Cowboys starters Barber, Ware day to day after missed practice
Associated Press
IRVING, Texas -- Dallas linebacker DeMarcus Ware and running back Marion Barber were not at practice Monday, the first time the Cowboys were back on the field since both were injured Thanksgiving Day.
Coach Wade Phillips said both players were "day to day." Ware, the NFL sacks leader, has a hyperextended left knee and Barber has a dislocated right pinkie toe.
"We'll see how they are," Phillips said before the early portion of practice opened to reporters.
MRI exams Friday revealed no significant damage for Ware and Barber. Both got hurt in the Cowboys' 34-9 victory over Seattle. Phillips expects Ware to practice this week, but was less certain about Barber.
"It depends on what the doctors say," Phillips said. "We want to make sure he can obviously do the things he needs to do. How long that takes and what we have to do as far as practice is concerned, I don't know. Earlier, (doctors) said he would have to stay out during the week, but I don't know if that is the case or not."
Even if Barber is not able to go through contact drills, Phillips said the running back would take part in daily walkthroughs as the team prepares for Sunday's game at Pittsburgh.
Barber got hurt when someone stepped on his foot in the first half Thursday. After X-rays revealed no broken bone, Barber returned after halftime and had only one more carry, leaving the game for good after a 4-yard run midway through the third quarter.
A few plays later, Ware got hurt when his leg turned awkwardly on consecutive steps while rushing the quarterback. He dropped to the ground, and was tended to on the field before walking off under his own power.
Ware had three sacks in the game, pushing his season total to 15.
The Cowboys put left guard Kyle Kosier on injured reserve, ending his season after he played in only three games because of a right foot injury. Kosier re-injured his foot twice trying to return. He played in only one of the first nine games, then got back for only two more before missing Thursday. Dallas signed rookie linebacker Steve Octavien off Washington's practice squad.
Cornerback Adam Jones will be eligible to play Sunday after his six-game suspension. Jones has already returned to practice, but the Cowboys still have a roster exemption and do not yet have to put him on their 53-man roster.
Cornerback Mike Jenkins (hamstring) and receiver Miles Austin (sprained left knee) were held out of practice Monday.
