Gurode returned to practice on Thursday in a limited role.

OTHER RECENT NEWS • Mailbag: Tuesday, February 9, 2010 • Off-Season Program Begins Tuesday For Injured Rookies  2/8 • Rob Phillips: Saints' Rise Should Lend Some Perspective  2/8 • Mailbag: Monday, February 8, 2010 • As Expected, Smith Gets First-Ballot Hall of Fame Call  2/7 • Spagnola: Payton's Aggressive Nature Has Super Results  2/7 • A Look Back At Emmitt's Hall of Fame Career  2/7 • Notes: Committee Denies Haley For HOF Once Again  2/6 • What Great RBs - Past & Present Are Saying About Smith  2/6 • Haley Has Strong Canton Credentials  2/5

IRVING, Texas - Cowboys starting free safety Ken Hamlin (strained groin) and center Andre Gurode (sprained ankle) returned to practice Thursday and, barring a setback, head coach Wade Phillips feels optimistic they'll play Sunday against the Packers.

Both players played through their injuries in last Sunday's win over the Eagles. They sat out practice Wednesday, had limited participation Thursday, and now Phillips expects them to complete a full workout Friday.

"Both of them moved around pretty well," Phillips said. "It looks like they're going to be all right."

If for some reason they're not ready by Sunday, safety Alan Ball and centers Cory Procter and Duke Preston are the replacement candidates.

Gurode has only missed six games in his eight-year career. Hamlin, a seven-year veteran, hasn't sat out a game since 2005.

"I want to be out there, I enjoy being out there," Hamlin said, "and I want my teammates to rely on me to be out there as well."

Felix's Workload

Four games removed from his knee injury, Phillips said the team would like to increase running back Felix Jones' offensive touches. That's one reason why Kevin Ogletree and Tashard Choice have taken practice reps on kickoff returns this week.

Jones is averaging 20.9 yards on 16 returns this season. He's averaging 7.5 touches (rushing and receiving) in six games.

"The healthier he gets, the more touches he'll get on offense - well, then you want somebody else on kickoff return," Phillips said. "We're kind of in between with him right now."

Using Ogletree on kickoff returns would be another way to keep him get involved now that he's active on the 45-man game-day roster. It also would mean more opportunities for Choice, who's listed as the third running back.

Romo Superstitious

Quarterback Tony Romo hasn't gotten a haircut during the Cowboys' four-game win streak, and he hopes to keep it that way.

"Until we lose," Romo said. "It'll be a good problem to have if it gets too long."

Hodge Improving

Rookie linebacker Stephen Hodge happily removed his crutches Monday for the first time since undergoing microfracture knee surgery in mid-September.

Hodge, a sixth-round pick, will spend the season on injured reserve. He has regained some range of motion in his knee but realizes the surgery requires a several-month recovery.

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