Head coach Mike McCarthy and the Dallas Cowboys are preparing for an early season home challenge on Sunday against reigning league MVP Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. Both the Ravens and Cowboys are coming off disappointing Week 2 losses, and McCarthy hopes his team can rebound from their poor showing against the New Orleans Saints.
Adding to the Cowboys’ concerns is the fact that two of their top players are currently listed as questionable. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, recently one of the highest-paid at his position, is dealing with an ankle injury, while cornerback Trevon Diggs, who missed most of last season with a torn ACL, is nursing a foot injury.
However, according to recent reports, McCarthy isn’t overly concerned about either player’s status, per NFL insider Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy described the injuries to WR CeeDee Lamb and CB Trevon Diggs as ‘not of high concern.’ Both will be limited today,” Rapoport reported.
Additionally, tight end Jake Ferguson practiced on Thursday despite a knee issue, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith, dealing with a back injury, was absent from the portion of practice open to the media, per Jon Machota of The Athletic on X.
A compelling matchup
It’s unusual for a team to be in a “must-win” scenario by Week 3, but that’s exactly where the Ravens find themselves after losing their first two games, with more tough contests looming after the Cowboys.
Baltimore’s typically solid defense has looked vulnerable this year, which could benefit a Cowboys team that struggled mightily last Sunday.
While quarterback Dak Prescott played reasonably well, particularly in the first half, the Dallas defense was overwhelmed by the Saints every time down the field. Whether that was a one-time lapse or a sign of a bigger issue remains unclear.
The Cowboys also face pressure, as they hadn’t lost a regular-season home game in over two years before Sunday’s loss, and back-to-back home defeats would be a major shock, even with the New York Giants next on the schedule.
Regardless, America’s Game of the Week between the Cowboys and Ravens is scheduled to kick off at 4:25 PM ET from AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The game will be broadcast nationally by FOX.
