IRVING, Texas - Who knows if the Redskins' LaRon Landry was right about Roy Williams hearing footsteps on Sunday.
What Williams definitely did hear, though, is Landry's postgame comments, in which the safety accused Williams of playing "scared," and didn't want any part of certain routes that were called for him in the 7-6 Cowboys win. For all Williams could figure, Landry's comments were driven by jealousy and frustration.
"God bless the individual. God bless the young man. Love him," Williams said. "But I don't even - there's nothing he can say. He's coming off a tough loss against the Dallas Cowboys, so I guess that's all he had to say. So I'll continue to play my game, move on, I've got a win under my belt and I'm smiling."
Williams was held without a catch for just the third time in his career and, as he put it, the first time in which he played the entire game. He said Landry was wrong to suggest he was tentative to go for passes.
"I'm running across the middle, stretching out, trying my best to catch the ball. So if that's scared, let me know."
Williams was targeted four times in the game, and forced to go up high for a couple of the balls. He didn't appear to see one of the others thrown his way.
"I was a little upset with the way they were coming to me a little bit," Williams said. "And trying my best to stretch out and lean and fall and do all kinds of things to catch the ball. But you know, you're going to have those types of games."
Jimmy Drops By
Two-time Super Bowl-winning former Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson was on hand at Valley Ranch Tuesday for practice, and to promote the Crown Royal "Safe Ride Home" designated driver program.
"With all the holiday season coming up, people are going out," Johnson said. "The night before Thanksgiving is a big night. I think it's really important that people have a plan - making sure you have a designated driver, making sure you have a plan before you go out at night."
On Wednesday night, former Cowboys tight end Jay Novacek will be behind the wheel of one of four Crown Royal-branded Ford Expeditions, providing adults with free sober rides. Thanksgiving Eve patrons of Dallas' McKinney Avenue entertainment district can sign up to participate at Special Crown Royal taxi stands, with the rides lasting from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Considering the point of the schedule marking Johnson's visit, the former coach was asked about his most vivid Thanksgiving Day memory with the Cowboys, and pointed to the 1993 snow bowl game against the Miami Dolphins.
"It was the last game that I lost as the Cowboys coach," Johnson said. "It's kind of ironic how it happened because it doesn't snow here that often on Thanksgiving. But we had the great idea because it snowed and because of the footing, to put Leon (Lett) there as a blocker to block the field goal."
A mistake by Lett would cost the Cowboys the game, as he attempted to dive onto a blocked field goal with time running out, only to have it slip away and give Miami another try to win the game. Johnson said Lett's gaffe was the result of having not been a regular contributor on the special teams unit, and therefore not being familiar how to handle a blocked kick.
Witten's Status Up In The Air
Jason Witten came out of Sunday's game against Washington with a sprained foot, and was held out of at least part of practice for the second straight day on Tuesday.
Witten was listed as having not participated in Monday's walk-through, but was designated as being limited in Tuesday's light practice. Wade Phillips said they were a little bit worried about Witten's availability for the Raiders game.
"It's going to be a game-time decision on Thursday," the coach said. "I won't say it's severe, but it's something that worries us about him being able to play this week. As far as I know, it's a situation where if he's not well enough, he could hurt it more."
Phillips said the injury happened in the second quarter of the Redskins game. With 10 days to rest after Thursday's game, the Cowboys are hopeful Witten can get back to 100 percent soon.
"We're right on the edge of whether he's well or not. If he is well enough to play and doesn't hurt it anymore it should help him, but if we discern that he's not well enough to play then he'll have a longer time."
Others Expected To Play
Also listed on the Monday injury report as being limited in practice were Keith Brooking (ankle), David Buehler (toe) and Tony Romo (back), while Mike Jenkins (elbow/head) missed the workout.
Wade Phillips said all of them would play. Brooking, Buehler and Jenkins all practiced fully on Tuesday. Romo was listed as being limited again.
Here's What They're Doing
As difficult a task as preparing to play a second game in five days is for the Cowboys, it's even tougher for the visitors.
The Raiders, who aren't used to the Thanksgiving turnaround like the Cowboys are, have to hop on a plane Wednesday and travel halfway across the country. Head coach Tom Cable said he consulted friends around the league for advice on how to get his team ready.
"I tried to reach out to guys who have done and experienced it and so the biggest thing is kind of stay on track," said Cable. "You don't do anything extreme one way or the other. You've got to get your work in, you've got to get your inspiration in and get your team prepared for a game three days later or four days later."
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