The Dallas Cowboys began their Week 3 preparations against the Baltimore Ravens with caution, as several key players are dealing with injuries. Despite the setbacks, the team remains optimistic about their lineup and performance moving forward.
Key Players Sideline
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs both missed practice due to injuries. Lamb is nursing an ankle injury, while Diggs is dealing with a foot issue. However, there’s a silver lining; both players were seen walking around the locker room without showing any visible discomfort. Coach Mike McCarthy commented, "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."
Other Injuries and Rehabilitation Efforts
DaRon Bland, another significant player, was spotted working off to the side with the team's director of rehab, Britt Brown. Bland missed the Week 2 game against the New Orleans Saints after undergoing a procedure to address a stress fracture in his foot. The Cowboys' defense showed noticeable gaps, conceding touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives in his absence.
In another area of concern, rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith had to leave Wednesday's practice early due to a back injury. Smith's condition could further strain a defense that struggled mightily in their previous outing.
Returning to the Lineup
Positively, tight end Jake Ferguson, who missed the Week 2 game due to a bone bruise and MCL sprain, participated in a limited capacity during Wednesday's practice. His injuries stemmed from the second half of the Cowboys’ Week 1 victory against the Browns. Coach McCarthy expressed hope about Ferguson's return, stating, "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 also praised Ferguson's contributions. "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," said Prescott.
Looking Forward
As Thursday’s padded practice looms, the Cowboys are eager for a clearer assessment of their roster's condition. The evaluation will be crucial for game planning against the Ravens, a team known for its robust and resilient play.
The Cowboys hope that Lamb and Diggs can join the lineup, potentially bolstering the team’s defense and overall performance. McCarthy's cautious optimism indicates that while the injuries are significant, the team's outlook remains resilient.
With critical players like Ferguson possibly returning and younger talent stepping up in the absence of veterans, the Cowboys are focusing on getting back on track. The next few days will be vital in determining the availability of their key players and their readiness to face the Ravens.
As the team continues to monitor and manage injuries, the Cowboys aim to make strategic adjustments to avoid the pitfalls they encountered in Week 2. The road ahead may be challenging, but with the right blend of recovery and strategy, the Cowboys are poised to tackle Week 3 with a renew sense of purpose.