IRVING, Texas - More good signs for the depleted Cowboys in addition to Tony Romo's throwing session: Pro Bowl cornerback Terence Newman (abdomen) and starting guard Kyle Kosier (ankle) also were practicing during the open portion of Wednesday's workout at Valley Ranch.
The Cowboys did not release an official practice report, but head coach Wade Phillips has seemed confident that all three players could return Nov. 16 against the Redskins. Rookie running back Felix Jones (hamstring), another injured hopeful for the Washington game, worked with team trainers again.
Newman has not practiced since undergoing abdominal surgery on Oct. 10. Kosier, who has been out since re-injuring his ankle in Week 3, said before practice he has no limitations.
"It's good to be back," he said.
Wide receiver Roy Williams was excused from practice because his child was having a tonsillectomy.
Jenkins' Missed Tackle
Rookie cornerback Mike Jenkins returned his first career interception for a touchdown last Sunday, but his most-discussed moment against the Giants was his decision to let running back Derrick Ward run in untouched for a 17-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Jenkins defended himself, saying he expected safety help and also didn't want to take out teammate Kevin Burnett, who was closing in quickly from the other side.
"I could have went in and gotten the tackle, cut him, but I saw KB coming too," Jenkins said. "I could have cut KB, too. I didn't go for the tackle."
T.O. Staying Patient
In three games without Romo, wide receiver Terrell Owens caught only 12 passes for 100 yards and one touchdown as the Cowboys' scoring average dipped from 29.5 to 13.7.
Owens, who has seen a steady diet of double teams all season, said he's faced more man coverage the last few games. But backup Brad Johnson struggled with his accuracy and eventually was replaced by Brooks Bollinger in the second half of the loss to the Giants.
"It's not like I'm not winning (those match-ups)," he said. "For whatever reason those opportunities are not presenting itself.
"If I talk about being frustrated it's another story. So for me I try to keep it in check and make the most of my opportunities. Right now from here on out all I can do is run my routes and put what I do on film and if I'm open and I don't get the ball, I don't get the ball. I can't throw and catch the ball myself."
Holding Pattern
Brad Johnson's demotion to the third quarterback means he'll be inactive on game-day. He also has served as Nick Folk's holder on extra points and field goals for the better part of two seasons.
Head coach Wade Phillips mentioned new punter Sam Paulescu and wide receiver Patrick Crayton as potential replacements. Folk said before practice the decision rests partly with the coaching staff, not just with whom he feels more comfortable.
Injured punter Mat McBriar held for Folk in training camp last year before Folk won the kicking job, but the Cowboys preferred to use a quarterback as the holder and Johnson assumed those duties.
"With Mat it would be a lot easier because I was with Mat all training camp that first year," Folk said. "As for how long it takes (to get comfortable), it depends on the holder. If he's a good holder it won't be long because it only took me a week with Brad."
Paulescu said he feels comfortable holding if asked because he has worked with Folk and long snapper L.P. Ladouceur in practice. He also held some while playing with the Broncos.
"I don't know what they're thinking, but if they call my name then I'll be ready to go," he said.
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