IRVING, Texas -The question last week was whether or not this was good timing for a bye, given the Cowboys' tough loss in Week 4. The reason to like an early week off was it gave several of the team's injured players a chance to get back to work.
To that end, Monday was a good day, as several players who had been missing for multiple weeks were able to return to the field at Valley Ranch, Pro Bowl wide receiver Miles Austin foremost among them. After posting four touchdown catches in the first two weeks of the season, Austin in San Francisco aggravated the hamstring injury that had plagued him during the preseason. After three full weeks to rest the leg, the team is hoping he will experience no trouble moving forward.
Also working back into practice was slot cornerback Orlando Scandrick, who had a high ankle sprain in the season opener. While he's had four full weeks to recover, he didn't appear 100 percent during Monday's special teams work, pausing after one play, attempting to stretch out some pain in his ankle.
Among the other players who have been receiving rest but were able to practice in Monday's extra session in preparation for this weekend's trip to New England were guard Kyle Kosier (back), safeties Gerald Sensabaugh (concussion) and Barry Church (shoulder) and kicker David Buehler (groin).
Wide receiver Dez Bryant, who has been dealing with a thigh bruise, was able to participate in both sessions last week and was back on the field on Monday.
Sitting out the practice were guard Derrick Dockery (knee), defensive end Jason Hatcher (calf), fullback Tony Fiammetta (hamstring) and safety Danny McCray (ankle).
The Cowboys are not obligated to release an official injury report until Wednesday.
