IRVING, Texas - Three huge parts of the Cowboys' offensive success were not in full participation for Wednesday's practice.
But the club welcomed back Tony Romo, DeMarco Murray and Tyron Smith to the field for Thursday, suggesting all three have a good shot to play Sunday against the Giants.
Romo's day off Wednesday has been the norm around here as he gives rest to his back. But what hasn't been normal is the treatment he has received this week for his ribs and ankle. Romo said this week he is managing all of his injuries and all signs indicate he will play this week as usual.
As for Smith, who missed most of the team portion of practice Wednesday with an ankle injury, he returned and will likely participate in all of Thursday's work. Smith's MRI on Wednesday came back negative, although head coach Jason Garrett cleverly chose to reword it.
"It (MRI results) came back that it was a positive for us if that makes sense," he said during his press conference Thursday.
Murray sat out Wednesday with an illness but returned on Thursday. As with all injuries, the Cowboys will monitor that situation throughout the week.
On the defensive side, Anthony Spencer was back on the field after sitting out to rest his knee.
Linebacker Rolando McClain missed another practice as expected as he tends to scheduled family matters. McClain is expected to return Friday and should start at middle linebacker Sunday.
[embeddedad0]Outside linebacker Bruce Carter (thigh) did not practice and is not expected to play Sunday, but said this week he is expecting to be ready for the Oct. 27 game with Washington.
While he's not eligible to play until Nov. 2, rookie DeMarcus Lawrence practiced Thursday for the second straight day. He's been out with a broken foot since training camp before being cleared to practice this week.
