FRISCO, Texas — What was initially expected is becoming increasingly more likely as it relates to the status of Jake Ferguson. The Pro Bowl tight end exited the battle against the Houston Texans early on with a concussion and did not return and, given the protocol and the fact the Dallas Cowboys are operating on a short week, chances are he won't take the field in Week 12.
"I think Jake will be hard-pressed to be available," said head coach Mike McCarthy on Tuesday.
If Ferguson is ruled out, it will be the latest of several blows that have struck the offense in 2024, headlined by the season-ending hamstring injury to Dak Prescutt but also including a growing stint on injured reserve by wide receiver Brandin Cooks.
And then there is the latest round of injuries that include Zack Martin, Tyler Smith and Tyler Guyton — three starting offensive linemen (two All-Pros and one future Hall of Famer) — who are all still being evaluated to determine their status for the trip this coming weekend to the nation's capital.
McCarthy, however, is optimistic the Cowboys could get some reinforcements on one or both sides of the ball over the next few days.
"We [will] hopefully get some guys back this week," he said. "So that's where we're hoping it balances out."
For the offense, a one-game stint on inactives is in play for fullback Hunter Luepke with a calf injury and, more importantly, this could be the first week in which Cooks gets back into the mix in practice with a goal of suiting up soon.
But, though he didn't state it directly, DaRon Bland has to be biggest name being eyed for a potential return, given the fact he returned to practice ahead of the Detroit Lions game but has yet to practice since as he deals with continued symptoms of a stress fracture in his foot that was surgically repaired before the season got underway.
Having been activated to the 53-man roster two weeks ago, it's possible he finally makes his 2024 debut and, if he does, it could finally mark the first time he's been on the field at the same time as Trevon Diggs and Jourdan Lewis in a starting capacity.
Lewis will need to work himself back to play as well though, having missed the bout against the Texans with a neck injury.
And, defensively, there might be more on the way, also helping to balance the scale of what appears to be a dark cloud on the horizon for safety Markquese Bell and his shoulder.
Marshawn Kneeland, the team's rookie second-round pick, is eligible to return to practice, effective last week, as is Pro Bowl edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence, though the latter appears to need more time in his recovery.
It's key to note that while this is a short week for the Cowboys, and will get even shorter as they head into Thanksgiving versus the New York Giants, the timing and schedule will play just as much into the decision of who and when as will the medical evaluations.
"I would say it's definitely part of the equation, without a doubt," McCarthy said. "If they're not fully capable of playing this week then, next week, the question we'll be talking about here, when we get to Sunday, is more of the guys with the potential of coming back — how much they expect to play. You can't just bring guys back and expect them to play 50-60 plays."
Currently owners of a 3-7 record, every little bit helps for a team ravaged by both injury and misfortune this season.
