As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for their crucial Week 3 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, injury concerns loom large over the team. The Cowboys have taken a guarded approach to their preparations, mindful of the physical toll of the season so far.
Key Players Miss Practice
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs were notable absentees from practice this week, both nursing injuries. Lamb is dealing with an ankle issue, while Diggs is contending with a foot injury. Despite missing practice, both players were seen walking around the locker room seemingly without discomfort, a potentially positive sign for Cowboys fans.
Head Coach Mike McCarthy remains cautiously optimistic, indicating that the true test for these players will come after Thursday’s padded practice. "He's going to start off in the pre-practice and then we'll evaluate from there. Hopefully, he can get through the whole practice and see how it goes. This is the first time giving it a chance," McCarthy stated, showing a measured optimism toward their recovery.
Defense Under Scrutiny
The Cowboys' defense, which allowed touchdowns on each of the New Orleans Saints' first six drives in their Week 2 clash, will be under the microscope. The absence of DaRon Bland was keenly felt, as the cornerback missed the game due to a recent procedure to address a stress fracture in his foot. Bland was seen at practice, albeit working on the sidelines with Britt Brown, the team’s director of rehab.
The defensive unit will look to tighten up, especially with the high stakes involved in the upcoming game against the potent Ravens. The return of key defensive players could be integral to their strategy.
Jake Ferguson's Fight to Return
Tight end Jake Ferguson, who missed the Week 2 game with a bone bruise and MCL sprain, was a limited participant in practice. His potential return would be a significant boost for the Cowboys. Ferguson’s injuries occurred during the second half of the Cowboys' victory against the Browns in Week 1, and his absence was felt against the Saints.
McCarthy emphasized Ferguson’s value to the team: "Jake's a big part of the heart and soul of that locker room. No question about it. I was told he had a good workout today. That's good news. But we'll see how he comes in tomorrow and so forth. I'm hopeful he can play." Quarterback Dak Prescott echoed this sentiment, praising the rookie tight ends who stepped up in Ferguson’s absence. "Everywhere. I guess you can say that those young tight ends [Schoonmaker and undrafted rookie Brevyn Spann-Ford] did a good job. Simply, they did a good job. As I've said throughout the week, Jake's more than just a tight end on Sunday. He's an aggressor. He brings a physical nature to this group. He's got a mentality that other guys feed off of, that's very contagious, but those other guys did play well. They did their job and stepped up. They made some plays, but [the game] just got away from us," Prescott remarked, highlighting both Ferguson’s impact and the promise shown by his replacements.
New Concerns Emerge
Adding to the Cowboys' injury woes, rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith left practice early due to a back injury. The team will be hoping that his condition is not serious as they prepare for a demanding contest against the Ravens’ high-powered offense.
As the Cowboys navigate this slate of injuries, the decisions made in the next few days will be pivotal. McCarthy and his coaching staff face the challenge of balancing player health with the imperative of securing a victory. The outcomes of Thursday's practice sessions will be closely monitored, with the hopes that Lamb, Diggs, and Ferguson can overcome their setbacks and contribute significantly.
The Cowboys' upcoming game against the Ravens will serve as a vital indicator of their depth and resilience. With key players on the mend and others stepping up into larger roles, the team’s performance will be a benchmark for their ambitions this season.