The Dallas Cowboys approached Week 3 with caution and concern, managing a litany of injuries as they prepared to face the Baltimore Ravens. The team began their preparations knowing that several key players were on the mend.
CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs Absent from Practice
Star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb missed practice due to an ankle injury. Likewise, standout cornerback Trevon Diggs was sidelined with a foot injury. Both players, however, were seen moving around the locker room without noticeable discomfort, providing a glimmer of hope for their potential return.
Coach Mike McCarthy remained cautiously optimistic about their statuses. "A clearer assessment of their condition would come after Thursday’s padded practice," McCarthy noted, emphasizing the importance of patient evaluation.
DaRon Bland's Road to Recovery
The Cowboys' secondary was also stretched thin by the absence of DaRon Bland. Following a procedure for a stress fracture in his foot, Bland missed the Week 2 clash against the New Orleans Saints. Despite his absence, he returned to practice, though confined to side work with the team's director of rehab, Britt Brown.
The game against the Saints exposed the vulnerabilities in the Cowboys' defense. Touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives underscored the need for a stronger and healthier defensive lineup. Bland's active return to practice could signify an imminent boost for the embattled defense.
Jake Ferguson Easing Back
Rookie tight end Jake Ferguson was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, still recovering from a bone bruise and MCL sprain which kept him out of the Week 2 game. These injuries stemmed from the second half of the Cowboys' Week 1 victory over the Browns. Quarterback Dak Prescott underscored Ferguson's importance to the team, both as a player and emotional leader.
"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," Prescott said. "But those other guys did play well. They did their job and stepped up. They made some plays."
Coach McCarthy echoed Prescott's sentiments, highlighting Ferguson's integral role. "Jake's a big part of the heart and soul of that locker room. No question about it," McCarthy said. "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."
Concerns for Mazi Smith
Adding to the injury woes, rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith had to leave practice early on Wednesday due to a back injury. Smith's condition adds another layer of uncertainty to the Cowboys' defensive line as they strategize for their upcoming game.
As the Cowboys prepare for their Week 3 matchup against the Ravens, the team's health will undeniably be a crucial factor. McCarthy's forthcoming evaluations after padded practices will be pivotal in determining the readiness of these key players. The resilience and adaptability of the Cowboys will be tested as they navigate these injury setbacks, hoping to align their full-strength squad against Baltimore.