As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for their crucial Week 3 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, they are navigating a minefield of injuries to key players. The team began their preparations on a cautious note, with several noteworthy absences from practice.
Key Players Sideline
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb missed practice due to an ankle injury, while cornerback Trevon Diggs was also absent, nursing a foot injury. Despite their injuries, both Lamb and Diggs were seen walking around the locker room without any apparent discomfort, a slightly reassuring sight for Cowboys fans. Head Coach Mike McCarthy is withholding any definitive statements regarding their game-day status, indicating that a clearer assessment would come after Thursday’s padded practice.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
DaRon Bland, who missed the Week 2 game against the New Orleans Saints following a procedure for a stress fracture in his foot, was present at practice. However, Bland spent his time working off to the side with the team's director of rehab, Britt Brown. His return is crucial as the Cowboys' defense struggled significantly in his absence, conceding touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives.
The availability of tight end Jake Ferguson is also a focal point of attention. Ferguson participated in practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday after missing the previous game due to a bone bruise and MCL sprain. Coach McCarthy retained a hopeful outlook regarding Ferguson’s return, 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."
Leadership and Impact
Ferguson's significance to the team extends beyond his on-field abilities. Quarterback Dak Prescott elaborated 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."
McCarthy echoed Prescott’s sentiments about Ferguson's pivotal role: "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."
New Injuries Add to Woes
The Cowboys saw another setback as rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith had to leave Wednesday’s practice early due to a back injury. Smith's premature exit from practice adds to the growing list of concerns for McCarthy and his coaching staff. Smith has shown promise in the early part of the season, and his potential absence would be a significant loss for the team's defensive front.
The Cowboys' current injury list reads like a who's who of their most crucial players, underscoring the importance of depth and resilience as the season progresses. With multiple key players on the mend, the team's ability to adapt and compensate will be tested against a formidable Ravens lineup.