SAN DIEGO -- The Cowboys have two available roster spots, and with the injury to wide receiver Dez Bryant, who has patella tendinitis in his right knee, they are short at wide receiver.

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The offensive line has some health issues too, but the return of guard Nate Livings to Monday's practice solidified that position a little bit.

Coach Jason Garrett said the team is always evaluating the roster, but there doesn't appear to be a rush to get any new players in. However, things could change if injuries to wide receivers Donovan Kemp (knee), Andre Holmes (back) and Bryant (knee) appear serious.

"We've just got to evaluate what the MRIs say," Garrett said. "Then we have to make our best decision from there, whether it's a young guy for legs or a veteran player because we just need an experienced player. So we'll go through the evaluations of whose available based on what we hear from the MRIs."

There are a few reasons why the Cowboys might not sign a player:

* Signing a free agent -- such as Plaxico Burress, for example -- doesn't mean that player can participate right away. Based on the new collective bargaining agreement, a player has to wait three days before practicing in full pads. But if a players is released from an NFL team and signs with another, he can practice immediately.

* The first cut-down day is Monday, Aug. 27. The Cowboys have to reduce the roster from 88 players to 75. It just doesn't make sense to add players with the first roster reduction date forthcoming.

*The Cowboys don't want to sign just anybody. If you remember, the Cowboys worked out four offensive linemen when injures threatened the depth of the unit. Derrick Dockery and Daniel Loper signed, but Montrae Holland, after a strong workout, couldn't come to terms on a contract. Jamaal Jackson also worked out, but the team didn't like his performance, so it passed on him.