Morris Claiborne expected to miss preseason opener

August, 9, 2012
8/09/12
4:05
PM CT
OXNARD, Calif. -- It's not a surprise, but first-round pick Morris Claiborne is expected to miss the preseason opener between the Cowboys and Oakland Raiders on Monday night.

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"Has not been ruled out," Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said. "We'll see how it will go in the next couple of days."

Claiborne is still recovering from a sprained MCL and the goal is for him to play the second preseason game Aug. 18 at San Diego.

However, Claiborne was able to participate in Thursday's walkthrough and said he'll wear pads for Friday's practice.

"It felt alright," Claiborne said of getting back Thursday. "It's feeling better. I'm doing a little bit more rehab and try and get it going tomorrow. It's always good to get some reps and it sounds like I'm repeating this over again from a couple of months ago but it felt good just to get it in and the mental reps."

Claiborne missed the offseason workouts as he recovered from wrist surgery. After starting training camp, he suffered the knee injury and is now out.

"I know what's at stake," said Claiborne, who will wear a sleeve on his knee. "I know what I have to do. I'm not going to sell myself short by not paying attention and not doing what I need to do to get back on the field."
Calvin Watkins joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He's covered the Cowboys since 2006 and also has covered colleges, boxing and high school sports.

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