IRVING, Texas -- Jason Witten’s first practice in pads since suffering a lacerated spleen on Aug. 13 went well even if the Cowboys’ seven-time Pro Bowl tight end was limited in his on-field work.

“I haven’t been cleared yet but I’m doing everything I can to put myself in position to play,” Witten said.

Witten said a date is not set for him to be evaluated again by the medical staff, but it will happen before Wednesday’s opener against the New York Giants. He had a scan of his spleen performed Aug. 24 which revealed healing, but he was not cleared by the doctors to resume full practice.

Witten said the team has started the process of looking at extra protection for his midsection should he be able to play against the Giants.

“I hope so obviously but it’s beyond just me,” Witten said if he feels like there is a chance he could play. “Obviously this is a big game for us.”

The Cowboys are not required to issue an injury report today to disclose how much a player participated in practice. Witten was in pads for the part of practice that was open to the media but did not take part in running period drills to avoid contact.

The Cowboys have prepared for the possibility of not having Witten against New York by claiming tight end Colin Cochart off waivers from Cincinnati. He is expected to be at Sunday’s practice and he could be available as the No. 3 tight end behind John Phillips and James Hanna.