The Dallas Cowboys have begun their preparations for Week 3 with a heightened sense of caution as several key players are dealing with injuries ahead of their clash with the Baltimore Ravens.
CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs Sit Out
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs were both absent from practice due to injuries. Lamb is nursing an ankle injury, while Diggs has a foot injury. Despite their absence on the field, both players were seen moving around the locker room without any noticeable discomfort. Head coach Mike McCarthy indicated that a clearer understanding of their conditions would be available after Thursday’s padded practice.
DaRon Bland’s Recovery
In addition to Lamb and Diggs, DaRon Bland’s status is also being closely monitored. Bland missed Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints following a procedure to address a stress fracture in his foot. During Wednesday’s practice, Bland was observed working on the sidelines with the team's director of rehabilitation, Britt Brown. His presence at practice, albeit limited, is an encouraging sign as the Cowboys look to bounce back from their recent defensive struggles.
The Week 2 game against the Saints was particularly troublesome for the Cowboys' defense, which allowed touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives. This unfortunate performance has heightened the urgency for Bland's recovery.
Jake Ferguson’s Limited Participation
Another player with limited participation in practice was tight end Jake Ferguson. Ferguson missed the Week 2 game due to a bone bruise and MCL sprain, injuries he sustained in the second half of the Cowboys’ Week 1 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Despite his limited involvement in practice, there is cautious optimism about his return.
“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 said. His gradual re-introduction to practice aims to ensure his recovery is managed carefully.
Quarterback Dak Prescott echoed the importance of Ferguson to the team's dynamic: "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."
Concerns For Rookie Mazi Smith
Rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith’s situation also raised some eyebrows as he had to leave practice early on Wednesday with a back injury. The extent of Smith’s injury is yet to be fully determined, adding another layer of uncertainty to the Cowboys’ preparations.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
Coach McCarthy remains hopeful about the recovery of his players, particularly Ferguson, stating: "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."
As the Cowboys navigate through their injury challenges, the upcoming days of practice will be crucial in determining their readiness for the showdown with the Ravens. The progress of key players such as Lamb, Diggs, Bland, Ferguson, and Smith will play a significant role in shaping the team's strategy and morale.