Cowboys Face Uncertain Prospects Ahead of Week 3 Clash with Ravens
As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for their Week 3 faceoff against the Baltimore Ravens, the team finds itself under pressure to bounce back from a challenging recent performance marred by injuries to several key players. The team’s latest setback was a heavy loss to the New Orleans Saints, where they allowed touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives, a performance described by cornerback Trevon Diggs as "unacceptable."
The Cowboys are not just battling opponents; they are also fighting through a slew of injuries that have hit key players. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs, who missed practice on Wednesday due to ankle and foot injuries, respectively, made limited returns on Thursday. Though Diggs' participation was restricted to stretching and rehab work with director Britt Brown, his readiness for the Ravens game remains uncertain.
"Ankle is cool. It was sore yesterday, so I took a day [on Wednesday]," Lamb reported, signaling cautious optimism about his recovery.
More concern hovers around tight end Jake Ferguson, who missed the game against the Saints with a bone bruise and MCL sprain. Though Ferguson practiced on a limited basis both Wednesday and Thursday, head coach Mike McCarthy's hopeful tone left plenty of room for uncertainty. "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," McCarthy shared.
Quarterback Dak Prescott echoed this sentiment, praising Ferguson's tenacity and expressing confidence in his return. "Oh, Jake will be awesome. He's looked great. He looked great last week. You tried me last week, too. I think if it's a different game last week, more important game later in the season type of deal, that Jake probably could have went then. But he's obviously been out there. He's looked good," Prescott indicated.
In addition to the injuries on the Cowboys' roster, the Baltimore Ravens are also dealing with their share of setbacks. Rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins was a limited participant in Thursday’s practice due to a neck and concussion issue, and safety Kyle Hamilton managed a limited return following a back injury.
The Cowboys' defensive struggles were put on full display in their loss to the Saints, with running back Alvin Kamara rushing for 115 yards and scoring three touchdowns. Despite this, some bright spots emerged, notably the performance of tight ends Luke Schoonmaker and undrafted rookie Brevyn Spann-Ford. Schoonmaker caught all six of his targets, accumulating 43 receiving yards.
Reflecting on the game, Prescott highlighted the importance of Ferguson's leadership while also commending the contributions of Schoonmaker and Spann-Ford. "Everywhere. I guess you can say that those young tight ends [Schoonmaker and 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," Prescott said.
Adding to the list of concerns, defensive tackle Mazi Smith left Wednesday’s practice early due to a back injury and did not participate on Thursday. This absence compounds the defensive woes the Cowboys need to address to mount a successful campaign in the upcoming game against a resilient Ravens team.
Head coach Mike McCarthy summarized the cautious approach the team is taking with injuries. "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 explained regarding the process of assessing player readiness.
With crucial players like Lamb, Diggs, and Ferguson fighting to return, the Cowboys must not only attend to their physical health but also address the strategic lapses exposed in their recent defeat. As Week 3 approaches, the Dallas franchise hopes to rally its roster and fan base, striving for a stronger showing against the Baltimore Ravens.