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Updated: October 14, 2010, 5:27 PM
Growing Concern
Notes: Coach Worried About Dez Injury
Nick Eatman
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
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Bryant has 17 catches for 180 yards and a 10.6 average, ranking fourth on the team in all categories
IRVING, Texas - While rookie receiver Dez Bryant has played in every game so far this season, he's been a regular on the injury report, with a few nagging setbacks here and there.

However, coach Wade Phillips showed some concern for Bryant's ability to play Sunday in Minnesota as the rookie was held out of practice for the second straight day with an ankle injury.

In fact, Phillips said the right ankle, which he missed five weeks of the preseason with a high-ankle sprain, is again giving Bryant some problems. Also, Bryant has been slowed by a bothersome rib injury, but Phillips said the Cowboys are more concerned about the ankle.

"Dez did not practice ... he's still having problem with the ankle. We held him out again," Phillips said. "I am worried that he might not be able to play."

Phillips said he didn't expect Bryant to undergo another MRI, but the nature of the injury is one that sometimes can linger.

"It's been on and off," Phillips said. "Those high-ankle sprains tend to last for a while. Sometimes, they don't get completely well. He's just sore."

After coming back from the high-ankle sprain, Bryant suffered the rib injury in the Redskins game, then a minor ankle injury against the Bears the next week. The following game in Houston, Bryant collided with a cameraman and had a hip injury. Last Sunday against the Titans, Bryant had to be looked at on the sideline for hand and ankle injuries.

While nothing has been too severe for Bryant, the rookie has missed some valuable practice time.

"Any time you're not practicing, it hurts, especially for young players," Phillips said. "He's worked hard in the classroom and I think that's helped him. He still has practiced quite a bit."

Favre Practices

A day after missing practice with tendinitis in his right elbow, Vikings quarterback Brett Favre participated on a limited basis Thursday.

On Wednesday, Favre suggested he would consider resting his right elbow for a game or two to guard against more tendinitis flare-ups. He said the elbow hasn't gotten worse, but it hasn't really gotten better, either. He needs the reps, but he knows rest is the best treatment.

Favre's NFL-record streak of consecutive games played is at 289 (313 counting playoffs). In 2010, he's only completing 56.5 percent of his passes and has thrown seven picks in four games, already matching his 2009 total.

- Rob Phillips

Lineman Signed

The Cowboys signed offensive tackle Jermey Parnell on Thursday, replacing waived safety Mike Hamlin.

Undrafted out of Ole Miss in 2009, Parnell has had two stints on the Saints' practice squad and also spent time on the Dolphins' active roster. Phillips said he can play either tackle spot but is more comfortable on the left side.

A college basketball power forward, Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt convinced Parnell to try football his senior year. He hadn't played since junior high, but excelled as a defensive end and defensive tackle in 2008. The Saints converted him to offensive tackle.

"I gave it a try and it's been working for me ever since," he said.

- Rob Phillips

Jenkins Excited About Moss

Cornerback Mike Jenkins grew up wearing a Randy Moss jersey, and has looked forward to playing against the Pro Bowl receiver since the Cowboys drafted him in 2008.

"T.O. and Randy Moss coming into the league are two guys I wanted to face the most," he said.

Jenkins will get his first chance Sunday. He said he's already moved past last Sunday's loss to Tennessee, in which he committed two pass interference penalties on the Titans' opening touchdown drive and also dropped an interception.

"It's a good week to come back on," he said. "I always put that behind me no matter what. I don't dwell on it. This is just something you go through, even coming off a good week."

- Rob Phillips

Alabama-Michigan Set

College football powers Alabama and Michigan will open the 2012 season on Sept. 1, 2012 in the "Cowboys Stadium Classic" at Cowboys Stadium.

The prime time kickoff on either ESPN or CBS will mark the fourth year of a five-year agreement between Cowboys Stadium and ESPN to bring a top college football game to North Texas during Labor Day weekend to start the college football season.

Information on ticket sales and kickoff time will be announced at a later date.

- Rob Phillips
 
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