Cornerback's first game back relatively quiet

A liberal dose
September 24, 2007

CHICAGO -- Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman made his 2007 regular-season debut in prime time against the Chicago Bears on Sunday night.

Newman was inactive the first two games of the season with torn plantar fascia in his right heel. He had a quiet first outing in the Cowboys' 34-10 victory.

Newman did not start and played only in nickel coverages and did not appear bothered by the foot. Newman has been limited in practice, working mostly in nickel packages. Fourth-year player Jacques Reeves started his third consecutive game in Newman's place.

Newman wasn't credited with any tackles.

All week, it appeared Newman was set to return based on coach Wade Phillips' daily assessments of Newman's improvements in practice. Newman did not speak to reporters last week about his chances of playing Sunday. He had been a game-time decision the past two weeks against the New York Giants and Miami and was listed as questionable.

Newman was hardly tested in the first half by Bears quarterback Rex Grossman, who didn't go after him until early in the second quarter. Grossman tried to hit receiver Rashied Davis, working out of the slot, but Newman had blanket coverage on the play. Newman knocked the third-down pass away and forced the Bears to punt.

During his first four years, Newman started every game; his 64-game regular season starting streak was snapped when he missed the opener. Newman suffered the injury before the Cowboys' second preseason game against Denver.

The secondary had a big night overall. Anthony Henry had two interceptions, including returning one 28 yards for a touchdown. Roy Williams had the other.