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With Kyle Kosier and Marc Colombo still out, likelihood of two backups starting on Sunday increases
12:08 AM CDT on Thursday, September 9, 2010
By GERRY FRALEY / The Dallas Morning News
gfraley@dallasnews.com
IRVING – Starting offensive linemen Kyle Kosier and Marc Colombo did not participate in the Cowboys' practice Wednesday, increasing the possibility that both will miss the opener at Washington on Sunday.
RON T. ENNIS/Special Contributor
Montrae Holland (left) and Alex Barron (71) are expected to start Sunday if starters Kyle Kosier and Marc Colombo can't play. Colombo, the right tackle, has not played or practiced since Aug. 15 because of loose bodies in the right knee, a condition that required arthroscopic surgery. Kosier, the left guard, has been out since Aug. 18 because of a sprained ligament in the right knee.
Montrae Holland, inactive for the club's last 21 games, is scheduled to start in Kosier's spot. Alex Barron would replace Colombo. Barron, acquired in the off-season from St. Louis, has 51 career starts at right tackle.
Coach Wade Phillips said Barron and Holland are "comparable players" to Colombo and Kosier, and that will keep the Cowboys from changing their offensive planning. There are differences. Kosier pulls better than Holland, and Colombo is a more powerful run blocker than Barron.
"They [Barron and Holland] have worked well in our system," Phillips said. "I don't think it'll be perfect for them, but we have confidence they'll do a good job."
If Colombo and Kosier are unavailable, the reserves would be center Phil Costa and tackle Robert Brewster, neither of whom has ever appeared in a regular-season game. If a problem arises at guard, center Andre Gurode would move into the spot, with Costa replacing him.
NFL to enforce media rule: On the same week the NFL threatened players with $25,000 fines for violating its media policy, running back Marion Barber complied and broke his silence.
Barber offered little of substance during a three-minute conversation, falling back on clichés such as "work hard in practice." He attributed his off-season loss of about six pounds to a better diet.
"When you get older in this game, you realize that taking care of your body is good," Barber said.
Barber offered no explanation for his lackluster showing in exhibition games: 12 runs for 23 yards. He said the offense would hold up despite injuries to two starters on the line: Colombo and Kosier.
"You've got to believe in everyone who is out there," Barber said. "We've got guys who can fill in and are going to take care of their business, too."
Flexibility required: The Cowboys started year two of the rotating practice sites by going to Fort Worth to use TCU's indoor facility. A year ago, the Cowboys practiced at five different sites.
To cut off a potential distraction, Phillips has talked to players about the need to be flexible.
"You have to be adjustable to be on this team," Phillips said. "Any adjustment we have to make during the week for practices is all part of it. We've got to get ready to play."
Briefly: Phillips remained coy as to whether rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant will also return kicks in his first game in 51 weeks. Bryant expressed only a desire to play. "It's been a long time, man," he said. "I'm ready to unleash." ... Strong safety Gerald Sensabaugh (shoulder) went through the entire practice and is expected to start against Washington. Rookie offensive tackle Sam Young (knee) was held out of practice.
The cast on nose tackle Josh Brent's broken right hand is gradually being cut down. The Cowboys hope Brent will soon be able to play without the cast, which limits his use of the hand. ... Running back Herb Donaldson (Tennessee) and tight end DajLeon Farr (Buffalo) landed practice-squad jobs. Both were among the Cowboys' final 20 cuts.
• • •
12:08 AM CDT on Thursday, September 9, 2010
By GERRY FRALEY / The Dallas Morning News
gfraley@dallasnews.com
IRVING – Starting offensive linemen Kyle Kosier and Marc Colombo did not participate in the Cowboys' practice Wednesday, increasing the possibility that both will miss the opener at Washington on Sunday.
RON T. ENNIS/Special Contributor
Montrae Holland (left) and Alex Barron (71) are expected to start Sunday if starters Kyle Kosier and Marc Colombo can't play. Colombo, the right tackle, has not played or practiced since Aug. 15 because of loose bodies in the right knee, a condition that required arthroscopic surgery. Kosier, the left guard, has been out since Aug. 18 because of a sprained ligament in the right knee.
Montrae Holland, inactive for the club's last 21 games, is scheduled to start in Kosier's spot. Alex Barron would replace Colombo. Barron, acquired in the off-season from St. Louis, has 51 career starts at right tackle.
Coach Wade Phillips said Barron and Holland are "comparable players" to Colombo and Kosier, and that will keep the Cowboys from changing their offensive planning. There are differences. Kosier pulls better than Holland, and Colombo is a more powerful run blocker than Barron.
"They [Barron and Holland] have worked well in our system," Phillips said. "I don't think it'll be perfect for them, but we have confidence they'll do a good job."
If Colombo and Kosier are unavailable, the reserves would be center Phil Costa and tackle Robert Brewster, neither of whom has ever appeared in a regular-season game. If a problem arises at guard, center Andre Gurode would move into the spot, with Costa replacing him.
NFL to enforce media rule: On the same week the NFL threatened players with $25,000 fines for violating its media policy, running back Marion Barber complied and broke his silence.
Barber offered little of substance during a three-minute conversation, falling back on clichés such as "work hard in practice." He attributed his off-season loss of about six pounds to a better diet.
"When you get older in this game, you realize that taking care of your body is good," Barber said.
Barber offered no explanation for his lackluster showing in exhibition games: 12 runs for 23 yards. He said the offense would hold up despite injuries to two starters on the line: Colombo and Kosier.
"You've got to believe in everyone who is out there," Barber said. "We've got guys who can fill in and are going to take care of their business, too."
Flexibility required: The Cowboys started year two of the rotating practice sites by going to Fort Worth to use TCU's indoor facility. A year ago, the Cowboys practiced at five different sites.
To cut off a potential distraction, Phillips has talked to players about the need to be flexible.
"You have to be adjustable to be on this team," Phillips said. "Any adjustment we have to make during the week for practices is all part of it. We've got to get ready to play."
Briefly: Phillips remained coy as to whether rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant will also return kicks in his first game in 51 weeks. Bryant expressed only a desire to play. "It's been a long time, man," he said. "I'm ready to unleash." ... Strong safety Gerald Sensabaugh (shoulder) went through the entire practice and is expected to start against Washington. Rookie offensive tackle Sam Young (knee) was held out of practice.
The cast on nose tackle Josh Brent's broken right hand is gradually being cut down. The Cowboys hope Brent will soon be able to play without the cast, which limits his use of the hand. ... Running back Herb Donaldson (Tennessee) and tight end DajLeon Farr (Buffalo) landed practice-squad jobs. Both were among the Cowboys' final 20 cuts.
• • •