NFL News: Terrell Owens to Play Thursday

Enigmatic Dallas Cowboy's wide receiver Terrell Owens is expected to suit up for his team's NFL preseason opener versus Peyton Manning and the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts on Thursday in Texas.

The start comes despite back spasms and a sore hamstring that kept Owens out of practice for two days earlier this week, but he says he's now ready to go.

"I was able to run around full speed and make some cuts, so the last day, I was at practice," Owens told reporters Wednesday. "I know my body. It's something I never felt before, and if it takes a long time to respond to treatment, I get a little worried."

T.O. missed every preseason game save one last season and was clearly unhappy with the direction of head coach Bill Parcels. This season, however, things appear different under Wade Phillips and a change in attitude and motivation could spell trouble for defensive secondaries around the league. It could also be great news for Bodog Fantasy Football players.

Phillips wants to get his team going early and plans to put his best players—including Owens— on the field early on Thursday.

"We're planning on playing our first-group at least a quarter," said Phillips today. "And then we'll go from there."

Dallas is currently -4.5 with the over/ under set at 34 in the Bodog Sportsbook.