The Dallas Cowboys have started their preparatory sessions for Week 3 with a degree of caution, as they navigate through a slew of injuries before their upcoming clash with the Baltimore Ravens. The team's focus remains on nursing key players back to full health, a task filled with uncertainty and strategic adjustments.
Key Absences in Practice
CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs, integral components of the Cowboys' roster, were both notably absent from practice. Lamb's ankle injury and Diggs' foot issue kept them off the field. However, any immediate alarm was somewhat mitigated by their casual activity in the locker room, where they appeared to be moving without significant discomfort.
Head coach Mike McCarthy provided some insight into their situations, explaining that a clearer assessment would be possible post-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 stated, illustrating the incremental approach being taken with Lamb.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
DaRon Bland, who missed Week 2 following a procedure for a stress fracture in his foot, was back in the practice environment, albeit working on the sidelines with the team's director of rehab, Britt Brown. Bland's presence bodes well for the Cowboy’s secondary depth, which was visibly lacking during their defeat to the New Orleans Saints. In their Week 2 matchup, the Saints managed to score touchdowns on their first six drives, a glaring exposure of the Cowboys' defensive struggles without Bland.
Jake Ferguson is another player whose return is eagerly anticipated. Limited in practice on Wednesday, Ferguson is recuperating from a bone bruise and MCL sprain incurred during the Cowboys' Week 1 win against the Browns. Missing the Week 2 game, Ferguson's absence was felt deeply within the team dynamics.
The Impact of Ferguson's Absence
Quarterback Dak Prescott emphasized Ferguson's importance to the squad, saying, "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."
Ferguson, who had a promising workout session, is seen as a vital part of the Cowboys' morale and performance. "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," McCarthy relayed.
Further Concerns
Rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith left practice early on Wednesday due to a back injury. Smith's premature exit adds another layer of concern for a defense already thin from injuries. His progress will be monitored closely as the team prepares for a formidable Ravens offense.
As the Cowboys move through their practice sessions this week, their ability to adapt and manage injuries will be crucial. Each player's recovery and readiness could significantly impact their game plan and overall performance. The outcome of their Week 3 showdown remains uncertain, hinging largely on the rehabilitation progress of these key players. The Cowboys' strategy will need to pivot repeatedly as they await definitive updates on their injured roster. For now, the focus stays on careful management and calculated optimism as they brace for the challenges ahead.