The Dallas Cowboys kicked off their preparations for Week 3 with a cautious approach, juggling a series of injuries as they gear up for a significant clash against the Baltimore Ravens.
The injury list is headlined by wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who missed practice due to an ankle injury. Likewise, cornerback Trevon Diggs was sidelined with a foot injury. Despite their absence from the field, both Lamb and Diggs were seen walking around the locker room without apparent discomfort, raising hopes of a swift return.
Coach Mike McCarthy provided cautious optimism regarding their status, 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." A clearer assessment of Lamb and Diggs' conditions is expected after Thursday’s padded practice, indicating that the team is closely monitoring their progress.
Adding to the injury woes, defensive back DaRon Bland was seen working off to the side with the team's director of rehab, Britt Brown. Bland missed Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints following a procedure for a stress fracture in his foot. His gradual return to activity suggests a measured approach to his rehabilitation.
The Cowboys' defense struggled significantly in Bland’s absence, conceding touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives in Week 2. This defensive lapse underscores the importance of key players like Bland returning to full fitness as soon as possible.
Jake Ferguson, another vital cog in the Cowboys' machinery, participated in practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday. Ferguson missed the Week 2 game against the Saints due to a bone bruise and MCL sprain suffered in the second half of the Cowboys’ Week 1 win against the Browns.
Coach McCarthy underscored Ferguson’s value to the team, saying, "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." The description highlights Ferguson's influence beyond just his on-field contributions, marking him as a core part of the team's spirit and mentality.
Drawing attention to the younger players, quarterback Dak Prescott praised the efforts of the replacement tight ends, Luke Schoonmaker and undrafted rookie Brevyn Spann-Ford. "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 said, acknowledging the challenging situation the team faced.
The Cowboys' injury concerns were compounded further when rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith had to exit practice early on Wednesday due to a back injury. This latest setback adds another layer of uncertainty as the team prepares for a tough contest against the Baltimore Ravens.
As the Cowboys navigate through these injury hurdles, the coming days will be critical. The progress of key players like Lamb, Diggs, and Ferguson will significantly influence the team’s prospects against the Ravens. The visible presence and rehabilitation efforts of sidelined players offer a glimmer of hope for a team in need of bolstering its ranks amidst early-season adversity.
The careful monitoring and strategic decisions by the coaching staff under McCarthy's guidance will be instrumental in striking a balance between player health and competitive readiness. With a pivotal match on the horizon, the Cowboys are treading a fine line between caution and the urgent need to field their strongest side.