The Dallas Cowboys are treading carefully as they prepare for their Week 3 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, managing a host of injuries that could impact their lineup.
CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs Absent from Practice
Star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and lockdown cornerback Trevon Diggs were both absent from practice on Wednesday, fueling concerns about their availability for the upcoming game. Lamb was sidelined with an ankle injury, while Diggs nursed a foot issue. Despite their absences, both players were seen walking around the locker room without any obvious discomfort, offering a glimmer of hope for their return.
Head coach Mike McCarthy indicated that the team would have a clearer understanding of their conditions following Thursday’s padded practice. "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 remarked.
DaRon Bland and Jake Ferguson Progressing
In more positive news, defensive back DaRon Bland was spotted working off to the side with the Cowboys' director of rehab, Britt Brown. Bland, who missed Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints due to a stress fracture procedure, is making strides in his recovery. His presence on the practice field, albeit limited, indicates a step forward.
Tight end Jake Ferguson was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. Ferguson, who suffered a bone bruise and MCL sprain in the second half of the Cowboys’ Week 1 victory over the Cleveland Browns, missed the Week 2 game against the Saints. McCarthy provided an optimistic update, saying, "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."
Quarterback Dak Prescott also emphasized Ferguson's importance to the team, noting that the young tight ends, Luke Schoonmaker and undrafted rookie Brevyn Spann-Ford, performed admirably in his absence. "Everywhere," Prescott said when asked about the impact of Ferguson's absence. "I guess you can say that those young tight ends 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."
Mazi Smith's Back Injury
Rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith's situation is another point of concern for the Cowboys. Smith had to leave practice early on Wednesday, dealing with a back injury. His condition will be closely monitored as the team gauges the severity and its potential impact on his availability for the Ravens game.
Defensive Struggles
The Cowboys’ defense is coming off a troubling performance in Week 2, where they conceded touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives. The possible return of key defensive players like Diggs and Bland could be vital in shoring up their defense against a potent Ravens offense.
As the Cowboys brace for their next challenge, the team and its fans remain hopeful that these injury issues will see positive developments. The performance of the backups has provided some reassurance, but the return of their key players could be crucial for a more formidable showing against Baltimore.