The Dallas Cowboys’ preparations for Week 3 have begun with a cautious approach as they navigate through a string of injuries before their crucial match-up against the Baltimore Ravens. The team's roster management is under scrutiny, especially with significant players absent from practice.
Key Players Sidelined
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs both missed practice due to injuries—Lamb with an ankle issue and Diggs sidelined by a foot injury. Observations from the locker room suggested a positive outlook as both players were seen moving around without apparent discomfort. However, the definitive assessment of their readiness will come post-Thursday’s padded practice, as noted by Coach Mike McCarthy.
“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 commented regarding the monitoring strategy for these key players.
DaRon Bland’s Road to Recovery
DaRon Bland, who missed Week 2 following a procedure for a stress fracture in his foot, was also seen at practice, albeit working on the side with Britt Brown, the team’s director of rehab. The defense sorely missed Bland’s presence as evidenced by their performance against the New Orleans Saints, where they conceded touchdowns on each of the Saints’ first six drives.
Jake Ferguson’s Status
Another player of concern is tight end Jake Ferguson, a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. After suffering a bone bruise and MCL sprain in Week 1’s victory over the Browns, Ferguson missed the subsequent game against the Saints. His presence is pivotal not just on the field but also in boosting the team's morale.
McCarthy expressed optimism about Ferguson's recovery, “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.”
Quarterback Dak Prescott echoed similar sentiments, praising the backup tight ends while emphasizing Ferguson’s unique contributions. “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 Concerns Arise
Adding to the Cowboys' injury woes, rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith had to leave practice early on Wednesday due to a back injury. This development further compounds the urgency for the team to adjust and field a robust lineup against the Ravens.
The Cowboys now face the dual challenges of managing their recovering stars and plugging the gaps with competent performances from backup players. With the team's recent defensive shortcomings intensifying the pressure, all eyes will be on how these potential comebacks unfold as the week progresses.
As the Cowboys inch closer to their Week 3 showdown, the focus remains on a balanced strategy of cautious optimism and tactical adaptability, aiming to reverse their fortunes and secure a pivotal win. The final determination of player availability and fitness levels post-Thursday’s practice will likely shape the narrative for the team’s preparations and prospects.