The Dallas Cowboys started their preparations for Week 3 with a cautious approach as they managed an array of injuries ahead of their matchup with the Baltimore Ravens.
Key Players Sidelined
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs were notable absentees from practice. Lamb is nursing an ankle injury, while Diggs is dealing with a foot injury. Both players, however, were seen walking around the locker room without noticeable discomfort. Coach Mike McCarthy emphasized that a clearer assessment of their conditions would be made following Thursday’s padded practice.
Rehabilitation in Process
In addition, defensive back DaRon Bland was present but participated in a limited capacity, working individually with the team's director of rehab, Britt Brown. Bland missed the Week 2 game against the New Orleans Saints due to undergoing a procedure for a stress fracture in his foot. The Cowboys’ defense, noticeably weakened without him, conceded touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives during that game.
Offense and Injuries
Jake Ferguson, who missed the Week 2 showdown due to a bone bruise and MCL sprain suffered in the second half of the Cowboys’ Week 1 win against the Cleveland Browns, was a limited participant in practice. There's cautious optimism for his return, but his exact status remains uncertain. "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, indicating a hopeful yet prudent approach to Ferguson’s participation.
Ferguson’s absence was felt across the team, and Quarterback Dak Prescott highlighted the intrinsic value that the young tight end brings: "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."
Despite the efforts of other tight ends like Luke Schoonmaker and undrafted rookie Brevyn Spann-Ford, the void left by Ferguson was palpable. "Jake's a big part of the heart and soul of that locker room. No question about it," McCarthy added. "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."
New Concerns
Adding to the injury woes, rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith was forced to leave practice early on Wednesday due to a back injury. The severity of his condition is yet to be fully understood, but it presents another challenge for the Cowboys' defense.
Looking Ahead
As the Cowboys march toward their Week 3 clash with the Ravens, they are under pressure to make significant adjustments on both sides of the ball. The team’s ability to adapt and overcome these injury hurdles will be essential if they hope to secure a crucial victory. McCarthy's cautious optimism and methodical approach, echoed through his and Prescott's remarks, encapsulate the team's current predicament and the potential for recovery.