IRVING, Texas - Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips was surprised to see a 2.6-yard average next to Larry Johnson's name.
Phillips faced the Kansas City Chiefs running back for three consecutive years (2004-06) as the San Diego Chargers' defensive coordinator. Twice Johnson rushed for at least 100 yards, including 131 yards and a touchdown in a soggy Christmas Eve win at Arrowhead Stadium.
Now 29, Johnson might be showing signs of wear and tear through the first four games. He has 189 yards and zero touchdowns on 72 carries for the Chiefs' 31st-ranked offense.
Phillips expects a challenge Sunday from the two-time Pro Bowler. With a high of 51 degrees and rain in the Kansas City forecast, the Chiefs could try to lean on Johnson and backup Jamaal Charles.
"Larry Johnson's a really top back," Phillips said. "And he's played well in bad conditions, I can tell you that. Man, he was a warhorse in that game. And I know (Cowboys defensive coordinator Dave) Campo said at Jacksonville he had a big game against them up there in bad weather conditions."
Since allowing 174 yards in the season opener, the Cowboys' defense has held two of its last three opponents under 100 yards. The Chiefs are 22-8 all-time when Johnson reaches the century mark.
"We just can't allow him to get going," inside linebacker Keith Brooking said. "He's got a lot of production in this league and I think if you allow a guy like that to get going, that offense to get going and him to start running downhill, then it could be a long, long day for you."
Cowboys defensive end Igor Olshansky is also familiar with Johnson, having played the previous five seasons for San Diego. He and the Cowboys' front seven will be asked to stop the 230-pound back.
"Igor's fit in real well," Phillips said. "Not only in his play, which is the most important thing, but I think he's fit in with the group."
Cowboys Reach Out To Zimmer
The NFL coaching fraternity and the Cowboys organization learned of a tragic loss Friday morning: Vikki Zimmer, the wife of former Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, passed away.
Mike and Vikki Zimmer were married for 27 years and have three children. Mike Zimmer, now the Cincinnati Bengals' defensive coordinator, worked as a defensive assistant in Dallas from 1994-2006. He served as defensive coordinator from 2000-06.
"We are heartbroken to hear of this loss, and our hearts go out to Mike, Adam, Corri and Marki," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement. "We remember Vikki for her vibrant love of life and her loving devotion to her family."
Not on the Line
Asked Friday (105.3 FM The Fan) whether a loss to Kansas City would put Phillips' job in jeopardy, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones plainly said, "No. No, it is not."
Phillips is in the last of a three-year contract. There is a club option for a fourth year.
Roster Move
For the second consecutive week, the Cowboys signed practice squad running back Chauncey Washington for depth prior to Sunday's game. Offensive lineman Duke Preston was released to make room for Washington on the 53-man roster.
Running back Marion Barber (strained quad) is expected to play, but Felix Jones (sprained knee) is listed as "doubtful." Injuries have also required the Cowboys to reshuffle their special teams units.
Washington played on special teams against Denver last Sunday and has worked there again in practice this week.
Cassel Used to Winning
Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel hasn't been part of a four-game losing streak since his redshirt freshman year at Southern California.
Since that 2001 season, Cassel has only experienced a two-game losing streak as a Patriots backup in 2006. The Chiefs (0-4) will try to end their drought Sunday against Dallas.
"Throughout my career, whether it's been the college or the pros, I don't think I've lost more than one or two games in a row," he said. "Now we're at four and it's definitely tough. But I think you've just got to get that first win and build on that, and that's what we're shooting for."
Short Shots
The NFL fined nose tackle Jay Ratliff $7,500 for a roughing-the-passer penalty on Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton . . . The Cowboys and Chiefs will wear their throwback jerseys and helmets in honor of the Cowboys-Dallas Texans connection.
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