As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for their Week 3 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, the team is taking a cautious approach in managing a slew of injuries. The absence of key players in practice has raised concerns, but there remains a sense of cautious optimism.
CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs Sideline Concerns
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs were notably absent from practice due to ankle and foot injuries, respectively. Despite missing practice, both players were seen navigating the locker room without apparent discomfort, suggesting that their conditions may not be as severe as initially feared. Head coach Mike McCarthy noted that a more definitive assessment of their readiness would come after Thursday’s padded practice. “He’s going to start off in the pre-practice and then we’ll evaluate from there,” McCarthy said. “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 Road to Recovery
Injuries have not spared the Cowboys' defense either. DaRon Bland, who missed Week 2 after undergoing a procedure for a stress fracture in his foot, was present at practice but worked off to the side with the team's director of rehab, Britt Brown. As the Cowboys' defense looks to rebound from conceding touchdowns on each of the Saints’ first six drives in Week 2, Bland’s potential return is a welcome development.
Jake Ferguson's Limited Return
Tight end Jake Ferguson was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. 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. His presence, even in a limited capacity, is a positive sign for a team that values his physicality and leadership. “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 added.
Quarterback Dak Prescott also highlighted Ferguson's significance to the team. “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.”
Mazi Smith's Setback
Rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith had to leave practice early on Wednesday due to a back injury. The extent of Smith's injury remains unclear, adding another layer of complexity to the Cowboys’ preparations. Given the defense's performance struggles in Week 2, the hope is that Smith's injury is not severe and that he will be available to fortify the defensive line against the Ravens.
As the Cowboys continue their preparations for one of the toughest tests of their young season, the health of their key players will be a focal point. Each day of practice, and each progression or setback, will be closely monitored as they aim to rebound from a disappointing Week 2 performance and make a statement against Baltimore.