Cowboys' Hurd set to make return
By Tom Orsborn - SAEN
Dallas Cowboys receiver Sam Hurd is ready to make his season debut on Sunday against Washington after participating fully in each of the team's three practices this week.
But coach Wade Phillips was noncommittal about whether he would carry five receivers on the 45-man roster, meaning either Hurd or Isaiah Stanback could be inactive.
Hurd, a Brackenridge graduate, missed the first three games with a high ankle sprain. The team's official injury report lists him as probable.
“The problem is the number of players you can suit up for a game,” Phillips told reporters on Friday in Irving. “You can't suit everybody up. But at least we have enough healthy guys to make decisions, so that's a good thing.”
If Phillips scratches Stanback, cornerback Orlando Scandrick will probably partner with fellow rookie Felix Jones on kick returns. Hurd is one of the team's best special team performers, excelling at kick coverage.
Linebacker Anthony Spencer (knee), safety Pat Watkins (neck) and tight end Jason Witten (shoulder) also are listed as probable.
Backup defensive tackle Tank Johnson is questionable after an ankle injury limited his participation in Friday's practice, but Phillips said he's counting on Johnson playing.
“Tank tells me he's ready to play,” Phillips said. “He gave the thumbs up.”
Running back Deon Anderson (knee), guard Kyle Kosier (foot) and safety Roy Williams (forearm) will not play.
The timetable for Williams' return is Oct. 12 at Arizona.
“Roy did some running yesterday,” Phillips said. “He's been running. Things seem to be progressing well, but I'm sure they will have to re-X-ray it to see how he is.”
Defensive end Jason Taylor (calf) is out for the Redskins. Rookie receiver Malcolm Kelly (ankle) is doubtful, while tackle Stephon Heyer (shoulder) and linebacker Marcus Washington (hamstring) are questionable.
Running back Mike Sellers (thigh) and receiver Fred Smoot (hip) are probable.
Barber's workload examined: Phillips reiterated he's not concerned that the workload for Marion Barber could wear him down as the season progresses.
Barber, one of the NFL's most physical runners, is tied for fifth in the league in average carries per game with 20.7.
“It's like any running back that's carrying the load,” Phillips said. “You have to realize what it is and what situation you're in, but when you're trying to win the game and it's on the 1-yard line and it's the 25th carry, well, you've got to give it to him.
“We'll be careful with him. I don't think you're overloading a guy carrying it 20 times.”
Barber recorded career highs for carries (28) and rushing yards (142) in last week's 27-16 victory at Green Bay.
Dallas Cowboys receiver Sam Hurd is ready to make his season debut on Sunday against Washington after participating fully in each of the team's three practices this week.
But coach Wade Phillips was noncommittal about whether he would carry five receivers on the 45-man roster, meaning either Hurd or Isaiah Stanback could be inactive.
Hurd, a Brackenridge graduate, missed the first three games with a high ankle sprain. The team's official injury report lists him as probable.
“The problem is the number of players you can suit up for a game,” Phillips told reporters on Friday in Irving. “You can't suit everybody up. But at least we have enough healthy guys to make decisions, so that's a good thing.”
If Phillips scratches Stanback, cornerback Orlando Scandrick will probably partner with fellow rookie Felix Jones on kick returns. Hurd is one of the team's best special team performers, excelling at kick coverage.
Linebacker Anthony Spencer (knee), safety Pat Watkins (neck) and tight end Jason Witten (shoulder) also are listed as probable.
Backup defensive tackle Tank Johnson is questionable after an ankle injury limited his participation in Friday's practice, but Phillips said he's counting on Johnson playing.
“Tank tells me he's ready to play,” Phillips said. “He gave the thumbs up.”
Running back Deon Anderson (knee), guard Kyle Kosier (foot) and safety Roy Williams (forearm) will not play.
The timetable for Williams' return is Oct. 12 at Arizona.
“Roy did some running yesterday,” Phillips said. “He's been running. Things seem to be progressing well, but I'm sure they will have to re-X-ray it to see how he is.”
Defensive end Jason Taylor (calf) is out for the Redskins. Rookie receiver Malcolm Kelly (ankle) is doubtful, while tackle Stephon Heyer (shoulder) and linebacker Marcus Washington (hamstring) are questionable.
Running back Mike Sellers (thigh) and receiver Fred Smoot (hip) are probable.
Barber's workload examined: Phillips reiterated he's not concerned that the workload for Marion Barber could wear him down as the season progresses.
Barber, one of the NFL's most physical runners, is tied for fifth in the league in average carries per game with 20.7.
“It's like any running back that's carrying the load,” Phillips said. “You have to realize what it is and what situation you're in, but when you're trying to win the game and it's on the 1-yard line and it's the 25th carry, well, you've got to give it to him.
“We'll be careful with him. I don't think you're overloading a guy carrying it 20 times.”
Barber recorded career highs for carries (28) and rushing yards (142) in last week's 27-16 victory at Green Bay.
posted by The Gryphon at 9:04 AM
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