The Dallas Cowboys began their Week 3 preparations with a sense of caution as several key players were sidelined due to injuries. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs both missed practice sessions, raising concerns among fans and team coaches alike. Lamb was nursing an ankle injury, while Diggs was dealing with a foot issue. However, there appeared to be some hope as both players were seen moving around the locker room without significant discomfort.
Head coach Mike McCarthy expressed optimism but emphasized the need for further evaluation. "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 said, outlining the tentative approach the team is taking with their injured stars.
DaRon Bland was also on the sidelines, closely working with the team’s director of rehab, Britt Brown. Bland, who underwent a procedure for a stress fracture in his foot, missed the Week 2 game against the New Orleans Saints. His presence at practice, albeit limited, signals a progressive step in his recovery. This is crucial for the Cowboys' defense, which struggled significantly in their last outing, conceding touchdowns on each of the Saints’ first six drives.
Another notable injury concern is tight end Jake Ferguson. After missing the Week 2 game due to a bone bruise and MCL sprain, Ferguson was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice. The injuries were sustained during the second half of the Cowboys’ season opener against the Cleveland Browns. Despite the setbacks, Ferguson's limited practice participation is seen as a positive development. McCarthy noted, "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 weighed in on Ferguson's impact and the efforts of other tight ends in his 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," said Prescott.
However, the team’s injury woes didn’t stop there. Rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith left practice early on Wednesday with a back injury, adding to the growing list of concerns for the Cowboys’ defense. McCarthy and his team will be keenly monitoring the status of these players as they continue their preparations, with a clearer assessment expected following Thursday’s padded practice session.
In a game as physically demanding as football, injuries are an inevitable part of the journey. The Cowboys are no strangers to this reality and are navigating it with a strategy of patience and careful management. As the team heads into their showdown with the Baltimore Ravens, the potential return of key players like Lamb, Diggs, and Ferguson could significantly alter their fortunes. For now, the emphasis remains on their recovery, ensuring they are not rushed back prematurely.
The upcoming days will be pivotal for the Cowboys as they aim to bounce back from their Week 2 defeat and solidify their lineup for the challenges ahead. The focus on injury management underscores the delicate balance between pushing for immediate results and safeguarding the long-term health of players, a balancing act that Coach McCarthy and his staff will need to master as the season progresses.