Cowboys missing seven players

September, 19, 2012
9/19/12
1:16
PM CT
IRVING, Texas -- The Cowboys returned to practice Wednesday missing seven injured players.

The newest members to this list are linebacker Alex Albright (stinger), defensive end Marcus Spears (ankle), defensive end Kenyon Coleman (knee) and safety Gerald Sensabaugh (calf).

Nose tackle Jay Ratliff (ankle) wasn't in pads but was doing on-field rehab work. Center Phil Costa (back) and safety Matt Johnson (hamstring) continued to miss practice. Costa was hurt just three snaps into the season opener at the New York Giants in Week 1, and Johnson hasn't played or practiced this fall.

Safety Barry Church (quad) was in full pads but it appeared he would be limited in practice.

With Sensabaugh and Church nicked up, it puts a strain on the Cowboys' safeties.

Mana Silva, Danny McCray and Mario Butler are candidates to get playing time at the position. There was a thought cornerback Mike Jenkins could get some snaps at one of the safety spots, which was the case in the Week 2 loss at Seattle, but coach Jason Garrett didn't mention Jenkins as a possible replacement.

For now, the Cowboys like Jenkins to play a free safety/cornerback role off the bench.

Spears replaced Coleman in the lineup at Seattle to start the second half, but Spears' injury is considered minor because he finished the game. If Coleman is out, rookie Tyrone Crawford, who played 10 snaps at Seattle, is expected to get more playing time at end.
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.

SPONSORED HEADLINES

ESPN Conversations


You must be signed in to post a comment

Already have an account?

103.3 FM ESPN PODCASTS

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Todd Archer

Todd Archer joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the latest Tony Romo news and what he will be watching for in OTAs.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Nate Newton

Nate Newton joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss his comments on how Jason Garrett should handle being on the hot seat and not let Jerry Jones get in the way.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Barry Church

Cowboys safety Barry Church joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the new defensive scheme and the impact it will have on him, how much more intense he expects practice to be with Monte Kiffin and his expectations.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Ed Werder

ESPN Insider Ed Werder joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the latest Cowboys news, including Jason Garrett downplaying Tony Romo's involvement in offensive planning and play calling.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: John Lynch

John Lynch joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss playing for Monte Kiffin and Rod Marinelli, why Cowboys fans should be excited about the new defensive staff, why Valley Ranch will no longer resemble a country club and his thoughts on the Cowboys' roster.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Herm Edwards

Herm Edwards joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the latest Cowboys news and give his take on what new face will make the biggest impact for Dallas.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Nate Newton

Nate Newton joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss what he saw at the Cowboys' rookie minicamp and how he helped Rod Marinelli on the defensive side of the ball.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Todd Archer

Todd Archer joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss what he took away from the Dallas Cowboys' rookie minicamp.

DALLAS CALENDAR

  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.