IRVING, Texas – Freezing weather and rainy conditions forced the Cowboys from their Valley Ranch practice facility on Thursday.
While the team typically practices on its facility practice fields, the Cowboys bused to nearby Highland Park High School, which has an indoor facility, to avoid the inclement weather.
Practice won't be open to the media due to the changes, so updates on the team's injury issues won't be coming until the Cowboys release their daily injury report. Cowboys coach Jason Garrett will also hold his usual press conference after the team returns to the facility.
The Cowboys had five players sit out of Wednesday's practice – Doug Free, Nick Hayden, Anthony Hitchens, Tony Romo and C.J. Spillman. Romo is expected to return to practice Thursday as part of his typical routine.
Rolando McClain and Dekoda Watson were limited yesterday, with knee and hamstring injuries, respectively.
That puts the linebacker spot squarely in focus, as Hitchens is questionable to play against Detroit with the ankle injury he suffered against Washington on Sunday. It was enough to prompt the Cowboys to sign veteran linebacker James Anderson on Tuesday and have him practice on Wednesday.
Garrett said Wednesday he was hopeful Free could participate in some capacity this week, but the veteran tackle has yet to practice since he injured his ankle on Dec. 14 against Philadelphia.
The extent of Hayden's injury is unknown, but it raises questions about the team's depth at the defensive tackle spot. Henry Melton was placed on season-ending injured reserve on Tuesday, and Josh Brent was held out of the Redskins game with a calf strain.
The Cowboys currently have Hayden, Brent, Terrell McClain and Tyrone Crawford on the roster. If injuries hinder them, they could elevate either Ken Bishop or Davon Coleman from their practice squad for Sunday.
