OXNARD, Calif. - While explaining how much playing time the injured Cowboys would have received in the first preseason game against Oakland if healthy, head coach Jason Garrett may have indirectly hinted at the number of snaps expected for the starters.
Garrett said many of the banged up Cowboys would probably have played eight to 12 snaps in the preseason opener. Half of the 18 injured are potential starters, and most are day-to-day or week-to-week.
"We don't view that as a big deal at all," Garrett said of those players who will miss Monday's game. "We view it as opportunity. You hear me say that all the time. When guys get hurt, it means an opportunity for somebody else to show them what they can do."
The injured group includes cornerbacks Morris Claiborne and Mike Jenkins, defensive linemen Jay Ratliff Jason Hatcher, Marcus Spears outside linebacker Anthony Spencer, guards Nate Livings and Mackenzy Bernadeau and wide receiver Miles Austin.
Claiborne is about a week away from returning, while Garrett said Jenkins will wait another couple of weeks before seeing a doctor again to determine his status.
