IRVING, Texas -- It's unknown if outside linebacker Anthony Spencer will practice today at Valley Ranch. He missed the Week 4 game against Chicago with a pectoral muscle injury.

If the Cowboys don't have Spencer, Victor Butler takes over the starting role as he did in Week 4. Butler had one tackle in the Bears game.

Coach Jason Garrett was asked Thursday morning if the return of linebacker Alex Albright from a neck injury means he could compete with Butler for Spencer's spot.

"It's not so much competition for those guys," Garrett said. "You try and figure out who do you have left and what role they fit best. Alex has been a really good special teams player for us. We feel he deserves an opportunity to play a little bit on defense when we can get him in there. Victor has done a nice job for us on defense. We're all hopeful that Spence can play and will get healthier and healthier as the week goes on. We do have a couple of those young guys to be able to fit a role on defense and on (special) teams is something we look forward to seeing."

The Cowboys had one practice last week and Spencer did participate. But he didn't work out Monday or Wednesday, which could mean he suffered a setback from a physical standpoint or the team is being cautious with his health.