The biggest injury news around Valley Ranch is in regards to Marion Barber's left knee, which had a swollen bursa sac this week. We all know that the RB would love to barbarian his way through his old stomping grounds in Minnesota. Wade Phillips sounds optimistic about the progress Barber has made.
"We'll see what he does [Friday] but it's looking better and better for him to be able to play," Phillips said.
If Barber is dressed, Phillips expects Barber to be a starter.
Running backs coach Skip Peete said he will watch Barber closely during warmups and early in the game should he play. Peete noticed Barber was not as explosive vs. Philadelphia last week and took him out of the game. He said Barber could have played but with a big lead and the success of the other running backs it was wise to rest Barber.
More after the jump.
Really, the only other Cowboy injury concerns backup safety and special teams ace, Pat Watkins. Watkins, who has been recovering from a sprained PCL, could return to the lineup this week.
While the Cowboys don't have to decide the 45-man game day roster until two hours before Sunday's kickoff, it appears Watkins could get that chance to play. Watkins worked on most of the special teams units during Thursday's practice, while Hamlin was relegated to the scout team. That's usually the first sign when trying to figure out which players will play on Sunday.
As Barber's questionable status will depend upon Friday's practice, it sounds as if Watkins will be probable for Sunday's game.
Also listed as probable on the Cowboys injury report are DeMarcus Ware (back), Marc Colombo (ankle/leg), and Gerald Sensabaugh (thumb).
Some reports do have Tashard Choice (concussion) listed as probable, but he does not show up on DC.com's report.
The other notable injury for the Cowboys is RB Tashard Choice. It was originally thought that Choice may have suffered a concussion in the fourth quarter in the win over the Eagles, but further testing proved that was not the case. Choice is listed as probable this week and will be utilized more if Barber cannot go.
For the Vikings, the following players have been limited in practice this week, while FB Naufahu Tahi sat out with a back problem.
Limited for a second consecutive day were left guard Steve Hutchinson (shoulder); defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy (thumb); punter Chris Kluwe (back); tight end Visanthe Shiancoe (quadriceps); defensive tackle Pat Williams (elbow); and cornerback Antoine Winfield (foot).
As you can see, both teams are relatively healthy going into this game.
Here are some quick interviews with Keith Brooking, Roy Williams, and Ware as they share their thoughts on Sunday's game.
And, I always seem to ask this question to end weekly injury reports: Who's Hotter? Vikings or Cowboys Cheerleaders?