The Dallas Cowboys have commenced preparations for their Week 3 encounter against the Baltimore Ravens, marred by a series of injuries to key players. This cautious approach comes on the heels of a dismal defensive outing in Week 2 where the Cowboys' defense gave up touchdowns on each of the New Orleans Saints' first six drives.
CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs Nursing Injuries
Star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and standout cornerback Trevon Diggs are at the center of the current injury concerns. Lamb missed practice due to an ankle injury, while Diggs was sidelined with a foot injury. Despite their absence from practice, both players were seen moving around the locker room with no visible discomfort, providing a glimmer of hope for Cowboys' fans.
Head Coach Mike McCarthy addressed the situation, stating, "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."
The team remains optimistic but cautious, as a more definitive assessment of their conditions is anticipated following Thursday’s padded practice.
DaRon Bland Progressing
Cornerback DaRon Bland, who missed the Week 2 matchup against the Saints due to a stress fracture in his foot, was observed practicing off to the side with the team's director of rehab, Britt Brown. His presence at practice is a promising sign, hinting at a possible return to the lineup soon.
Jake Ferguson's Return Looms
Tight end Jake Ferguson, who missed Week 2 with a bone bruise and MCL sprain, was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. Ferguson suffered his injuries during the second half of the Cowboys' Week 1 victory over the Cleveland Browns. His potential return could provide a significant boost to the Cowboys' offense and locker room morale.
"Jake's a big part of the heart and soul of that locker room. No question about it," McCarthy noted. "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 Adds to Injury List
Rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith has added to the injury woes, leaving practice early on Wednesday with a back injury. Smith’s injury status will be monitored closely, as his involvement could be pivotal in fortifying the team’s defensive efforts against a formidable Ravens offense.
Quarterback Dak Prescott Weighs In
Quarterback Dak Prescott reflected on the challenges posed by the recent spate of injuries and praised the efforts of the young tight ends who stepped in during 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 mentioned. "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."
The road ahead for the Cowboys involves not just tactical adjustments but also navigating the practicalities of player health and recovery. The upcoming days will be crucial in determining who will suit up for their crucial Week 3 clash against the Ravens. As the team nurses its key players back to health, the focus remains unwavering: turning around their defensive setbacks and anchoring their campaign with strong performances on both ends of the field.