The Dallas Cowboys have suffered an early training camp setback after tight end Princeton Fant suffered a season-ending knee injury that will require surgery.
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed that Fant tore his ACL and also suffered a partial MCL tear during practice. The injury will keep the 27-year-old tight end out for the entire 2026 NFL season.
The Princeton Fant injury is especially disappointing because he entered training camp competing for a spot in Dallas’ tight end rotation.
Princeton Fant Injury Requires Surgery
Fant suffered the injury during the Cowboys’ first padded practice of training camp in Oxnard, California.
The tight end was injured during a running play and eventually had to leave the practice field on a cart. Further evaluation revealed the ACL tear along with damage to his MCL.
Schottenheimer later confirmed the severity of the injury and said Fant would need surgery.
That diagnosis officially ends Fant’s hopes of contributing to Dallas during the 2026 season.
Fant will now begin the long rehabilitation process associated with a serious knee injury.
Tough Timing for Princeton Fant
The timing couldn’t be much worse for Fant.
The former Tennessee player originally joined the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and has spent much of his NFL career fighting for opportunities on Dallas’ roster and practice squad.
Fant has appeared in 10 regular-season games during his NFL career without making a start.
Training camp represented another important opportunity for him to prove his value to the coaching staff and secure a role behind Dallas’ top tight ends.
Instead, the Princeton Fant injury has brought his 2026 campaign to an abrupt end.
What Fant’s Injury Means for Cowboys Tight Ends
Dallas still has established options at tight end, which should reduce the immediate impact of Fant’s absence.
However, his injury changes the competition further down the depth chart.
Training camp isn’t only about determining starters. Teams also use practices and preseason games to evaluate backup players, special-teams contributors and potential developmental prospects.
Fant had experience contributing on special teams while serving as a reserve tight end.
With him sidelined, other players competing at the position should receive additional practice repetitions and preseason opportunities.
That could make the Cowboys’ tight end competition an interesting storyline throughout the remainder of camp.
Another Name Added to NFL Injury List
Fant’s setback is another reminder of how quickly an NFL roster can change during training camp.
Several teams around the league are already dealing with injuries as players return to full-speed practices.
Fans can follow our NFL Injury Report 2026 for the latest updates on major injuries, recovery timelines and players whose availability could impact the upcoming season.
For Dallas, keeping the rest of the roster healthy will become increasingly important as preseason games approach.
What’s Next for Princeton Fant?
Fant’s immediate focus will now shift from competing for a roster spot to recovering from surgery.
ACL rehabilitation can be a lengthy process, and Dallas will give the tight end time to work his way back toward football activities.
The setback is particularly difficult for a player who was battling for a depth role, but Fant will have an opportunity to attack his rehabilitation and work toward another NFL chance.
For the Cowboys, the coaching staff must now evaluate the remaining tight ends and determine whether another roster addition is necessary.
The Princeton Fant injury may not dramatically change Dallas’ starting offense, but losing a veteran depth player this early in camp is still an unfortunate blow.
As training camp continues, the Cowboys’ tight end depth chart will be worth watching closely ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
