Cowboys' Injury Woes Cast Shadow Over Week 3 Preparations
The Dallas Cowboys are facing a tricky start to their Week 3 preparations as they juggle multiple injuries ahead of their anticipated clash with the Baltimore Ravens. Key players were noticeably absent from practice, raising concerns about their availability for the upcoming game.
Among the notable absentees was wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who missed practice due to an ankle injury. In addition, cornerback Trevon Diggs was out with a foot injury. Despite their absence from practice, both Lamb and Diggs were seen walking around the locker room without any apparent discomfort. Head coach Mike McCarthy mentioned that a clearer assessment of their condition would come after Thursday’s padded practice, offering a glimmer of hope for the Cowboys' fans. "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.
Meanwhile, DaRon Bland was spotted working off to the side with the team's director of rehab, Britt Brown. Bland missed Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints after undergoing a procedure for a stress fracture in his foot. His return to limited practice raises expectations, though whether he will be game-ready remains uncertain.
The Cowboys' defense struggled significantly in Week 2 against the Saints, allowing touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives. This performance underscored the critical need for a healthy and cohesive defensive lineup in future games.
Another player under the injury spotlight is tight end Jake Ferguson, who participated in practice on a limited basis on Wednesday. Ferguson was sidelined for the Week 2 game against the Saints due to a bone bruise and MCL sprain sustained in the second half of the Cowboys’ Week 1 victory over the Cleveland Browns. His absence was deeply felt, both on and off the field. Coach McCarthy emphasized Ferguson's importance to the team, stating, "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 also highlighted the contributions of the younger tight ends in Ferguson's absence. "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," Prescott noted.
Adding to the Cowboys' injury concerns, rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith had to leave practice early on Wednesday due to a back injury. Smith's early departure marks another potential complication for a team already navigating a complex injury landscape.
As the Cowboys advance through their preparations, the health and readiness of their key players will undoubtedly remain a focal point. The team's ability to adapt and compensate for these injuries could be a decisive factor in their performance against the Ravens. Only time will tell if the Cowboys can rally through their injury woes and bring a solid game to the field in Week 3.