Burnett missed the afternoon practice to have an MRI, but results were not as bad as feared.

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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - The Cowboys have suffered their second potential injury of significance this training camp, with nickel linebacker Kevin Burnett missing the afternoon practice here against the Broncos with a knee problem.

While Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips said the afternoon's MRI came out "all right," meaning there was nothing in need of a major repair, there is a chance Burnett will need to have his left knee scoped to remove a loose piece of cartilage.

Burnett complained of discomfort in the morning practice, and while the MRI showed only some degeneration caused by a repaired ACL in college, he still didn't feel totally comfortable. The Cowboys and Burnett will decide by Thursday if he will undergo arthroscopic surgery to remove the cartilage knocked off an existing bone spur.

If he does, obviously Burnett will not be available for Saturday's preseason game against the Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, but likely could recover in time for the Sept. 7 season opener at Cleveland.

After the second practice, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was unsure of what ultimately will be the course of action, saying, "We'll see how he does over the next couple of days."

And when asked about Burnett playing on Saturday, Jones said, "It's early, it's early," meaning the club was taking a wait-and-see approach.

Burnett has been working as the team's first-team nickel linebacker and the immediate backup to Zach Thomas on the weak inside linebacker spot in the 3-4 defense. The Cowboys will likely fill his spot on the nickel with either Thomas, Bradie James or Bobby Carpenter.

The former second-round draft choice is in the final year of his initial four-year contract with the Cowboys, and it's obviously an important season for him to not only play well, but to remain healthy.

Phillips had recently said Burnett was pushing for a starting job last year early in the season before suffering a badly strained calf injury that he was able to play through, but precluded him from taking on 60 snaps a game.

Burnett's career has been hampered by various injuries, including tearing his right ACL at the end of his rookie season.

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