The Dallas Cowboys are facing a challenging Week 3 as they prepare to take on the Baltimore Ravens, struggling to manage a growing list of injuries among key players. The Cowboys, who are coming off a tough loss to the New Orleans Saints, have several notable players whose status for the upcoming game remains uncertain.
Injury Concerns
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs were notably absent from Wednesday's practice due to ankle and foot injuries, respectively. Both players made a limited return to practice on Thursday, offering a glimmer of hope for the Cowboys' roster. Lamb commented optimistically on his condition, stating, "Ankle is cool. It was sore yesterday, so I took a day [on Wednesday]."
Trevon Diggs was a limited participant, engaging in stretching exercises and working closely with the team's director of rehab, Britt Brown. However, his performance against Baltimore is still uncertain. Reflecting on the team's defensive lapses against the Saints, Diggs remarked, "Unacceptable."
Another player whose participation remains up in the air is tight end Jake Ferguson, who missed the game against the Saints with a bone bruise and MCL sprain. Ferguson practiced in a limited capacity on both Wednesday and Thursday. Head coach Mike McCarthy shared his tentative optimism, stating, "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."
Challenges Against the Saints
The Cowboys' defense allowed New Orleans to score touchdowns on each of their first six drives, creating an insurmountable deficit. Saints running back Alvin Kamara was unstoppable, rushing for 115 yards and scoring three touchdowns. In a game that saw Cowboys’ rookie tight end Luke Schoonmaker catching all six of his targets for 43 receiving yards, the offensive efforts were ultimately overshadowed by defensive shortcomings.
Quarterback Dak Prescott weighed in on 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."
Ravens' Injury Report
The Baltimore Ravens are also dealing with their own injury issues. Rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins was a limited participant in Thursday's practice due to a neck and possible concussion injury. Meanwhile, Kyle Hamilton made a limited return following a back injury, adding yet another layer of complexity to the Ravens' game plan.
Preparation and Prospects
As the Cowboys gear up for their crucial matchup, attention is not only on who will take the field but also on how the team can rebound from their recent loss. The potential return of CeeDee Lamb, Trevon Diggs, and Jake Ferguson could bolster their chances, but their conditions will need to be closely monitored up until game day. Preserving players' health and ensuring they are ready for such an important clash remains a top priority for the coaching staff.
Dak Prescott also expressed confidence in the young tight end corps, praising their efforts 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," he admitted.
With both teams navigating injuries, the Cowboys and Ravens will need to rely on their depth and adaptability as they approach this pivotal game. How each team adjusts and who they can field will play significant roles in the outcome of this highly anticipated showdown.