Amidst a cloud of injury concerns, the Dallas Cowboys have begun their preparations for Week 3, facing a critical matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. A series of injuries has cast a shadow over the team's early practices, but the Cowboys are cautiously optimistic with the return of key players on the horizon.
Injury Woes for Key Players
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was notably absent from practice due to an ankle injury, while cornerback Trevon Diggs also missed the session, nursing a foot injury. Despite their absences from the practice field, both Lamb and Diggs were seen moving around the locker room without apparent discomfort. Cowboys Head Coach Mike McCarthy emphasized that a clearer understanding of their conditions would emerge after Thursday’s padded practice.
"He's going to start off in the pre-practice and then we'll evaluate from there," McCarthy said, indicating a cautious yet hopeful approach. "Hopefully, he can get through the whole practice and see how it goes. This is the first time giving it a chance."
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Defensive back DaRon Bland also made a return to practice, albeit in a limited capacity. Bland, who missed Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints after undergoing a procedure for a stress fracture in his foot, was seen working off to the side with the team's director of rehab, Britt Brown. His gradual reintegration into practice hints at a possible return to in-game action soon.
The Cowboys’ defensive struggles were notably apparent in their Week 2 performance, where they conceded touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives. The return of Bland and other defenders could be pivotal for a team looking to tighten up on the defensive end.
Jake Ferguson's Gradual Return
Tight end Jake Ferguson, who missed the Week 2 game due to a bone bruise and MCL sprain, was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. Ferguson sustained his injuries during the second half of the Cowboys' Week 1 victory over the Cleveland Browns. His presence and aggression have been missed on the field, as noted by both Coach McCarthy and quarterback Dak Prescott.
"Jake's a big part of the heart and soul of that locker room. No question about it," McCarthy remarked, reflecting on Ferguson’s impact. "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."
Prescott echoed these sentiments, highlighting the young tight end’s influence 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. 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."
New Injury Concerns
Even as some players make their way back to the lineup, the Cowboys are facing fresh injury setbacks. Rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith had to leave Wednesday's practice early due to a back injury, adding to the list of concerns for Coach McCarthy and his staff.
As the Cowboys navigate through these challenges, their upcoming practices will be crucial in determining the availability of these key players. The team’s ability to adapt and overcome these injury hurdles could greatly influence their performance in the critical Week 3 matchup against the Ravens.