Post by golden on Nov 11, 2008 10:26:37 GMT -7
IRVING, Texas - For a few weeks, the plan has been to have everyone healthy and ready to go when the Cowboys roll into FedEx Field Sunday night. Except for a first-round pick, they're almost there.
Felix Jones, who hasn't practiced since injuring his left hamstring Oct. 12 against Arizona, did not return for Monday morning's workout, instead rehabbing with trainers off to the side. Tony Romo (finger), Kyle Kosier (foot) and Terence Newman (abdomen) all practiced, and Jones said he expects to be back to work Wednesday after an off-day Tuesday.
"Yea," Jones said. "I'll be out there (Wednesday). They told me to get my rest. This was something that needed to get totally healed before I get back on the field, otherwise we could have more problems with it. I listened to it and I think I'm feeling really good and I'll be ready to play this coming Sunday."
Assuming Jones is able to play Sunday, the Cowboys will be with their full complement of offensive weapons healthy for the first time since early in the second half against the Cardinals over a month ago. His return would essentially give the offense something it didn't have in the 26-24 home loss to Washington back on Sept. 28, since Jones had no carries in the game.
Jones ran straight ahead at full speed last week, and said he is also able to make all his usual cuts. Knowing that, Jones said he probably could have practiced Monday.
"I feel like it," he said. "But if rest is more important, I feel like Wednesday I'll be out there ready to go."
With Jones, the Cowboys have a speed back capable of turning a five-yard gain into a 30-yarder - the big-play threat something the running game lacked with only Marion Barber's grinding style in the backfield.
"Obviously you miss him some," Wade Phillips said. "He was the Rookie of the Week three out of the five games. The guy's obviously a talent and we've missed him some, as you miss any player that's productive for you. He wasn't our starter, but he's been productive coming in and playing."
For Phillips, the impact Jones is expected to have in his return is matched by concern because to this point, he still hasn't gotten the go-ahead from the team's medical staff.
"Well, there is always concern, certainly," Phillips said. "He wasn't ready to practice today. We were optimistic last week. We thought he may be able to practice today but wasn't able to. He's still rehabbing. So we'll just kind of go from there."
Phillips said even if Jones was cleared to play Sunday, the team might want to work him in slowly, which might mean he doesn't resume his job as kickoff returner right away.
Felix Jones, who hasn't practiced since injuring his left hamstring Oct. 12 against Arizona, did not return for Monday morning's workout, instead rehabbing with trainers off to the side. Tony Romo (finger), Kyle Kosier (foot) and Terence Newman (abdomen) all practiced, and Jones said he expects to be back to work Wednesday after an off-day Tuesday.
"Yea," Jones said. "I'll be out there (Wednesday). They told me to get my rest. This was something that needed to get totally healed before I get back on the field, otherwise we could have more problems with it. I listened to it and I think I'm feeling really good and I'll be ready to play this coming Sunday."
Assuming Jones is able to play Sunday, the Cowboys will be with their full complement of offensive weapons healthy for the first time since early in the second half against the Cardinals over a month ago. His return would essentially give the offense something it didn't have in the 26-24 home loss to Washington back on Sept. 28, since Jones had no carries in the game.
Jones ran straight ahead at full speed last week, and said he is also able to make all his usual cuts. Knowing that, Jones said he probably could have practiced Monday.
"I feel like it," he said. "But if rest is more important, I feel like Wednesday I'll be out there ready to go."
With Jones, the Cowboys have a speed back capable of turning a five-yard gain into a 30-yarder - the big-play threat something the running game lacked with only Marion Barber's grinding style in the backfield.
"Obviously you miss him some," Wade Phillips said. "He was the Rookie of the Week three out of the five games. The guy's obviously a talent and we've missed him some, as you miss any player that's productive for you. He wasn't our starter, but he's been productive coming in and playing."
For Phillips, the impact Jones is expected to have in his return is matched by concern because to this point, he still hasn't gotten the go-ahead from the team's medical staff.
"Well, there is always concern, certainly," Phillips said. "He wasn't ready to practice today. We were optimistic last week. We thought he may be able to practice today but wasn't able to. He's still rehabbing. So we'll just kind of go from there."
Phillips said even if Jones was cleared to play Sunday, the team might want to work him in slowly, which might mean he doesn't resume his job as kickoff returner right away.