John Stephens Jr. is back in the Cowboys fold, aiming to ease through a comeback after ACL injuries that kept him out of key moments in preseason the last two years. Dallas expects a cautious ramp, with roughly 40 preseason snaps spread over three games, starting against the Rams at SoFi Stadium.

Stephens has flashed in past preseasons—62 yards with a TD in 2023 and 74 yards on eight catches last year—suggesting a real ceiling if health cooperates. Luke Schoonmaker praised his work ethic and ability to translate coaching points to the field as he nears his first live action since rehab.

With Jake Ferguson likely to sit in the opener and Brevyn Spann-Ford sidelined, Stephens could get a meaningful handful of reps as he re-enters the offense. Dallas is balancing development with caution, hoping this once-promising tight end can re-establish himself in the rotation.

The piece casts Stephens as a potential late-season breakout if health holds and he seizes any early opportunities in a TE room that includes Schoonmaker, Ferguson, and Spann-Ford. Fantasy managers should monitor his preseason workload and health signals as a barometer for 2025 upside.