The Dallas Cowboys entered Week 3 preparations with a cautious approach, focusing on managing a series of injuries as they gear up for their encounter with the Baltimore Ravens. The medical report has become a focal point for the team, revealing several key players on the mend.
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was a notable absentee from practice, sitting out due to an ankle injury. Similarly, cornerback Trevon Diggs missed practice because of a foot issue. However, there was a glimmer of optimism, as both players were observed moving around the locker room without any visible signs of discomfort. Coach Mike McCarthy emphasized that a more concrete assessment of their conditions 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.
Meanwhile, DaRon Bland returned to practice, albeit in a limited capacity. The cornerback, who missed Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints due to a stress fracture in his foot, was seen working on individual drills with the team's director of rehab, Britt Brown. The Cowboys sorely missed Bland’s presence in the secondary, as evidenced by the defense conceding touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives.
Adding to the injury concerns was tight end Jake Ferguson, who participated in practice on a limited basis on Wednesday. Ferguson had been sidelined for the Week 2 clash against the Saints after suffering a bone bruise and MCL sprain during the second half of the Cowboys' Week 1 victory over the Browns. His return is eagerly anticipated, not just for his contributions on the field but for the intangibles he brings. "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 stated.
Quarterback Dak Prescott also acknowledged Ferguson's vital role in the team, despite the solid efforts of his replacements. "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," Prescott explained.
Rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith's situation added another layer of complexity. Smith had to leave Wednesday’s practice early due to a back injury, adding to the list of players whose availability remains uncertain for the upcoming matchup against the Ravens.
As the Cowboys inch closer to kick-off, the health and recovery of these key players will undoubtedly be a major storyline to follow. With Coach McCarthy and the medical staff taking a cautious approach, the team hopes to regain its form and resilience. Thursday's padded practice will serve as a crucial checkpoint to determine whether their stars can make a triumphant return or if adjustments will need to be made to their game plan. For now, the Cowboys and their fans hold their breath, awaiting the critical updates that could shape their Week 3 fate.