Jake Ferguson enters the 2026 season as Dallas’s starting tight end but operates as the clear third option in the passing game behind wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens under offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. Through three games he has posted just 9 receptions for 72 yards on 11 targets while leading all tight ends with 3 touchdowns, reflecting strong red-zone usage but limited overall volume. The Cowboys’ emphasis on the run game and play-action, combined with two high-volume wideouts, has kept Ferguson’s targets in the low single digits per contest. His prior career-high 600 receiving yards came in 2025; sustaining or exceeding that pace this year hinges on increased targets if the wide receivers draw coverage or suffer injuries, plus consistent quarterback play from Dak Prescott.