The Dallas Cowboys are taking a cautious approach as they ready themselves for their Week 3 clash with the Baltimore Ravens. With a number of key players nursing injuries, the team is carefully managing its roster in the hopes of having a fit and formidable lineup on game day.
Key Players Sit Out Practice
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs both missed practice due to injuries, Lamb dealing with an ankle issue and Diggs with a foot problem. Despite their absences, the sight of both players moving around the locker room without visible discomfort offered a glimmer of hope. Head Coach Mike McCarthy remained measured, indicating that a more accurate assessment would come 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 remarked.
Rehab and Returns
DaRon Bland, another vital member of the roster, was seen at practice, though his participation was limited to working alongside the team’s director of rehab, Britt Brown. Bland, who missed Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints due to a procedure for a stress fracture in his foot, is making a cautious return to avoid further complications. The Cowboys' defense felt his absence acutely last week, conceding touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives.
The Impact of Missing Pieces
Jake Ferguson, the key tight end, was also a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. Ferguson had to sit out the Week 2 game as well, sidelined by a bone bruise and an MCL sprain he sustained during the second half of the Cowboys' Week 1 victory over the Browns. Coach McCarthy optimistically acknowledged Ferguson's contributions: "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 emphasized Ferguson's significance to the team, noting, "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."
Emerging Concerns
Further adding to the Cowboys' injury woes, rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith had to leave practice early on Wednesday after experiencing a back injury. As the Cowboys prepare for their challenging matchup against the Ravens, the health and readiness of these players will undoubtedly be a focal point in their strategy discussions and preparations.
Despite these setbacks, the Cowboys are showing resilience and strategic planning. The week ahead will be telling as updates on these players' conditions pour in and decisions are made in preparing for a critical game. With a measured approach and keen focus on rehabilitation, the Cowboys are setting their sights on deploying a squad capable of competing at the highest level come Sunday.