IRVING, Texas – Miles Austin will not play Sunday against the Chargers. He missed three straight practices including Friday's workout here at Valley Ranch, and the Cowboys officially ruled him out this week with yet another hamstring injury.
The wide receiver left last week's game with the Rams in the third quarter with the hamstring injury after awkwardly going to the ground on a pass he caught out of bounds. Coach Jason Garrett said after the game Austin did not re-enter the game because of the lopsided score. However, it was clear Austin remained slowed by the injury enough to miss a full week of practice.
Even so, the club is getting Terrance Williams ready for his first game as a starter. Technically, he was listed as a starter in the Giants game in Week 1 when the Cowboys opened the game in three-wides. But Sunday in San Diego will be considered his first real start.
Ironically enough, his last collegiate game was also played at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, the site of the Holiday Bowl. Williams had two catches for 68 yards (both personal lows) for Baylor a team that defeated UCLA 49-19.
"I'm excited about getting out there with this opportunity," Williams said Friday. "I feel comfortable in the offense. I think it's getting better each week. So I'm just focused on this week and getting better."
So far this year, Williams has five catches for 60 yards.
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The Cowboys are also monitoring the health of wide receiver Dwayne Harris, who is also the punt returner. Harris was slowed some this week with a hip pointer injury but returned to practice Friday. Harris' injury has opened the door for Cole Beasley, who not only will play more in three-wide packages, but could be the primary punt returner as well.
For now, the Cowboys don't appear ready to sign a practice squad receiver to the roster. The team has Tim Benford and Jamar Newsome on the practice squad.
