The Dallas Cowboys began their Week 3 preparations with a cautious approach, as several key players are currently dealing with injuries. Among the notable absentees from practice were wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs, both of whom are vital to the team's game plan against the Baltimore Ravens.
Key Players on the Mend
CeeDee Lamb sat out due to an ankle issue, while Trevon Diggs missed practice because of a foot injury. Despite their absences, both were seen walking around the locker room without apparent discomfort. Head coach Mike McCarthy mentioned that a clear assessment of their conditions would come 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, reflecting the cautious but hopeful attitude surrounding the health of his players.
DaRon Bland's Road to Recovery
Defensive back DaRon Bland also caught some attention as he worked off to the side with the team's director of rehab, Britt Brown. Bland had missed Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints after undergoing a procedure to address a stress fracture in his foot. His participation in these side activities signals a step in the right direction, though he remains a question mark for the upcoming game.
Defensive Concerns Looming
The Cowboys' defense is under scrutiny after conceding touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives in Week 2. The absence of key defensive players has no doubt contributed to these struggles. All eyes are on the team to tighten up its defensive strategies as it faces the more formidable offense of the Ravens.
Jake Ferguson's Potential Return
Jake Ferguson, a pivotal player for the Cowboys' offense, was also a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. Ferguson is recovering from a bone bruise and MCL sprain that kept him out of the matchup against the Saints. He sustained these injuries during the second half of the Cowboys' Week 1 victory over the Browns.
McCarthy expressed optimism about Ferguson's return, noting, "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."
Quarterback Dak Prescott also weighed in on Ferguson's impact. "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 explained.
Challenges for Mazi Smith
Adding to the injury woes, rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith had to exit practice early on Wednesday due to a back injury. The extent of his ailment remains to be seen, but the team is undoubtedly hoping for a swift recovery given the already thin defensive lineup.
As the Cowboys gear up for their clash with the Ravens, the health and readiness of these critical players will be essential. The assessments following Thursday’s padded practice will shed more light on who will make it to the field for this pivotal matchup. For now, the Cowboys are taking a vigilant approach, knowing that the next few days of practice will be crucial for determining their Week 3 roster.