The Dallas Cowboys had great expectations for the gifted player when they signed him as an undrafted free agent following the 2023 NFL Draft. He was converted to a tight end after playing wide receiver for TCU and Louisiana. He was on the verge of making the 53-man roster until he suffered a tragic ACL injury in the second preseason game against the Seahawks. His season ended early since he was placed on the injured reserve list prior to the season. He had intended to become a dynamic addition to Jake Ferguson this season, but regrettably, his poor injury luck persisted. Todd Archer of ESPN reports that during Wednesday’s practice, the 25-year-old recently tore his ACL in his left knee. He’s going to get surgery. The Cowboys appreciated Stephens’ upside, Archer wrote in his piece. He shown some interesting flashes throughout the preseason, catching all eight of his targets for 75 yards in three games. Stephens has been dealt a severe blow, and he now faces yet another difficult road to recuperation and his return to Dallas. He will undoubtedly lose some of his athleticism as a result of suffering back-to-back ACL tears in the same knee, which will limit his chances of getting many more NFL opportunities.
It might be challenging for undrafted free agents who haven’t accomplished much in the NFL to keep obtaining opportunities. Before being given another chance, Stephens will probably need to demonstrate his abilities in minicamps and workouts when he returns the next season.