The Dallas Cowboys have kicked off their preparations for Week 3 with noticeable caution, as injuries loom large over some of their pivotal players ahead of the upcoming clash with the Baltimore Ravens.
Key offensive weapon, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, was absent from practice due to an ankle injury. However, Lamb wasn’t the only notable absentee. Cornerback Trevon Diggs also missed practice, sidelined by a foot injury. Despite these concerning absences, both Lamb and Diggs were seen moving around the locker room without showing apparent discomfort, a promising sign for the Cowboys' faithful. Head coach Mike McCarthy stressed that a more definitive assessment of their conditions would follow Thursday’s padded practice, offering a glimmer of hope for their participation.
Another player battling back from injury is cornerback DaRon Bland. Following a procedure for a stress fracture in his foot, Bland missed the Week 2 encounter against the New Orleans Saints. Despite his injury, Bland was present at practice, albeit working off to the side alongside the team's director of rehab, Britt Brown. The Cowboys are evidently keen to ensure his return is handled with meticulous care.
The Cowboys' defensive frailties were exposed during the Week 2 matchup against the Saints, conceding touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives. Such a performance underscores the importance of having a fully fit defensive lineup as they brace for the Ravens’ offensive onslaught.
Tight end Jake Ferguson, who sat out the Week 2 game due to a bone bruise and MCL sprain, managed a limited participation in Wednesday's practice. Ferguson’s journey back to fitness started after sustaining these injuries in the second half of the Cowboys’ Week 1 victory against the Browns. “He’s going to start off in the pre-practice and then we’ll evaluate from there," Coach McCarthy commented. "Hopefully, he can get through the whole practice and see how it goes. This is the first time giving it a chance.”
Quarterback Dak Prescott hasn't shied away from acknowledging Ferguson's impact on the team. "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," Prescott said. "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."
Prescott’s sentiments are echoed by McCarthy, who has highlighted Ferguson's importance to the team's dynamics. "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."
The Cowboys' injury concerns were aggravated further when rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith had to leave Wednesday’s practice early due to a back injury. Smith’s departure adds to the list of uncertainties the Cowboys hope to address before their rendezvous with the Ravens.
Injuries are an accepted part of football, yet the Cowboys' current predicament underscores the complicated balance between readying for immediate confrontation and safeguarding long-term player health. As they head towards Week 3, the focus lies not only on tactical preparations but also on providing timely medical clearances to their ailing stars, a process that will significantly influence their performance against a formidable opponent like the Ravens.