The Dallas Cowboys have kicked off their preparations for Week 3 with a cautious approach, as they navigate through a series of injuries leading up to their highly anticipated matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Notably absent from practice were key players CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike.
CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs both missed practice due to ankle and foot injuries, respectively. However, there appears to be a glimmer of hope. Both were reportedly seen in the locker room without showing signs of discomfort. This has led to a guarded optimism within the team, as Coach Mike McCarthy emphasized that a more definitive assessment would be made following Thursday’s padded practice.
DaRon Bland's Return
In a positive development, DaRon Bland, who missed Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints due to a stress fracture in his foot, was spotted at practice working off to the side with Britt Brown, the team's director of rehab. Bland’s presence is an encouraging sign for the Cowboys, especially after the defense struggled significantly in Week 2.
The Cowboys' defense conceded touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives, magnifying the absence of key defensive players. As the team looks to bounce back, Bland's return could provide the much-needed boost to their defensive lineup.
Jake Ferguson's Limited Participation
Jake Ferguson, another vital component of the Cowboys’ roster, was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. Ferguson missed the previous game against the Saints due to a bone bruise and MCL sprain, injuries he sustained in the second half of the Cowboys’ Week 1 victory against the Browns. His return to even limited practice is a positive step forward.
Coach Mike McCarthy is monitoring Ferguson's progress closely. "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, reflecting a hopeful yet measured approach to Ferguson’s recovery.
Mazi Smith's Setback
Adding to the team's injury woes, rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith had to leave practice early on Wednesday due to a back injury. This setback further complicates the Cowboys’ preparation for Week 3, with the team already grappling with the absences of multiple key players.
Building Team Resilience
The Cowboys are attempting to forge ahead, leaning on the depth of their roster. Quarterback Dak Prescott commended the younger players who have been stepping up in the absence of their injured teammates. “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 articulated, highlighting the integral role Ferguson plays both on and off the field.
McCarthy echoed similar sentiments regarding Ferguson's influence on 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 acknowledged, underscoring the importance of Ferguson's presence as the Cowboys push forward.
As the Cowboys prepare for their clash against the Ravens, the focus remains on carefully managing injuries while readying those who can step up in the interim. With several key players on the mend and the prospect of returning to a more robust lineup, Dallas is poised to confront their challenges head-on, hoping for a healthier roster to take the field on game day.