Cowboys RB Hunter Luepke pushes for roster spot in preseason finale
Entering the preseason finale, the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff clearly understood its plans heading into the final cuts before the regular season. So much so that many backups with secured spots on the roster didn't play. Not even backup QB Cooper Rush got playing time. Saturday night was first and foremost, the last chance for […]
Entering the preseason finale, the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff clearly understood its plans heading into the final cuts before the regular season. So much so that many backups with secured spots on the roster didn't play. Not even backup QB Cooper Rush got playing time.
Saturday night was first and foremost, the last chance for many players to make a case for themselves to stick on the 53-man roster or 16-man practice squad.
That included undrafted rookie running back Hunter Luepke. With fellow rookie Deuce Vaughn quickly rising through the ranks and becoming a roster lock, Luepke entered the game versus the Las Vegas Raiders on the outside looking in. Following limited production in the previous two preseason games, Luepke's expected destination was the practice squad.
But Luepke's dominant play on Saturday night might've changed that. At the half, the undrafted rookie had 62 receiving yards in four catches and 35 rushing yards in nine attempts. In a 29-yard gain, Luepke juked a total of three defenders after the catch. One play later, he got in the end zone with his fourth catch of the game.
Luepke also showed off his pass protection skills during the game, picking up a blitz in a timely fashion to give QB Will Grier extra time in the pocket. Earlier in the year, Mike McCarthy emphasized one of the biggest changes for running backs on his offense was an increased responsibility in pass pro.
After a relatively quiet offseason, Luepke sure is going to give Cowboys coaches something to think about. If they had the roster close to being finalized, the rookie sure is making their lives hell by planting doubts in their minds about whether he should be in it or not.
Luepke ended the day with 58 rushing yards and 60 receiving yards.
Will Hunter Luepke make the 53-man roster?
I'd love to say yes as he's a versatile player out of the backfield who could do a lot for McCarthy's unit. But this is a numbers game and it's clear that Tony Pollard, Rico Dowdle, and Deuce Vaughn are making this team. Is there room for a fourth?
Not likely if you're carrying a fourth tight end and the Cowboys seem to really like Sean McKeon, who has what it takes to play fullback, as well. That means Luepke's upside as a FB alone isn't enough to make the cut over McKeon.
Despite a strong performance on Saturday night, I'll bet Luepke ends up on the practice squad when cuts are all done on Tuesday. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him be a gameday call-up at some point in 2023. The Cowboys know they've got a versatile player on him.
Featured image via Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
