The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for a crucial Week 3 showdown against the Baltimore Ravens, but their preparations have been marred by a spate of injuries to key players. This challenging situation comes on the heels of their recent disappointing loss to the New Orleans Saints, where defensive lapses proved costly.
Injury Concerns
Injuries have cast a shadow over the Cowboys' training sessions this week. Star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs were notable absentees from Wednesday's practice due to ankle and foot issues, respectively. Both players made a limited return on Thursday, with Diggs participating primarily in stretching exercises under the supervision of director of rehabilitation Britt Brown. Whether he will be able to play at his best against the Ravens remains uncertain.
"Ankle is cool. It was sore yesterday, so I took a day [on Wednesday]," Lamb remarked regarding his condition, expressing cautious optimism.
Adding to the Cowboys' injury woes is tight end Jake Ferguson, who missed the game against the Saints due to a bone bruise and MCL sprain. Ferguson practiced in a limited capacity on both Wednesday and Thursday, but his status for the game against Baltimore hangs in the balance.
Head coach Mike McCarthy shared a positive update on Ferguson's progress, stating, "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."
A Struggling Defense
The Cowboys' defense has come under scrutiny following their recent performance against the Saints, where they allowed touchdowns on each of the first six drives. This alarming lapse was epitomized by Alvin Kamara's standout performance, rushing for 115 yards and scoring three touchdowns.
Diggs did not mince words when describing the defensive performance: "Unacceptable."
The defense's lackluster showing was a significant factor in the team's 34-17 loss to New Orleans. In a game where injuries were already stretching the Cowboys thin, the absence of consistent defensive pressure made the difference.
Offensive Highlights
Amid the defensive struggles, the Cowboys' offense had moments of promise. Luke Schoonmaker, stepping up in Ferguson's absence, caught all six of his targets, totaling 43 receiving yards. The contributions from young players like Schoonmaker and undrafted rookie Brevyn Spann-Ford provide a silver lining amid the defeats and injuries.
Quarterback Dak Prescott praised the tight ends for their efforts, saying, "Everywhere. I guess you can say that those young tight ends 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."
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/concussion injury. Additionally, Kyle Hamilton returned to practice in a limited fashion after recovering from a back injury.
Looking Ahead
As they prepare for the encounter with the Ravens, the Cowboys are focused on addressing their defensive frailties while hoping that key players can recover in time. The health of Lamb, Diggs, and Ferguson will play a crucial role in the Cowboys' efforts to bounce back from their recent setback.
Coach McCarthy summed up the situation well, emphasizing the significant role Ferguson plays within the team: "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."
With both teams grappling with injuries, the Week 3 clash promises to be a test of depth and resilience. The Cowboys will seek redemption after a lackluster defensive showing, while the Ravens aim to leverage any weaknesses exposed during Dallas’s recent struggles.