IRVING, Texas -- Miles Austin's start to the 2012 season is not as good as it was after two games in 2011, but that’s only statistically. Of more importance to the Dallas Cowboys is that the wide receiver will make it to Week 3 without any health issues.

A hamstring strain kept Austin out for almost all of training camp and the preseason, but the missed time has not hurt his production. He has nine catches for 136 yards and two touchdowns through two games.

The Cowboys are keeping a sort of pitch count on Austin’s snaps during practice, at least early in the season.

“To be honest, I don’t count. So when they say, ‘Miles you’re in there, I go,’” Austin said. “I try to get there early to warm up and do everything they want. That’s really how it’s going.”

Austin caught four passes for 73 yards, including a 34-yard touchdown against the New York Giants in the opener. He had five catches for 63 yards and a 22-yard touchdown last week at Seattle. In two career games against Sunday’s foe, Tampa Bay, Austin has six catches for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

He opened last season with 14 catches for 233 yards and four touchdowns, but re-injured his hamstring against San Francisco and missed the next two games.

“Could be better; could be worse,” Austin said of his start to the season. “After you look at the tape, there’s always corrections that could be made, things you could have done better. But that’s part of it.”