Injury Concerns Cloud Cowboys' Preparations for Baltimore Ravens Clash
As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for their crucial Week 3 encounter against the Baltimore Ravens, injuries to several key players present significant challenges for head coach Mike McCarthy and his team. The Cowboys, still reeling from their recent defeat to the New Orleans Saints, lost 34-17, with major lapses in their defensive line.
Key Players with Injuries
CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs missed practice on Wednesday due to ankle and foot injuries, respectively. Fortunately, both players managed a limited return to practice on Thursday, although there remains apprehension regarding their match readiness. Trevon Diggs, in particular, participated in stretching but mainly worked under the guidance of the director of rehab, Britt Brown. Speaking on his ankle injury, Lamb commented, "Ankle is cool. It was sore yesterday, so I took a day [on Wednesday]."
“Unacceptable,” Trevon Diggs remarked about the defense's performance against the Saints, encapsulating the frustration felt within the squad.
In addition to the concerns surrounding Lamb and Diggs, Jake Ferguson missed the game against the Saints due to a bone bruise and MCL sprain. Despite practicing in a limited capacity on both Wednesday and Thursday, his availability for the upcoming game remains uncertain. McCarthy acknowledged 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.”
Baltimore Ravens' Injury Woes
The Baltimore Ravens are not without their own injury concerns. Rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins was a limited participant on Thursday due to a neck and concussion injury, while Kyle Hamilton returned to practice on a limited basis following a back injury. These injuries mean that both teams might face lineup uncertainties as they prepare for the game.
Defensive Struggles
The Cowboys' defense was notably porous against the Saints, allowing touchdowns on each of the first six drives. Alvin Kamara spearheaded the Saints' offensive onslaught with 115 rushing yards and three touchdowns. These performance issues will need rectifying if the Cowboys are to stifle the Ravens' attacking threats.
Mazi Smith's absence looms large as well; Smith left the practice field on Wednesday with a back injury and missed Thursday’s session. His presence on the defensive front has been pivotal, and his potential absence could further expose the Cowboys to Baltimore's offensive schemes.
Offensive Highlights Amid Defensive Woes
Despite the defensive lapses, there were bright spots on the Cowboys' offense. Luke Schoonmaker had a notable performance against the Saints, catching all six of his targets for 43 receiving yards. His consistency provides some optimism for a passing game that has started to show signs of cohesion.
Reflecting on Ferguson's potential return, quarterback Dak Prescott offered a hopeful observation: “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's assertion underscores Ferguson’s value, not just as a receiver but also as a physical presence that the team rallies around.
Looking Ahead
As the Cowboys prepare to face the Ravens, the return to partial training by some players is a promising sign, but the overall uncertainty about their fitness highlights the fragility of the roster. McCarthy outlined the cautious approach with Ferguson: “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.” This cautious optimism extends to the broader team strategy as they attempt to bounce back from their recent loss.
Ultimately, the game against the Ravens will be a litmus test for the Cowboys as they navigate these injury hurdles. Both teams will be looking to their depth and resilience to step up in the face of adversity.