Post by cowboymaniac on Dec 17, 2009 16:45:33 GMT -7
DC.COM:Wait & See Ware Improving, But Status Still Uncertain vs. Saints
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Zach Buchanan - Email
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
December 16, 2009 5:31 PM
IRVING, Texas - Cowboys outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware's strained neck has improved this week, but he missed Wednesday's practice and head coach Wade Phillips said the team hasn't decided whether he'll play Saturday against the Saints.
"It's day-to-day as to how he feels, and whether he can participate tomorrow (Thursday) I think is going to be a key," Phillips said.
There is no structural issue barring Ware's return, according to Phillips, and no possibility of sustaining structural damage to the neck if Ware does play. Instead, Ware's prospects of playing will rely more on the amount of soreness he can handle, the range of motion he has and the strength of the injured muscle.
The final determination could be made as late as game time, although Phillips indicated he'd rather have something resolved before the team flies out of Dallas on Friday afternoon.
So far, Phillips thinks all the signs are pretty good.
"He's almost got full range of motion, I think," Phillips said. "The strength thing I think was the key. He hasn't lost any strength in his neck. If he had weakness there, I think we'd be obviously more concerned and he might be out."
Phillips said it doesn't matter if Ware practices at all before the game. Ware did participate in meetings and a pre-practice walkthrough Wednesday.
"I'm not going to punish him, or the team, if he doesn't practice," Phillips said.
If Ware does play, Phillips said it's likely Ware will received the lion's share of the snaps. If he is relieved, which Phillips said might occur situationally, rookie outside linebacker Victor Butler would be the substitute. Butler, who finished with two tackles and a quarterback pressure after Ware left in the fourth quarter of the loss to the Chargers, would also start if Ware is inactive.
Whatever decision is made, even if it's made at the eleventh hour, Phillips does not think it will hold his game-planning hostage. If the Cowboys plan for Butler to start, having Ware available will be an easy adjustment.
"We can adjust," Phillips said. "Put him in the game, it's pretty easy to make the calls. A lot of times he's rushing."
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LINK
Zach Buchanan - Email
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
December 16, 2009 5:31 PM
IRVING, Texas - Cowboys outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware's strained neck has improved this week, but he missed Wednesday's practice and head coach Wade Phillips said the team hasn't decided whether he'll play Saturday against the Saints.
"It's day-to-day as to how he feels, and whether he can participate tomorrow (Thursday) I think is going to be a key," Phillips said.
There is no structural issue barring Ware's return, according to Phillips, and no possibility of sustaining structural damage to the neck if Ware does play. Instead, Ware's prospects of playing will rely more on the amount of soreness he can handle, the range of motion he has and the strength of the injured muscle.
The final determination could be made as late as game time, although Phillips indicated he'd rather have something resolved before the team flies out of Dallas on Friday afternoon.
So far, Phillips thinks all the signs are pretty good.
"He's almost got full range of motion, I think," Phillips said. "The strength thing I think was the key. He hasn't lost any strength in his neck. If he had weakness there, I think we'd be obviously more concerned and he might be out."
Phillips said it doesn't matter if Ware practices at all before the game. Ware did participate in meetings and a pre-practice walkthrough Wednesday.
"I'm not going to punish him, or the team, if he doesn't practice," Phillips said.
If Ware does play, Phillips said it's likely Ware will received the lion's share of the snaps. If he is relieved, which Phillips said might occur situationally, rookie outside linebacker Victor Butler would be the substitute. Butler, who finished with two tackles and a quarterback pressure after Ware left in the fourth quarter of the loss to the Chargers, would also start if Ware is inactive.
Whatever decision is made, even if it's made at the eleventh hour, Phillips does not think it will hold his game-planning hostage. If the Cowboys plan for Butler to start, having Ware available will be an easy adjustment.
"We can adjust," Phillips said. "Put him in the game, it's pretty easy to make the calls. A lot of times he's rushing."
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