The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for their Week 3 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, but this preparation comes amidst a slew of injuries to key players, raising questions about their readiness and overall team performance.
In their previous game, the Cowboys faced a tough loss to the New Orleans Saints. The Saints dominated early, scoring touchdowns on each of their first six drives, a situation which star cornerback Trevon Diggs described as "Unacceptable." To compound their troubles, the Dallas defense allowed Alvin Kamara to rush for 115 yards and secure three touchdowns.
Injury Concerns
Heading into this crucial contest against the Ravens, the Cowboys are confronting a concerning list of injuries. Receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs, significant contributors on both sides of the ball, are currently nursing injuries. Lamb, dealing with an ankle issue, missed practice on Wednesday but made a limited return on Thursday. He downplayed the severity, stating, "Ankle is cool. It was sore yesterday, so I took a day."
Diggs, struggling with a foot injury, participated in stretching exercises but spent much of practice under the supervision of Britt Brown, the director of rehab. His involvement in Sunday's game remains uncertain, and his performance against the Ravens holds significant weight for the Cowboys' defensive schemes.
The Tight End Situation
Tight end Jake Ferguson's absence was felt keenly during the Saints game, as he was sidelined with a bone bruise and MCL sprain. He practiced in a limited capacity on both Wednesday and Thursday. Head coach Mike McCarthy expressed optimism about Ferguson’s return, noting, "Jake's a big part of the heart and soul of that locker room. No question about it... I'm hopeful he can play."
Quarterback Dak Prescott also commented on Ferguson's status, suggesting that if the previous game had higher stakes, Ferguson might have played. Prescott praised the tight end's recovery, saying, "He's looked great. He looked great last week... Jake probably could have went then. But he's obviously been out there. He's looked good."
In Ferguson's absence, Luke Schoonmaker stepped up, catching all six of his targets and accumulating 43 receiving yards. Prescott acknowledged the efforts of the tight end group, particularly Schoonmaker and undrafted rookie Brevyn Spann-Ford: "Those young tight ends did a good job... but [the game] just got away from us."
Ravens’ Health Woes
The Ravens are not without their own injury issues. Rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins was a limited participant during Thursday's practice due to a neck and concussion injury. Additionally, safety Kyle Hamilton, battling a back injury, returned to practice in a limited capacity.
Compounding Issues
The Cowboys’ injury list widened with defensive tackle Mazi Smith leaving Wednesday's practice due to a back injury and subsequently missing Thursday's practice. This adds more pressure on the squad to reorganize and ensure reliable backups are ready to step up.
Despite these setbacks, team morale seems relatively steady. McCarthy has maintained a cautious optimism about his players' recoveries and potential game readiness. His strategic approach and the team's resilience will be critical as they face a formidable Ravens squad.
The anticipation and uncertainty surrounding this game lie not just in the outcomes on the field but in the battle against injuries. As the Cowboys prepare to take on the Ravens, the resilience and adaptability of their roster will be tested under the spotlight. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see how these injuries influence the game’s dynamic and the Cowboys’ broader season trajectory.