The Dallas Cowboys have started their Week 3 preparations with significant caution as they manage a series of injuries in the run-up to their matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. The team is juggling multiple key players' health concerns, which could potentially impact their performance on game day.
CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs on the Radar
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs both missed practice this week due to ankle and foot injuries, respectively. Observers noted that both players were seen walking around the locker room without any noticeable discomfort, offering a glimmer of hope for their eventual return. However, Coach Mike McCarthy emphasized that a more definitive evaluation of their conditions would occur 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 stated regarding the general strategy for managing practice participation amid injuries.
DaRon Bland’s Rehabilitation
Cornerback DaRon Bland, who missed Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints after undergoing a procedure for a stress fracture in his foot, was seen working off to the side with the team's director of rehab, Britt Brown. Bland's presence at practice is a positive sign, but it remains uncertain when he will be fully game-ready.
The absence of defensive key players has already proven costly. The Cowboys' defense conceded touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives in Week 2, underscoring the need for a more robust defensive lineup moving forward.
Jake Ferguson’s Limited Practice
Tight end Jake Ferguson was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, an improvement after missing the Week 2 game against the Saints due to a bone bruise and an MCL sprain. Ferguson sustained these injuries in the second half of the Cowboys’ Week 1 win against the Browns. His participation in practice is a promising sign, suggesting he might see the field sooner rather than later. "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 shared, highlighting Ferguson's significant role within the team.
Quarterback Dak Prescott also offered his views on Ferguson’s importance and the performance of other tight ends in his absence. "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 elaborated.
Rookie Mazi Smith’s Setback
Rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith had to leave practice early on Wednesday due to a back injury. Smith's early exit adds another layer of concern for the Cowboys' coaching staff as they strive to maintain a balance between returning key players to health while preparing adequately for the Ravens.
As the Cowboys navigate these injury challenges, their ability to adapt and make strategic decisions regarding player health will be critical. A clearer picture will emerge post-Thursday practice, offering insights into who will be fit to take the field against Baltimore. These decisions will potentially have a significant impact on both their short-term performance and long-term season outlook.