The Dallas Cowboys have embarked on their Week 3 preparations with measured caution as they navigate a series of injuries within their roster. The team is scheduled to face the Baltimore Ravens, a matchup demanding at full strength, but the Cowboys have to contemplate playing without some key contributors.
Key Players' Status in Question
One of the top concerns is the status of wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who missed practice due to an ankle injury. Cornerback Trevon Diggs also sat out due to a foot injury. Both players were seen walking around the locker room without apparent discomfort, providing a glimmer of hope for their availability. Coach Mike McCarthy stated that a clearer assessment of their condition would be possible following Thursday’s padded practice.
Running on a similar cautious note is DaRon Bland. The player participated in practice, albeit on the sidelines, engaging with the team's director of rehab, Britt Brown. Bland missed the Week 2 game against the New Orleans Saints following a procedure to treat a stress fracture in his foot. The defense notably missed his presence as they conceded touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives.
Defense Under Scrutiny
The Cowboys' defensive struggles were evident in Week 2. With Bland absent, their defense had a porous showing against the Saints. As the team hopes to rebound, keeping players like Bland on track for recovery becomes crucial.
Among those who managed a partial return to the field was tight end Jake Ferguson. Ferguson, hampered by a bone bruise and MCL sprain, had to sit out the Week 2 game. His injuries were sustained during the Cowboys’ Week 1 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Ferguson’s limited participation in Wednesday’s practice is a positive sign for his potential return.
Player Contributions and Team Spirit
Coach McCarthy expressed optimism regarding Ferguson’s progress. "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. He emphasized Ferguson’s importance, not just in terms of gameplay but also as a leader on and off the field: "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."
Adding to the intrigue around Ferguson’s potential return, quarterback Dak Prescott highlighted the significant role played by the team's young tight ends in Ferguson's 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," Prescott observed. "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."
New Injuries Adding to the Concern
The injury woes didn’t end there for the Cowboys. Rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith had to leave practice early on Wednesday with a back injury. This addition to the injury list could be concerning as the Cowboys gear up for a pivotal game against the Ravens.
As the team moves forward, the outcomes of Thursday's padded practice will be critical in shaping the roster for Week 3. With significant players like Lamb, Diggs, Bland, Ferguson, and Smith under careful watch, the Cowboys' approach remains one of cautious optimism.
Meanwhile, the younger players and lesser-known names will continue to step up, proving their mettle and ensuring that the team remains competitive, no matter who takes the field.
Coach McCarthy's careful monitoring and strategic planning will play a key role as the team navigates through these injury challenges. The Cowboys hope to rally together and put forth a formidable effort in their upcoming game, echoing the resilience and collective spirit that defines this storied franchise.