The Dallas Cowboys approached their Week 3 preparations with caution as they navigated through a host of injuries. With a significant matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on the horizon, the team's roster shuffled through key players nursing various ailments.
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs were notable absentees from practice due to their respective ankle and foot injuries. Both Lamb and Diggs were spotted walking in the locker room without any visible discomfort, suggesting their conditions might not be severe. However, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy emphasized the importance of Thursday’s padded practice to make a clearer assessment of their readiness.
“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,” said McCarthy. These words reflect the team’s cautious approach and the imperative to avoid aggravating injuries further.
One player trying to make strides back to the field is DaRon Bland. Bland, who missed Week 2’s game against the New Orleans Saints due to a procedure for a stress fracture in his foot, was seen working on the sidelines with the team's director of rehab, Britt Brown. His presence at practice, even in a limited capacity, is a positive sign for a defense that conceded touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives last week.
Adding to the list of injuries, rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith left Wednesday's practice early after sustaining a back injury. Smith’s condition adds another layer of concern for the Cowboys' coaching staff as they strategize for the Ravens game.
Jake Ferguson’s Impact
Tight end Jake Ferguson, who missed the Week 2 contest against New Orleans due to a bone bruise and MCL sprain, was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. Ferguson’s injuries date back to an encounter with the Browns in Week 1, where he sustained his injuries during the second half of the game.
Ferguson's potential return is highly anticipated, as he holds a significant role not just on the field but also within the locker room. McCarthy noted the importance of Ferguson's presence: “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 the sentiment, highlighting the influence Ferguson has on the team's dynamics. “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.”
Next Man Up
As the Cowboys face the uncertainty of their injured star players' statuses, the mantra of "next man up" becomes more pivotal than ever. Despite the solid contributions from young players like Schoonmaker and Spann-Ford in Ferguson's absence, the team's overall performance in Week 2 revealed areas needing improvement.
The readiness of key players such as Lamb, Diggs, Ferguson, and Bland to return to full participation will significantly impact the Cowboys' approach and morale heading into Week 3. Yet, as McCarthy emphasized, the immediate priority is careful assessment and prudent decisions to ensure both short-term and long-term player health.
While the Cowboys' preparation phase for the Ravens showdown began with caution, the prospect of having critical players back on the field brings hope and palpable anticipation. The forthcoming days will be crucial in determining the final lineup and game strategy as Dallas aims to bounce back from their previous week's defensive struggles.
Indeed, the Cowboys' medical and coaching staff face a challenging balancing act of nursing injuries while gearing up the team for a critical game. With continuous updates and assessments, fans eagerly await to see which key players will take the field when the Cowboys face the Ravens.