The Dallas Cowboys are navigating a challenging week as they prepare for their Week 3 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. The team, coming off a stinging defeat to the New Orleans Saints, is grappling with multiple injuries that could impact their performance on the field.
Injury Concerns
CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs, two integral players for the Cowboys, have been sidelined during practice sessions due to injuries. Lamb missed Wednesday's practice due to an ankle issue but made a limited return on Thursday. "Ankle is cool. It was sore yesterday, so I took a day [on Wednesday]," Lamb said, an indication that his condition might be improving.
Trevon Diggs, dealing with a foot injury, also returned to practice in a limited capacity, participating in stretching exercises before working with Dallas' director of rehab, Britt Brown. Despite this positive step, his performance against Baltimore remains uncertain, casting a shadow of doubt over the Cowboys' defensive lineup. "Unacceptable," Diggs remarked about the team's defensive lapses against the Saints, highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues.
Jake Ferguson, who missed the previous game against the Saints due to a bone bruise and MCL sprain, practiced in a restricted manner on both Wednesday and Thursday. Head coach Mike McCarthy offered insight into Ferguson's progress: "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."
Ravaged by the Saints
The Cowboys' recent loss to the Saints exposed significant vulnerabilities in their defense. The team allowed New Orleans to score touchdowns on each of their first six drives – a performance Diggs clearly found unacceptable. Alvin Kamara spearheaded the Saints' offense with 115 rushing yards and three touchdowns, tearing through the Cowboys’ defense with apparent ease.
McCarthy did not shy away from addressing the broader implications of these defensive shortcomings. "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 said, emphasizing Ferguson's importance to the team’s mentality and physicality.
Offensive Standouts
While the defense struggled, there were positive takeaways on the offensive side. Luke Schoonmaker demonstrated reliability by catching all six of his targets for a total of 43 receiving yards. Prescott praised the young tight ends, including the undrafted rookie Brevyn Spann-Ford, for their performance under pressure. "Everywhere. I guess you can say that those young tight ends [Schoonmaker and 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," Prescott noted, highlighting the role these players have in fostering team spirit and physical aggression.
Persistent Challenges
The injury list continued with Mazi Smith, who left the practice field on Wednesday due to a back injury and subsequently missed Thursday's practice. This absence adds another layer of complexity to the Cowboys' preparation, requiring strategic adjustments ahead of their matchup with Baltimore.
On the Ravens' side, injuries also loomed, with rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice due to a neck/concussion injury. Additionally, Kyle Hamilton returned in a limited fashion following a back injury, signaling Baltimore is also dealing with health concerns as game day approaches.
Preparing for Baltimore
With key players returning to practice in limited capacities but uncertainty still clouding their availability, the Cowboys face a critical juncture. They must address the defensive gaps exposed by the Saints while integrating returning players to maintain their competitive edge. As the team continues to evaluate player readiness, all eyes will be on how vulnerabilities are managed ahead of their crucial game against the Ravens.