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IRVING, Texas - Cowboys rookie kickoff specialist David Buehler won't let an injured right pinky toe keep him out of a critical division game against the Redskins.
Buehler, who said he fractured the toe in the Cowboys' 17-7 loss to the Packers, kicked off Thursday in practice for the first time this week. He expects to play Sunday with his toe buddy-taped for support.
Head coach Wade Phillips said Buehler also practiced with coverage units in practice, but he has indicated Buehler would only kick off Sunday. Buehler's 17 touchbacks this season have been an important factor in the Cowboys' improved kickoff coverage.
"We think he'll get better as we go, but he hit the ball really well," Phillips said. "He bombed it like he normally does."
Buehler said although the pinky toe provides a "balance point" for his kicking foot, he was fortunate the injury didn't occur on his plant foot.
"That's the side of the foot that I'm slamming down on first when I plant and kick the ball," he said. "It's good it's on my kicking foot. I'm able to do my job and hopefully it won't be too big of an impact on game day."
Gurode Looking Forward
Cowboys center Andre Gurode spoke more at length Thursday about his 2006 on-field altercation with Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. Then a member of the Tennessee Titans, Haynesworth intentionally stomped on Gurode's face, opening a gash that required 30 stitches.
Gurode said Haynesworth called him a couple of days later and was "very apologetic." The two made amends and have spoken in person at recent Pro Bowls.
"We talked about it briefly one time, but after that we pretty much moved on," Gurode said. "I think the incident is over. It's something that he made a mistake, bad judgment on his part with it happening. But we look forward; we're in the present right now. We don't focus on the past at all."
Felix Still A Returner
Felix Jones will continue returning at least the first kickoff on Sunday, Phillips said.
Last week, Phillips said Jones' return duty will decrease as his offensive touches increase. That will depend largely on the flow of the game, but Phillips values Jones' big-play potential on returns with Allen Rossum (hamstring) still injured.
Rookie Kevin Ogletree returned the team's final kickoff against the Packers and has taken more reps in practice this week.
Portis Ruled Out
As expected, the Redskins announced starting running back Clinton Portis (concussion) will miss Sunday's game. Portis is still experiencing residual symptoms from the concussion he suffered Nov. 8 against the Falcons.
Ladell Betts, who has 184 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the last two games, will start in Portis' place.
Ware Sending Thanksgiving Message
President Barack Obama will join Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware, Saints quarterback Drew Brees and Steelers safety Troy Polamalu in a special public service announcement debuting during each of the three NFL games played on Thanksgiving.
The 90-second PSA is a joint effort of the NFL's PLAY 60 campaign, a league-wide effort to fight childhood obesity by getting kids active for 60 minutes a day, and United We Serve, the President's initiative encouraging all Americans to participate in community service.
Joined by children from the Washington, D.C. area, the President and players come together for a friendly game of touch football, reminding fans about the importance of being active as part of NFL PLAY 60. Filmed on the White House lawn earlier this month by NFL Films, the PSA also encourages viewers to get involved in their communities and remember the importance of service.
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Rob Phillips - 
