IRVING, Texas – Morris Claiborne's feeling healthier than he has all year.
A hamstring injury kept Claiborne out the last two games while knee and shoulder injuries limited him earlier in the year, but he said now in Week 12 all his previous injuries feel fine.
"I feel better now than I did in the beginning of the year, coming into the beginning of the year," Claiborne said. "Just anxious to get back out there with my teammates and try to go out there and make plays to help us win ballgames."
Claiborne's been listed as a limited practice participant all week with the hamstring injury, but he's probable for this weekend's game. He said the first day he returned to practice was a somewhat slow transition, but he's picked up his play and feels ready to go this weekend in the frigid temperatures against New York.
The Cowboys got a taste of that chilly weather with a Friday practice in the 30s. Claiborne thought that temperature would be tough on his hamstring, but he didn't have any problems.
"I just tried to loosen up a little bit, as much as I can today before I went out," he said. "I came in early to get a lot of treatment, get a lot of heat on it. It felt pretty good after that."
He believes it'll feel similarly this weekend and said he'll likely take the early bus to the game to make sure he gets plenty loose. In addition, the shoulder that he dislocated in the first matchup this year with the Giants is back near full strength.
"I went out this week without the strap on," Claiborne said. "I didn't even notice I didn't have it on. I got a lot stronger with it. Hopefully I won't have to wear it in the game."
Safety Barry Church hasn't seen anything in practice to discredit Claiborne's comments about his health. [embedded_ad]
"He's looked great," Church said. "There's no gimp in his stride. He isn't hitching or nothing like that, and he's been out there playing great in one-on-ones, competing really well."
Claiborne has one interception, six passes defended and a fumble recovery this year. His return means the Cowboys can also shift Orlando Scandrick inside on the nickel package. Claiborne said he accepts that Scandrick is the starting corner in the base package, but he feels like both players are starters considering how often the Cowboys are in the nickel package.
Going against Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks and Rueben Randle this weekend means a lot more nickel is likely to come. Claiborne feels healthy enough to return and make a difference, even if he doesn't prefer the 30-degree temperature that's likely to come.
"I don't like the cold and I don't like it when it's hot," Claiborne said. "I've been doing it for a long time, though, so I've just got to go out and play."
