When the Cowboys signed undrafted free agent Hunter Luepke out of North Dakota State he faced long odds to make the roster.
His versatility was his best positive to offer. He played both fullback and halfback for the Bison. Luepke was a punishing runner with the ball.
He was also a good receiver and a blocking back. These are all big plusses for him in camp, especially with Cowboys’ Head Coach Mike McCarthy vowing to run the ball more.
But another chance to make his case to make the 53-man roster presented itself to Luepke last week. The continued foot issues of second-round draft pick Luke Schoonmaker.
Luke’s ‘Achilles Heel’
Schoonmaker was not a very active participant in the rookie mini-camp, nor the OTAs at The Star earlier this year. A lingering foot issue sidelined the Michigan rookie.
The Cowboys placed the tight end on the active/non-football injury list last Tuesday. The injury? Plantar fasciitis.
According to McCarthy, the issue pre-dates Schoonmaker being drafted by the Cowboys. If true, and Dallas knew of the injury prior to drafting him, then someone has some explaining to do.
Tight end was not a position of need, certainly not worthy of a second round pick, and most definitely not worth picking an injured player.
The Cowboys had more of a need on the offensive line – a need that has increased with Zack Martin’s recent holdout – and could have taken guard O’Cyrus Torrence instead.
By all accounts, Torrence is having a solid camp in Buffalo – at least he’s on the field. Dallas would still be where it is now, with Jake Ferguson, Peyton Hendershot, and Sean McKeon taking reps at tight end.
What is Plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis typically causes a stabbing pain in the bottom of the foot near the heel. According to the Mayo Clinic:
“The pain is usually the worst with the first few steps after awakening, although it can also be triggered by long periods of standing or when you get up from sitting.
Tension and stress on the fascia can cause small tears. Repeated stretching and tearing of the facia can irritate or inflame it.”
Making matters worse, you’re likely to change the way you walk because of the pain. Altering your natural gait almost always leads to foot, knee, hip or back problems.
In other words, its murder on an athlete. Which is why Schoonmaker isn’t seeing any on-field reps right now.
As for treatment, it can take up to 10 months for the issue to go away with proper treatment, assuming surgery isn’t required.
Hunter’s Chance
Schoonmaker’s lingering foot issues – and there is no timetable on him getting out onto the field – is another chance for Luepke to solidify a roster spot.
The Cowboys’ “Texas Coast” offense all but demands a fullback to help plow the way for the ball carriers and pass block. It also opens the door for checkdown passes out of the backfield.
Luepke also appears to be the prime candidate to take goal line carries. His bulk makes him the perfect short-yardage back.
Add in the news that Ronald Jones has been suspended the first two games of the year. Jones is now in jeopardy of not making the roster and Luepke is in even better shape.
He can improve his odds by getting in some reps at tight end – as both a blocker and a receiver. That would make it that much harder for the Cowboys not to have him on the opening day roster.
