The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for their Week 3 showdown against the Baltimore Ravens amidst a series of injuries affecting key players. As they prepare, the team's lineup and strategies might see adjustments due to these fitness concerns.
Injury Woes
The Cowboys' latest challenge comes as several players nurse injuries. During Wednesday's practice, CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs were notably absent. Lamb's absence was due to an ankle issue, while Diggs grappled with a foot injury. Although both players made a limited return to practice on Thursday, their conditions remain a point of concern.
CeeDee Lamb showed optimism about his recovery, stating, "Ankle is cool. It was sore yesterday, so I took a day [on Wednesday]." Diggs, on the other hand, focused primarily on stretching and worked closely with the team’s director of rehab, Britt Brown. His participation in Sunday's game remains in doubt. Reflecting on the team’s defensive hiccups in their previous game, Diggs succinctly described it as "Unacceptable."
Adding to the injuries, Mazi Smith left practice on Wednesday with a back injury and subsequently missed Thursday's session. His status for the upcoming game is uncertain, and his absence could impact the Cowboys' defensive lineup.
Jake Ferguson's Return
Tight end Jake Ferguson, who missed the last game against the New Orleans Saints due to a bone bruise and MCL sprain, has made a limited return to practice. His presence on the field is eagerly anticipated, not just for his athletic prowess but also for his leadership. Dallas coach Mike McCarthy commented, "Jake's a big part of the heart and soul of that locker room. No question about it. ... I'm hopeful he can play."
Quarterback Dak Prescott also expressed confidence in Ferguson's return, praising his teammate's abilities, "Oh, Jake will be awesome. He's looked great. ... But he's obviously been out there. He's looked good."
Baltimore's Injury Report
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens are dealing with their own injury concerns. Rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins participated only partially in Thursday's practice due to a neck/concussion injury. Kyle Hamilton, who had been sidelined with a back issue, returned to practice in a limited capacity.
Previous Performance
The Cowboys are coming off a tough loss against the New Orleans Saints, a game in which they allowed the Saints to score touchdowns on each of their first six drives. Running back Alvin Kamara was a menace on the field, rushing for 115 yards and scoring three touchdowns. This defensive lapse is something the Cowboys are keen to address before facing Baltimore.
Despite the loss, there were some bright spots for Dallas. Luke Schoonmaker had an impressive showing, catching all six of his targets and accumulating 43 receiving yards. Prescott acknowledged the efforts of Schoonmaker and undrafted rookie Brevyn Spann-Ford, stating, "Those young tight ends did a good job. Simply, they did a good job. ... They made some plays, but [the game] just got away from us."
As they head into Week 3, the Cowboys are focused on overcoming these challenges, both in terms of player injuries and previous performance shortcomings. The team's ability to adapt and rally in the face of adversity will be crucial as they strive for a successful outing against the Ravens.