The Dallas Cowboys have kicked off their preparations for Week 3 with an air of caution, as several key players face injuries ahead of their crucial matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. The team is dealing with the absence of pivotal players, raising concerns over their availability.
Injury Concerns Mount
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs were both notably absent from practice due to injuries. Lamb is nursing an ankle injury, while Diggs is sidelined with a foot injury. Despite their absence from the field, both players were seen moving around the locker room without apparent discomfort, offering a glimmer of hope to Cowboys fans.
Head coach Mike McCarthy addressed the media regarding their conditions, suggesting that a clearer assessment will emerge post 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 stated, hinting at a cautious optimism.
Bland and Ferguson on the Mend
Adding to the injury list, DaRon Bland was seen at practice, albeit working separately with the team's rehab director, Britt Brown. Bland, who missed the Week 2 clash against the New Orleans Saints due to a foot stress fracture procedure, appears to be on the path to recovery. His absence was keenly felt as the Cowboys' defense struggled, conceding touchdowns on each of the Saints’ first six drives in Week 2.
Tight end Jake Ferguson, who also missed the Week 2 game against the Saints, was a limited participant in practice. Ferguson is battling a bone bruise and MCL sprain sustained in the second half of the Cowboys' Week 1 victory over the Browns. McCarthy expressed optimism about Ferguson's progress, noting, "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 Woes
The Cowboys' injury woes extended to their rookie defensive tackle, Mazi Smith, who had to leave practice early due to a back injury. Smith's early exit adds to the growing list of concerns for McCarthy as he navigates the challenges posed by a weakened lineup.
Next Man Up
Despite the spate of injuries, the Cowboys are relying on their depth to step up. Quarterback Dak Prescott acknowledged the commendable efforts of other players, especially tight ends Luke Schoonmaker and undrafted rookie Brevyn Spann-Ford. "Everywhere. I guess you can say that those young tight ends 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," Prescott remarked, emphasizing the team's collective resilience.
As the Cowboys gear up for the Ravens, managing these injuries effectively will be crucial. The team's depth and the performances of backup players will play a significant role in navigating this challenging period. The forthcoming practices and evaluations will provide further clarity on the availability of key players and the team's readiness for their upcoming battle against Baltimore.