IRVING, Texas – The Cowboys were only missing one player from the 53-man roster when they returned to the practice field Wednesday.
That player was Tony Romo.
Obviously, that's a significant absence for a team 0-7 when Romo doesn't start, and 3-1 in the games he takes the first snap.
But although the Cowboys have yet to place him on season-ending injured reserve, it does appear Romo will be out the rest of the season after suffering a fracture near his left collarbone.
As for the remaining players on the roster, cornerback Morris Claiborne was back on the field Wednesday after sitting out the last two games with a hamstring injury.
"We'll see what he's able to do. He had a good day (Wednesday)," Garrett said of his fourth-year corner. "We're optimistic he can practice (Thursday). We'll take it day by day. He's had a good few days off where he's been getting his rehab and treatment. I think he's responded well to it."
If Claiborne does return, it might signal rookie Byron Jones moving back to safety. However, Garrett didn't give away any of those moves when asked on Thursday.
"We'll see. A little bit like playing guys all over the place on the defensive line," Garrett said of position-flex. "It benefits us to have a guy as versatile as Byron Jones to play as many spots as he does. He's played corner, he's played nickel, he's played dime. He's done all those things. We'll see how Mo's health is and we'll see what the best combinations are as the week goes on."
- With Romo out, rookie Jameill Showers, who has been on the practice squad all season, took part in more of the passing drills on Thursday. Showers will likely continue to run the scout-team offense although recently-added Kellen Moore should get more snaps as well.
- Offensive tackle Chaz Green is now officially on the 53-man roster, but he's been practicing with the team for the last couple of weeks. Green had hip surgery this summer and spent the first 12 weeks of the regular season on PUP (Physically Unable to Perform).
- Wide receiver Brice Butler has been slowed by a hamstring injury but appeared to have full participation in practice on Thursday. Butler has been inactive for the last five games.
