The start of the 2024 season has seen a lot of surprises, both in terms of teams winning and losing, as well as injuries. The Cowboys endured the same fate during the season-opener victory against the Browns when their TE Jake Ferguson suffered a blow to his knee. Fast forward to the media presser ahead of the week 3 clash and HC Mike McCarthy has brought optimistic news.

“Jake looked good today. I’d put him at a full practice (participation) assessment.” In football terms, that’s practically code for “he’s playing.” But hey, let’s not get too ahead of ourselves, right?

Week 2’s loss to the Saints? Yeah, it was not a good outing. You can even call it a humiliation. 44-19. That’s not a good look for America’s team. But there’s no time to dwell on that disaster when a Week 3 showdown against a hungry Ravens team is just days away.

It was the game where Dallas missed Jake Ferguson, and it was showing. He wasn’t on the field due to an MCL sprain and bone bruise. Cowboys fans have been holding their breath, waiting for good news. And well, Friday brought some. McCarthy’s words sounded more hopeful, hinting that Ferguson’s return could be imminent.

So, should you expect to see Ferguson out there this Sunday against the Ravens? It’s looking promising. But that is it. Promising is what we could expect right now. And to be fair, that’s the best. McCarthy liked what he saw in practice, and insiders like Jon Machota are saying Ferguson “should return Sunday.”

With Ferguson nearly back to full form, Cowboys Nation has something to be excited about as they try to get back in the win column. And not only the fans, but Dak Prescott is excited too.

Jake Ferguson: Dak Prescott’s must-have security blanket

Sure, Luke Schoonmaker had a solid day against the Saints with six catches for 43 yards, including an impressive one-hander. But Brevyn Spann-Ford? Barely made a dent with no catches in 22 snaps. Jake Ferguson’s presence as Dak’s go-to tight end was missed, especially since last season he racked up 71 catches, 761 yards, and five touchdowns—stats that earned him a Pro Bowl nod.

Dak Prescott couldn’t have said it better: “Jake’s more than just a tight end on Sunday. He’s an aggressor. He brings a physical nature… that’s contagious.” That energy? It’s exactly what Dallas needs to get their offense clicking again. And let’s be real, having that “security blanket” back for Dak is huge when the team’s trying to bounce back from a tough loss.

Ferguson’s return could be the game-changer Dallas is hoping for. His knee injury in Week 1 was a blow, but if he’s back healthy against the Ravens, the Cowboys might just cover that 1.5-point underdog spread. What do you think—can Ferguson be the spark that Dallas needs to get back on track?

Besides that, get some information on the current NFL season, college football, and more, with our latest Think Tank exclusive interview segment with Doug Sanders.