Mazi Smith, Jake Ferguson injury update: Mike McCarthy gives latest on Cowboys stars

Dallas Cowboys (1-1) head coach Mike McCarthy provided updates Friday on the status of defensive tackle Mazi Smith (back) and tight end Jake Ferguson (knee) for this Sunday’s Week 3 home contest against the Baltimore Ravens (0-2).

McCarthy said that Smith is “looking good” and “took a big step in the right direction” during Friday’s practice, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. He said of Ferguson: “Jake looked good today. I’d put him at a full practice [participation] assessment.”

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Smith, the 2023 first round pick out of Michigan, left practice early on Wednesday and did not participate in Thursday’s practice. The Cowboys can ill afford to be without Smith, as they already lost veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips to a wrist injury in this past Sunday’s 44-19 Week 2 defeat to the New Orleans Saints (2-0). Dallas placed Phillips on injured reserve Wednesday, meaning he will be required to miss at minimum the next four games.

New Orleans ran for 190 yards against Dallas in Jerry World. Running back Alvin Kamara scored three of his four touchdowns on the ground. The Cowboys now welcome Baltimore’s potent rushing attack led by quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry.

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Cowboys dealing with numerous injuries heading into Week 3 vs. Ravens

Ferguson did not suit up in Week 2. He sustained an MCL sprain in the 33-17 Week 1 victory over the Cleveland Browns (1-1). The 25-year-old is coming off a breakout season in 2023. Replacing Dalton Schultz as the team’s starting tight end, Ferguson made 71 catches for 761 yards and five touchdowns. He earned his first career Pro Bowl nod. Second-year tight end Luke Schoonmaker stepped up in Ferguson’s absence, hauling in six receptions for 43 yards against the Saints.

Star wideout CeeDee Lamb (ankle) and cornerback Trevon Diggs (foot), both non-participants in Wednesday’s practice, are expected to play against the Ravens, team owner Jerry Jones said Friday.