The Dallas Cowboys began their preparations for Week 3 with a touch of caution, as injuries continue to affect key players. The team is gearing up for a critical showdown with the Baltimore Ravens, and much of their success will hinge on the health of their roster.
Injury Woes for Cowboys' Key Players
The Cowboys' wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was notably absent from practice due to an ankle injury. Additionally, cornerback Trevon Diggs sat out with a foot injury. Observations from the locker room showed Lamb and Diggs walking around without apparent discomfort, a promising sign for fans. Nonetheless, Coach Mike McCarthy emphasized that a thorough assessment of their condition would 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 said regarding Lamb’s injury.
Another significant presence at practice was DaRon Bland, who was working off to the side with the team's director of rehab, Britt Brown. Bland had missed Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints after undergoing a procedure for a stress fracture in his foot. His gradual return to training is monitored closely as he is pivotal to bolstering the Cowboys' defense.
Defense Under the Microscope
The Cowboys' defense struggled significantly in their Week 2 matchup against the Saints, conceding touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives. This underscores the necessity for an available and healthy defensive lineup. Rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith added to the list of concerns as he had to leave practice early on Wednesday with a back injury. The extent of his injury remains unclear, but his early exit raises questions about his availability for the upcoming game.
Uncertain Return for Tight End Jake Ferguson
The offense also took a hit with tight end Jake Ferguson limited in practice on Wednesday. Ferguson missed the Week 2 game against the Saints due to a bone bruise and MCL sprain, injuries he sustained in the second half of the Cowboys’ Week 1 win against the Browns. His participation, although limited, offered a glimmer of hope for his return.
"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 remarked.
Quarterback Dak Prescott also acknowledged the impact of Ferguson’s absence, praising the performance of the young tight ends, Schoonmaker and undrafted rookie Brevyn Spann-Ford, who stepped up in his stead. "Everywhere. I guess you can say that those young tight ends 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 noted.
The Cowboys' preparation for Week 3 involves not only tactical adjustments but also a keen focus on players' rehabilitation and readiness. As the team inches closer to its clash with the Ravens, the health of pivotal players like Lamb, Diggs, Bland, Smith, and Ferguson will be crucial in defining their performance and potential success.