The Dallas Cowboys commenced their preparations for Week 3 with a degree of caution, as several key players were absent from practice owing to injuries. As the team gears up for a pivotal match against the Baltimore Ravens, the pre-game atmosphere is tinged with uncertainty regarding the fitness of some of its stars.
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was notably absent from practice due to an ankle injury. Meanwhile, cornerback Trevon Diggs also missed out, nursing a foot injury. Both players, however, appeared to be in relatively good spirits, moving around the locker room without noticeable discomfort. This bodes well for the Cowboys, although head coach Mike McCarthy emphasized that a clearer picture of their availability would only emerge after Thursday’s padded practice.
"He's going to start off in the pre-practice and then we'll evaluate from there," McCarthy said. "Hopefully, he can get through the whole practice and see how it goes. This is the first time giving it a chance."
Another player working on his return is cornerback DaRon Bland. Bland has been practicing on the side with the team's director of rehab, Britt Brown, following a procedure for a stress fracture in his foot. Bland’s absence was profoundly felt during Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints— a game where the Cowboys' defense was found wanting, conceding touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives.
The theme of injury did not stop there. Jake Ferguson, who missed the Week 2 clash due to a bone bruise and MCL sprain, was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice. Ferguson's injuries, which were sustained in the Cowboys’ Week 1 win against the Cleveland Browns, have kept him sidelined when his aggressive style of play is most needed.
Quarterback Dak Prescott highlighted Ferguson's significance to the team. "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."
McCarthy echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging Ferguson's vital role. "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 remarked.
To further complicate matters, rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith had to leave Wednesday's practice prematurely due to a back injury. The early departure places additional strain on a defense already grappling with key absences and inconsistent performances.
As the Cowboys navigate these choppy waters, the upcoming days will be crucial in determining the state of their roster for the showdown against the Ravens. The team’s medical staff and coaching personnel will be keeping a close eye on the developments, hoping for minimal setbacks.
Coach McCarthy’s cautious optimism is palpable, reflecting a team on edge but ready to rise to the occasion. As the assessments continue, Cowboys fans remain hopeful that their star players will be back on the field, leading the charge in what promises to be a fierce contest in Week 3.