Luepke (thigh) doesn't have an injury designation for Saturday's game versus Detroit, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.
Luepke began Week 17 prep labeled as limited in Dallas' walkthrough due to a thigh injury, but he's been able to practice in full each of the two subsequent days. As such, he should be able to suit up Saturday against the Lions. Cowboys backup running back Rico Dowdle (ankle) has been ruled out for that contest, leaving Luepke and Deuce Vaughn as the remaining healthy ball carriers behind starter Tony Pollard. Practice-squad member Malik Davis is also an option, though he'd need to be signed to the active roster to suit up since he's already been elevated three times this season. Whether or not that happens, there appears to be a path for Luepke to see more than his usual allotment of work on offense versus Detroit.
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Cowboys' Hunter Luepke: Returns to full practice
Rotowire
Luepke (thigh) practiced in full Wednesday, Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports reports.
Luepke was estimated as a limited participant during Tuesday's walk-through due to a thigh injury, but his full participation Wednesday suggests that the issue is minor. The fullback logged a season-high three touches in last Sunday's loss to Miami, though he's primarily deployed as a blocker. Luepke should be fine to play Saturday versus Detroit as long as he doesn't suffer a setback during the remainder of the practice week.
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Cowboys' Hunter Luepke: Heavy workload in preseason finale
Rotowire
Luepke rushed the ball 15 times for 58 yards in Saturday's 31-16 preseason win over the Raiders. He added five receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown.
Luepke joined the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent following the 2023 NFL Draft. With much of the team's backfield resting in the preseason finale, he got the opportunity to shoulder a heavy workload and was the first back to record a carry. Luepke averaged only 3.9 yards per carry, though his work as a pass catcher may convince the Cowboys to consider him for a spot on the practice squad.
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Hunter Luepke: Heading to Dallas
Rotowire
Luepke is expected to sign with the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
In his last season at North Dakota State, Luepke rushed for 621 yards and nine touchdowns on just 98 carries, adding 14 catches for 196 yards and two touchdowns. Operating as the starter in a running back committee, Luepke made First Team All-American and First Team All-MVFC three times and had an impressive career yards per carry (6.1) and yards per reception (17.6) during his college career. His natural ability as a pass-catcher could give him spot opportunities on an NFL offense, and he could also see time on the field on special teams coverage.