IRVING, Texas - Cowboys defensive end Igor Olshansky likes a physical game, even if it's against his former Chargers teammates.

It won't be personal. Just fun, competitive business.

"I've never hit Philip (Rivers) or hit L.T. (LaDainian Tomlinson) really," said Olshansky, who signed with the Cowboys in the off-season after five seasons in San Diego.

"I'm excited. It's fun. I know the guys and they know me. There aren't going to be any hard feelings or anything like that."

Through 12 games Olshansky has been a solid replacement for Chris Canty, a four-year starter who signed with the Giants in the off-season. Olshansky (57 tackles, one sack) also arrived in Dallas with a good understanding of head coach Wade Phillips' scheme, having played for him for three seasons in San Diego.

"Igor's always been real strong, but I think he's developed more in being able to utilize his strength," Phillips said. "I think you saw in the Oakland game a couple of times he just wrapped up the player and pounded him into the ground. He's learned to use that strength.

"He is one of the stronger players, if not the strongest player, in the league. It took him a little while to utilize that, but he's doing better and better."

He'll try to make an impact Sunday at Cowboys Stadium against some old friends.

Bennett Out

The Cowboys have ruled out tight end Martellus Bennett for Sunday's game. He did not practice this week after dealing with concussion-like symptoms.

Rookie John Phillips will work with Jason Witten in two-tight end sets, and Bennett's absence also means rookie linebacker Jason Williams will be active for the first time since Oct. 11 at Kansas City. Williams said he expects to play on multiple special teams units with Phillips playing more on offense.

As expected, safety Ken Hamlin (high ankle sprain) will miss a fourth straight game. Alan Ball will start in his place. Fullback Deon Anderson (knee), cornerback Terence Newman (knee), Witten (foot) and outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (wrist) are probable.

Ware-Merriman Connection

Outside linebackers DeMarcus Ware and Shawne Merriman will be forever linked to 2005 draft weekend, when the Cowboys and Chargers selected them back-to-back (No. 11 and 12 overall).

Both have developed into elite pass rushers, just as their respective teams expected. Ware said he keeps in touch with Merriman and understands the link between them, but he focuses only on his own career. To this day, he uses the small-school label (Troy University) as his greatest motivation.

"Usually I never try to measure myself against anybody," Ware said. "I usually try to emulate some of the things they do because they do them really well. He's a great pass rusher."

Stadium Lots Open Early

For Sunday's game, Cowboys Stadium parking lots will open at 10:00 a.m., stadium plazas at noon and stadium gates at 1:00 p.m. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:15 p.m.

While there are no major changes to the roadways, fans should allow additional travel time to Cowboys Stadium due to increased traffic in the Entertainment District. Fans should use the Cowboys Stadium parking and traffic site: www.dallascowboysmaps.com and print their directions for arrival and departure.