I have been surprised with the way some Dallas Cowboys fans have talked about fullback Hunter Luepke entering the 2026 NFL season. For some, he is not a roster lock. To me, his spot on the team has never been in doubt (why I listed him as part of my 38 Cowboys roster locks).

Which is why I loved to hear what head coach Brian Schottenheimer had to say to reporters before training camp’s first open practice on Wednesday. His comments should put any roster speculation to rest. 

Luepke’s contract and projected role say a lot

Keep in mind, Luepke is a player who signed a $7.5 million contract extension last year, so he’s currently under contract through 2027. He will make $2.5 million in guaranteed salary this season The point is, Dallas extended Luepke in what seemed to be a pretty big vote of confidence that they have a vision for him. That vision isn’t limited to offense. 

Schottenheimer was asked about potential Cowboys players who could step up on special teams following CJ Goodwin’s retirement, and he immediately went to Luepke as part of a group of three players. It adds up. Luepke played in 50% of the Cowboys’ special teams snaps last year, and on top of that, he’s a reliable fullback in the run game. 

“(Luepke) is a guy that can do everything for us, um, from playing fullback to being a third down back to being a single back, quite honestly, running the football and check downs, things like that. But on special teams, he’s a difference maker.

To Schotty’s point, Luepke has been used as a pass protector in the backfield, and he can line up as an H-back if you need him there.

Some fans have speculated about Luepke being on the roster bubble because the promises about him taking on a bigger role at tight end went unfulfilled. He wasn’t a weapon in the passing game and played only 20% of the offensive snaps last season. But Schottenheimer left no room for interpretation Wednesday.

Running back room outlook

The Cowboys’ running back room might carry anywhere between four to five players. Javonte Williams looks like a roster lock. Luepke is a roster lock. From there, Dallas is optimistic about Jaydon Blue, Malik Davis, and Phil Mafah, but all three are engaged in a roster battle for what could be two remaining spots, and possibly competing with players across the roster to justify a fifth running back on the 53.