As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for their Week 3 clash with the Baltimore Ravens, the team is taking a cautious approach due to a series of injuries that have impacted key players.
Injury Woes in the Locker Room
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs were notably absent from practice, each nursing a foot-related injury. Despite their absences, both were seen walking around the locker room, raising hopes that their conditions might not be severe. Head coach Mike McCarthy remarked that the true extent of their injuries would be clearer after the team’s padded practice on Thursday. "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, referring to Diggs.
Another prominent figure, DaRon Bland, was also on the sideline, working with the team’s director of rehab, Britt Brown. Bland, who missed the Week 2 game against the New Orleans Saints due to a stress fracture in his foot, appears to be on the road to recovery. His absence was felt last week as the Cowboys' defense struggled, allowing touchdowns on the Saints' first six drives.
Offensive Challenges
The offensive side of the ball also isn't without its troubles. Tight end Jake Ferguson was limited in practice on Wednesday, having missed the previous game against the Saints due to a bone bruise and MCL sprain. Ferguson’s injuries, suffered during the second half of the Week 1 victory over the Cleveland Browns, have left a significant void. Despite this, there is optimism surrounding his potential return. Quarterback Dak Prescott praised the efforts of other 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 commented.
Coach McCarthy echoed Prescott’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of Ferguson 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," McCarthy shared, showcasing his cautious optimism about Ferguson’s return.
Defensive Depth Concerns
On the defensive line, rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith left practice early on Wednesday with a back injury, adding to the team’s growing list of concerns. With Bland still in recovery and the overall defensive performance needing a boost, Smith’s condition will be closely monitored to ensure the Cowboys can field a competitive squad against a formidable Ravens team.
As the Cowboys continue their preparations, the coaching staff will undoubtedly be focused on assessing the readiness of these key players. The outcome of Thursday’s practice will be crucial in determining who will be available to take the field on Sunday. With multiple players navigating the rehabilitation process and others stepping up admirably in their absence, the team’s resilience and depth are being tested early in the season.
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, where each week can shift the trajectory of a season, every practice and injury update holds weight. The Cowboys’ ability to manage their current roster of walking wounded will play a significant role in their quest to secure a victory in Week 3 and beyond.