The Dallas Cowboys have entered Week 3 with caution, managing a slew of injuries as they gear up for their crucial showdown against the Baltimore Ravens. In the midst of their preparation, the health status of key players has emerged as a major story.
CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs Sit Out Practice
One of the most notable absences at practice was wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who missed the session due to an ankle injury. Cornerback Trevon Diggs was also absent, sidelined with a foot injury. Despite their non-participation in practice, both Lamb and Diggs were spotted walking around the locker room without any noticeable discomfort.
Head coach Mike McCarthy has taken a pragmatic approach, stating that a more definitive assessment of their conditions would be made after Thursday's padded practice. "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 noted.
DaRon Bland Works on Recovery
DaRon Bland made his presence felt at practice, albeit on the periphery. Working with the team's director of rehab, Britt Brown, Bland has been on the road to recovery after missing Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints due to a procedure to address a stress fracture in his foot. His return to practice hints at a possible comeback, but the timeline remains uncertain.
The Cowboys' defense struggled in Bland's absence, conceding touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives in what was a tough outing for the squad.
Jake Ferguson's Status Remains Unclear
An injury report from Wednesday’s practice listed Jake Ferguson as a limited participant. Ferguson had missed the Week 2 game against the Saints due to a bone bruise and MCL sprain, injuries he sustained in the second half of the Cowboys’ Week 1 victory over the Browns. Coach McCarthy has emphasized Ferguson's value to the team: "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 shared his thoughts on Ferguson’s impact and the performance of his replacements. "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."
Rookie Mazi Smith Adds to Injury Woes
Adding to the Cowboys' injury concerns, rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith had to leave practice early on Wednesday due to a back injury. The severity of Smith’s condition will likely be monitored closely in the coming days as the team braces for another challenging matchup.
As the Cowboys navigate these injury clouds, the team's depth and resilience will be put to the test. The coming days will be crucial in determining who will be fit to take the field on Sunday against the formidable Ravens, a game that could very well hinge on the physical readiness of these key players. Coach McCarthy and his staff are undoubtedly hoping for positive updates to aid their preparations.