Garrett has hope for Miles Austin this week

IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys have some optimism that wide receiver Miles Austin might be able to play Sunday against the Denver Broncos.

Austin missed the 30-21 loss to the San Diego Chargers with a hamstring injury suffered during the Sept. 22 win against the St. Louis Rams. Austin did not practice last week and did not do any running on the field during the portion of the sessions that were open to the media.

“He ran here the last couple of days and he’s made progress, so hopefully as this week goes on he’s able to practice and have a chance to play in this ballgame,” coach Jason Garrett said.

Last week Garrett said Austin’s hamstring strain was not as severe as the ones he suffered the previous two seasons. Austin did not miss a game in 2012, but he missed six in 2011 because of separate hamstring strains.