The Dallas Cowboys entered their Week 3 preparations with an air of caution as they managed several injuries ahead of their highly anticipated matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Among those missing from practice were star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs, both coping with injuries that could impact their availability for the upcoming game.
CeeDee Lamb, who is dealing with an ankle injury, and Trevon Diggs, nursing a foot injury, were noted to be absent from practice. However, eyewitness accounts from the locker room indicated they were both walking without apparent discomfort. Head Coach Mike McCarthy provided an update, stating a clearer assessment of their conditions would come after the padded practice scheduled for Thursday. "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 detailed.
Defensive concerns continue to mount for the Cowboys as they monitor the recovery of other key players. DaRon Bland, who underwent a procedure for a stress fracture in his foot, was seen working off to the side with Britt Brown, the team's director of rehab. Bland's absence was sorely felt in Week 2 when the Cowboys' defense conceded touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives, underscoring the challenge that lies ahead.
Tight end Jake Ferguson has been another critical piece missing from the Cowboys' lineup. Ferguson, who sustained a bone bruise and MCL sprain in the second half of Week 1’s victory against the Cleveland Browns, was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. Ferguson’s injury forced him to miss the Week 2 game against the Saints, and his physical presence on the field was evidently missed.
Quarterback Dak Prescott commented on the team’s situation without Ferguson, particularly highlighting the impact on the tight end position. "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 reflected.
Rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith's early departure from Wednesday's practice due to a back injury adds another layer of complexity to the Cowboys' defensive woes. Smith’s progress will be closely watched as the week unfolds, with the hope that he can return to practice and contribute.
Despite the spate of injuries, there was a glimmer of optimism from Coach McCarthy regarding Ferguson’s progress. "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 remarked, echoing a sentiment shared by fans and teammates alike.
The Dallas Cowboys, facing a tough test against the Ravens, will need all hands on deck. As they proceed with cautious optimism, the status updates on Lamb, Diggs, Bland, Ferguson, and Smith will be pivotal in shaping their strategy and overall preparedness for the game. With a roster that has already demonstrated considerable resilience, the Cowboys' ability to adapt and overcome these challenges will be crucial for their success in the coming weeks.