Jason Witten is game-time call

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How badly does Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten want to play against the New York Giants in the NFL season opener Wednesday night?

According to team sources, Witten has persistently told the Cowboys he is willing to sign a medical waiver that would absolve the team and its doctors of liability in case he re-injured his spleen during the NFC East matchup. However, the team will not accept any waiver as a path to Witten playing in the game, the sources said.

The Pro Bowl tight end did make the trip to New York and, despite being officially listed as doubtful, team officials say he is a game-time decision in case a doctor provides medical clearance Wednesday.

Even though CT scans have shown that the spleen has healed, doctors have recommended caution and have yet to clear Witten for game action despite his protestations.

The Cowboys offered no public comment.

Witten has missed only one game in his nine NFL seasons, because of a broken jaw when he was a rookie. He said the spleen is different than any other football injury he has ever had.

The tight end has 696 career receptions, second in team history behind only Hall of Fame receiver Michael Irvin at 750.

He has said the spleen is different than any other football injury he has ever had.

"Absolutely and that's what is difficult, the challenge in a situation like this. Rest is the only answer," Witten said.

"I am learning. I will be a better football player because of it. There is no question. I am thankful it happened now in preseason and not later when I would have had to miss games," he said.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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Chris Mortensen

NFL reporter

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• ESPN Senior NFL Analyst
• Joined ESPN in 1991
• Has covered every Super Bowl since 1979