Jerry Jones and Dallas Cowboys face tight end crisis after ankle injury forces key starter out in shocking loss to Arizona Cardinals

The Dallas Cowboys suffered another frustrating setback after losing 33-30 to the Arizona Cardinals in overtime on Sunday, November 1. The defeat dropped Dallas to 3-5, but the result was not the only concern coming out of Week 8. The team also lost a key option at tight end after an ankle injury forced him out of the game.Jake Ferguson left during Dallas’ opening offensive possession and eventually was ruled out for the remainder of the contest. With backup Luke Schoonmaker already inactive because of a groin injury, the Cowboys had limited options at the position for the rest of the afternoon. The situation could create another problem as Dallas prepares for its Week 9 trip to Indianapolis. Dallas Cowboys lose Jake Ferguson after opening-drive injuryFerguson picked up the ankle injury on the Cowboys’ first offensive drive against Arizona. He initially went to the sideline before heading to the locker room with members of the training staff. He later returned to the field, but his afternoon ended early.According to R.J. Coyle of The Dallas Morning News, Ferguson was ruled out for the remainder of the game. He did not record a catch or receive a target before leaving.The 27-year-old had recorded 17 receptions for 115 yards and three touchdowns through seven games this season. Those numbers have been below his usual production, but Ferguson remains an important part of the Cowboys’ passing attack. His ability to work underneath and provide Prescott with another option over the middle gives the offense flexibility.His absence became more difficult to manage because Schoonmaker was unavailable. That left Brevyn Spann-Ford and James Mitchell as the two healthy tight ends available to Dallas against Arizona.Spann-Ford took on a larger role and finished with four receptions for 31 yards. Mitchell also made a contribution, recovering Javonte Williams’ fumble in the end zone for a touchdown.The Cowboys managed to get contributions from their remaining options, but losing two tight ends in the same game leaves the position short on depth. Ferguson’s injury status will now be watched ahead of the next matchup. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Ferguson suffered a low-ankle sprain, although his availability for the Colts game has not been confirmed. Dallas Cowboys face more pressure after painful Cardinals defeatThe injury added to an afternoon that quickly turned into a difficult one for Dallas. The Cowboys appeared to have control after building a 17-3 lead, but Arizona fought back and forced overtime.The Cardinals tied the game at 30-30 with six seconds remaining in regulation after Gardner Minshew connected with Michael Wilson for a touchdown. Chad Ryland missed the extra point that could have won the game, giving Dallas another chance to escape with a victory.However, neither team scored on its first overtime possession. Arizona eventually moved into field-goal range, and Ryland made a 42-yard kick to seal the 33-30 win.Dak Prescott finished with 195 passing yards and a touchdown on 19 completions from 29 attempts. CeeDee Lamb caught seven passes for 58 yards, while George Pickens added two receptions for 48 yards.The defeat left Dallas with a 3-5 record and another difficult week ahead. The team will travel to face the Indianapolis Colts on November 8, with the tight end situation among the issues to monitor.Ferguson's absence would put more responsibility on Spann-Ford and Mitchell if he cannot return. Dallas will also need to keep an eye on Schoonmaker's recovery from his groin injury.The Cowboys have not confirmed that Ferguson will miss the next game. For now, the immediate concern is his ankle injury and how quickly he can recover. With the team already struggling to turn promising performances into wins, another absence could make the road ahead even tougher.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.