The Dallas Cowboys have initiated their Week 3 preparations with a strong emphasis on managing injuries, especially with the challenge of facing the Baltimore Ravens looming.
Key players, including wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs, were notably absent from practice due to ankle and foot injuries, respectively. Despite being sidelined, both athletes were seen moving around the locker room without noticeable discomfort, raising optimism about their potential return to action. Coach Mike McCarthy mentioned that a more definitive assessment of their status would come after 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 said.
The injury list doesn't end there. Cornerback DaRon Bland, who missed the Week 2 game against the New Orleans Saints after undergoing a procedure for a stress fracture in his foot, was present at practice but worked on the side with the team’s director of rehab, Britt Brown. The absence of key defensive players like Bland may have contributed to the Cowboys' defensive struggles against the Saints, where they allowed touchdowns on each of the first six drives.
Another player on the mend is tight end Jake Ferguson, who was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. Ferguson, who sustained a bone bruise and MCL sprain during the second half of the Cowboys’ Week 1 victory against the Browns, missed the subsequent game against the Saints. Quarterback Dak Prescott shared his thoughts on the importance of Ferguson's presence: "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."
Coach McCarthy echoed Prescott's sentiments about Ferguson: "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."
Rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith also joined the list of injured players, having been forced to leave practice early on Wednesday due to a back injury. This adds another layer of complexity for McCarthy and his coaching staff as they endeavor to keep the team's spirits and performance up despite the spate of injuries.
The Cowboys must rally and adapt quickly as they prepare to take on a formidable Ravens team. With several key players' participation in doubt, the development in the next few days will be critical in determining the lineup. The players' resilience and the coaching staff's strategic adjustments will play pivotal roles in potentially salvaging the game and demonstrating the team’s depth and preparedness.