Former Wisconsin tight end Jake Ferguson appears to have avoided a serious injury in the Dallas Cowboys’ Week 1 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
Ferguson, a Pro Bowl selection in 2023, suffered a left leg injury with just over six minutes to play in the third quarter after attempting to hurdle Browns’ linebacker Jordan Hicks.
He landed awkwardly and immediately grabbed for his left knee area before being assisted off the field and onto the sidelines.
Dallas would ultimately secure the 33-17 victory over Cleveland in Ohio, but Ferguson was forced to head to the locker room before receiving an evaluation on the leg.
Fortunately, the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Ferguson avoided an ACL tear based on initial tests. X-Rays were negative, and the former Badger will undergo an MRI on Monday.
The talented tight end is fresh off a productive 2023 campaign with the Cowboys, a season in which he logged 71 catches, 761 yards and 5 touchdowns. He also snagged 10 catches for 93 yards and three scores in Dallas’ playoff loss to Green Bay.
He, alongside star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, have become the go-to options for the NFL’s highest paid QB Dak Prescott. Barring a catastrophic result from his MRI, Ferguson figures to be a valuable resource for America’s Team for the remainder of the season.
The grandson of former UW Athletic Director Barry Alvarez, Ferguson pocketed 145 total receptions, 1,618 receiving yards (an average of 404.5 per season) and 13 touchdowns as a Badger from 2018-21.