Entering Week 3 of the NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves treading cautiously, managing a spate of injuries as they prepare for their matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. The tension in the air is palpable as key players are monitored closely, with hopes of their swift return to the field.
CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs on the Mend
Among the notable absences from practice was star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, sidelined by an ankle injury. Not far behind on the injury list is cornerback Trevon Diggs, who is dealing with a foot injury. Despite missing practice, both Lamb and Diggs were seen walking around the locker room without any outward signs of distress, providing a glimmer of hope for Cowboys fans.
Head Coach Mike McCarthy remains optimistic yet cautious, noting, "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."
DaRon Bland Works Towards Recovery
Cornerback DaRon Bland was also present at practice, but his participation was limited to working on the sidelines with the team's director of rehab, Britt Brown. Bland, who missed the Week 2 clash against the New Orleans Saints following a procedure for a stress fracture in his foot, is gradually working his way back to full fitness.
The absence of these key defensive players was felt keenly during the Saints' showdown, where the Cowboys' defense crumbled, allowing touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives.
Jake Ferguson's Vital Presence
Tight end Jake Ferguson, who missed the Week 2 game against the Saints due to a bone bruise and MCL sprain sustained in the second half of the Cowboys’ Week 1 victory over the Browns, was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. The Cowboys' offense has missed his aggressive and spirited play, which quarterback Dak Prescott highlighted:
"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."
McCarthy also emphasized Ferguson’s importance to the team, noting, "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."
Concerns Arise with Mazi Smith
The Cowboys’ rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith added to the concerns when he had to leave practice early on Wednesday due to a back injury. Smith's early exit underscores the ongoing injury woes that the team must navigate as they brace for a challenging Week 3 encounter.
As the Cowboys approach Thursday's padded practice, which McCarthy suggests will provide a more definitive assessment of player conditions, the team and its supporters remain cautiously optimistic. The health and availability of key players will undeniably play a crucial role in determining whether Dallas can regroup and deploy a competitive lineup against the formidable Ravens.
With the stakes rising and injuries looming large, the Cowboys find themselves in an intricate balancing act, striving to secure immediate results while safeguarding the long-term health of their roster. The upcoming days will be pivotal in determining their readiness and resilience as they aim to overcome these adversities and make a strong statement on the field.