Finally, we're getting some good news on the injury front. The Cowboys are set to practice today in anticipation of the final pre-season game against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night. Along with that practice comes the return of some of the regulars who have been laid-up for varying lengths of time by injury. The mothership reports:
Head coach Wade Phillips said four players, including rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant, will be back to practice on Tuesday at Valley Ranch. Phillips also said safety Gerald Sensabaugh (shoulder), linebacker Keith Brooking (shoulder) and defensive end Marcus Spears (sprained MCL) will begin working out with the team.
Obviously the big news is the return of Dez Bryant. The Cowboys aren't saying whether he'll play against the Dolphins but just the fact that he's practicing again should settle the question of whether he'll be ready for the season opener. With the Cowboys offense sputtering in pre-season, maybe a shot of Dez is just what they need to juice things up.
Also, the return of Marcus Spears is good news. No one has hammered Spears more than I have in his time in Dallas, but watching teams run all over the Cowboys in pre-season has made me want to see how much impact Spears can have on the defense. Last season I thought was probably his best in Dallas, he was tough against the run. Like Kyle Kosier on offense, it may be a case of not knowing what you got until it's gone. I didn't think the play of Jason Hatcher was bad, in fact, I liked that he created some pressure on the QB in pre-season. But having Spears back in the rotation should benefit all.
Gerald Sensabaugh returns sooner than reported, more good news. While the Cowboys have found some talent in some young safeties, having Sensabaugh back is a comforting feeling. Keith Brooking's return is no surprise, he was being held out soley for precautionary reasons.
Now, we just need to get some positive reports on Kyle Kosier and Marc Colombo. And to finish out the injury report, backup o-lineman Sam Young is expected to miss 3-6 weeks with an MCL sprain.