that depends on his performance in the preseason. It's unlikely that Stephens has fantasy value right away, considering this is a new position for him. He very well could end up on the practice squad, so he can continue working on his craft as a tight end.
