The Dallas Cowboys have approached preparations for Week 3 cautiously, juggling a series of injuries leading up to their high-stakes matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. As the team strives to bounce back from a challenging game against the New Orleans Saints, several key players' conditions remain a focal point.
Injury Updates and Player Status
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was notably absent from practice, sidelined by an ankle injury. However, fans took a sigh of relief as Lamb was observed walking around the locker room without any evident discomfort. Similarly, cornerback Trevon Diggs missed practice due to a foot injury but also appeared to be moving around without any apparent issues.
Head Coach Mike McCarthy provided some insight, noting, "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." A comprehensive assessment of both Lamb and Diggs is expected following Thursday’s padded practice, which will offer a clearer picture of their readiness for the weekend clash.
Bland Working Towards a Return
In a more optimistic development, DaRon Bland was seen practicing on the sidelines, working with the team’s director of rehab, Britt Brown. Bland missed the previous game against the Saints after undergoing a procedure to address a stress fracture in his foot. His return to training signifies a positive step forward, although his full return to play is yet to be determined.
The absence of Bland was palpable last Sunday as the Cowboys' defense conceded touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives, underscoring the defensive team's need for reinforcements.
Jake Ferguson’s Limited Participation
Tight end Jake Ferguson was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. Ferguson, who sat out the Week 2 game against the Saints due to a bone bruise and MCL sprain sustained during the second half of Week 1 against the Browns, is inching closer to a full return. "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," McCarthy remarked, underlining Ferguson's influence on the team both on and off the field.
Quarterback Dak Prescott echoed these sentiments about Ferguson's value, stating, "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 Over Mazi Smith
Further complicating the Cowboys’ injury woes, rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith had to exit practice early on Wednesday due to a back injury. Smith’s early departure raises concerns about his availability for the upcoming game, adding to the defensive squad's challenges.
As the Cowboys gear up for their match against the Ravens, they are navigating a delicate balance of accelerating recovery for their injured players while ensuring they don’t exacerbate any existing conditions. Coach Mike McCarthy and his medical staff will need to make crucial decisions in the coming days as they monitor player progress closely.
The team's ability to adapt and perform under these circumstances will be critical, especially after the underwhelming defensive performance against the Saints. With key players like Lamb, Diggs, Ferguson, Bland, and Smith all dealing with various stages of injury, the Cowboys' depth and resilience will be put to the test.
This preparation phase will not only define their strategy for the upcoming game but also set the tone for how they manage player health throughout the season, aiming for a balance between aggressive recovery and sustainable performance.