The Dallas Cowboys have embarked on their Week 3 preparations with a sense of caution, addressing a raft of injuries before their anticipated clash with the Baltimore Ravens. The Cowboys, who are already under scrutiny following their defensive collapse against the New Orleans Saints, are looking to bounce back despite their current injury woes.
Key Players Miss Practice
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs were notable absentees from practice, with Lamb nursing an ankle injury and Diggs dealing with a foot injury. Despite their absence on the practice field, both players appeared to be in relatively good spirits, as they moved around the locker room without any visible signs of discomfort. Coach Mike McCarthy remains optimistic but reserved in his evaluation. "A clearer assessment of their condition will come after Thursday’s padded practice," McCarthy stated, signaling the importance of the upcoming training sessions.
DaRon Bland, who missed Week 2 due to a procedure for a stress fracture in his foot, was present at practice, though he was seen working off to the side with the team's director of rehab, Britt Brown. This gradual return to practice is a hopeful sign for the Cowboys, who have been reeling from defensive lapses.
Defensive Struggles
The Cowboys' recent woes were exacerbated last week as their defense conceded touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives. This dismal performance has intensified the scrutiny on the team's defensive lineup and coaching strategies. The absence of key defensive players like Bland only adds to the pressure.
Rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith was another player to watch, as he had to leave practice early on Wednesday with a back injury. His condition will be monitored closely, given his importance to the defensive line.
Offensive Concerns
On the offensive end, tight end Jake Ferguson’s return to practice, albeit in a limited capacity, is a positive development. Ferguson missed the Week 2 game against the Saints due to a bone bruise and MCL sprain, sustained during the second half of the Cowboys’ Week 1 win against the Cleveland Browns. Coach McCarthy reflected on Ferguson's return with cautious optimism, "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 also highlighted Ferguson's significance, "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."
Ferguson's absence had been deeply felt, not just from a tactical standpoint but also in terms of the team’s morale. Quarterback Dak Prescott remarked on the contributions of the younger replacements, “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.”
As the Cowboys prepare for their showdown with the Ravens, the health of their key players remains paramount. Coach McCarthy and his staff will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on Lamb, Diggs, Ferguson, and Smith as they navigate this critical juncture of the season. The team hopes for positive updates after Thursday’s padded practice, which could set the tone for their performance on game day.