The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for their Week 3 showdown against the Baltimore Ravens, but their preparations have been overshadowed by a series of injuries to key players. The Cowboys are coming off a tough loss to the New Orleans Saints, where they struggled defensively, allowing touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives. A standout performance by Alvin Kamara, who rushed for 115 yards and scored three touchdowns, only added to the Cowboys' woes.
Injury Concerns
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs missed practice on Wednesday due to ankle and foot injuries, respectively. However, both managed a limited return to practice on Thursday. Diggs' participation was restricted to stretching exercises and working with the team's director of rehab, Britt Brown. His availability for the game against Baltimore remains uncertain. Reflecting on his condition, Lamb said, "Ankle is cool. It was sore yesterday, so I took a day [on Wednesday]."
Further complicating matters, linebacker Jake Ferguson, who missed the game against the Saints due to a bone bruise and MCL sprain, practiced in a limited capacity on both days. His potential return is eagerly anticipated by the Cowboys, with quarterback Dak Prescott expressing confidence in his recovery. "Oh, Jake will be awesome. He's looked great," Prescott remarked. "If it's a different game later in the season, Jake probably could have gone then. But he's obviously been out there and looked good."
Ravens' Injury Report
The Ravens are not without their own injury concerns. Rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins was a limited participant in Thursday's practice due to a neck/concussion injury. Safety Kyle Hamilton also returned to practice in a limited fashion following a back injury. These updates indicate a challenging game ahead for both teams, given the pivotal roles these players hold on their respective rosters.
Coaching and Gameplay Insights
Head Coach Mike McCarthy is cautiously hopeful about the availability of his injured players. Regarding Diggs' situation, he stated, "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." McCarthy also acknowledged Ferguson's importance to the team: "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."
Defensive Challenges
Following their defensive lapses against the Saints, Trevon Diggs candidly described the performance as "unacceptable." The Cowboys gave up significant ground in a game that quickly slipped away from them. Despite these issues, Prescott was keen to highlight the contributions from younger players like tight end Luke Schoonmaker, who caught all six of his targets for 43 yards. "Everywhere. I guess you can say that those young tight ends did a good job," Prescott noted. "Jake's more than just a tight end on Sunday. He's an aggressor. He brings a physical nature to this group." Prescott's comments underscore Ferguson's invaluable role both on and off the field.
Looking Ahead
As the Cowboys prepare to face the Ravens, the lingering injuries cast a shadow over their readiness. Yet, the limited returns to practice offer a glimmer of hope for a more competitive outing. McCarthy's strategic planning will be crucial in navigating these challenges, ensuring that both the team's veterans and emerging talents are optimally utilized. With the pressure mounting, the Cowboys will need to tighten their defense and find ways to leverage their strengths against a formidable Ravens' side.
This game promises to be a test of resilience and tactical prowess for Dallas. As fans eagerly await the kickoff, the overarching narrative remains one of adaptation and recovery. Whether the Cowboys can bounce back from their previous defeat and contend with the absence of key players will be the defining storyline of this high-stakes encounter.