Miles Austin to miss fifth game

Updated: November 23, 2011, 11:05 PM ET
By Calvin Watkins | ESPNDallas.com

IRVING, Texas -- Injuries continue to plague the Dallas Cowboys as wide receiver Miles Austin will miss yet another game, while running back Felix Jones and free safety Gerald Sensabaugh are questionable for Thursday's game against the Miami Dolphins.

Austin, who has a right hamstring injury, will miss his second consecutive game -- and fifth of the season. He missed two games earlier this season with a left hamstring injury.

Austin could return next week against the Arizona Cardinals.

Besides Austin, fullback Tony Fiammetta (Illness), Mike Jenkins (hamstring) and quarterback Jon Kitna (back) will not play vs. the Dolphins.

Sensabaugh, who has missed practice all week because of a sprained foot, is still wearing a protective boot.

A decision will be made on his playing status after a pregame workout.

"Treatment has been going well and I'm feeling like I can pull it out," Sensabaugh tweeted Wednesday night. "Thumbs up to the training staff."

If Sensabaugh is unable to play, Barry Church will make his first NFL start.

"He's really coming on," defensive coordinator Rob Ryan said of Church following Wednesday's practice. "So we're fine with that. Obviously, Gerald is a huge part of our defense and our plans but Barry has really been coming on and doing a good job, so we're excited about him. We know he'll do a fine job."

Jones (ankle) and guard Kyle Kosier (foot) are listed as questionable on the practice report, but each is expected to play against the Dolphins.

Medical officials are conducting tests on Fiammetta to determine his illness.

Tight end John Phillips will replace Fiammetta at fullback and Stephen McGee moves up to No. 2 at quarterback behind starter Tony Romo.

Calvin Watkins covers the Cowboys for ESPNDallas.com. Information from ESPNDallas.com's Tim MacMahon was used in this report.

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.

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