The Dallas Cowboys' preparation for their Week 3 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens began under cautious circumstances as they managed a roster besieged by various injuries.
CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs Nursing Injuries
Key players CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs were both notably absent from practice. Lamb is sidelined with an ankle injury, while Diggs is dealing with a foot issue. Despite their absences, both were reportedly seen moving around the locker room without any noticeable discomfort. The extent of their injuries is expected to be more accurately assessed following Thursday’s padded practice. Coach Mike McCarthy remarked, "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."
DaRon Bland's Return
Meanwhile, DaRon Bland, who missed Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints due to 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 participation is a vital part of the Cowboys’ strategy to strengthen their secondary, which has been compromised in recent games.
Defensive Struggles
It was an especially tough outing for the Cowboys' defense last week as they conceded touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives. The absence of key defensive players clearly played a part in this performance, and their return could be crucial for future games.
Jake Ferguson's Status
Tight end Jake Ferguson, who missed the Week 2 game due to a bone bruise and MCL sprain incurred during the second half of the Cowboys’ Week 1 victory over the Browns, was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. Ferguson’s aggressive playstyle and leadership are sorely missed, and his teammates evidently feel 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," stated quarterback Dak Prescott, highlighting the gap left by Ferguson.
Adding to this sentiment, Coach McCarthy noted, "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."
Rookie Mazi Smith's Back Injury
In another blow to the team's defensive line, rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith had to leave practice early on Wednesday due to a back injury. The extent of Smith's injury is yet to be fully understood, but any prolonged absence would mitigate the depth of the Cowboys’ defensive front.
As the Cowboys inch closer to their crucial Week 3 encounter with the Ravens, the coaching staff and medical team face significant challenges in managing these injuries. The outcome of the Thursday assessment could provide further clarity on how competitive the Cowboys can be against a formidable Ravens’ side.