OXNARD, Calif. – As if the Cowboys hadn't been bitten enough by the injury bug, Wednesday was a big blow to the squad, as they learned not only that Jason Witten would be out for a few weeks with a lacerated spleen injury, but a rookie linebacker would be out for the year.
Seventh-round pick Caleb McSurdy tore his Achilles and will miss the entire season.
But the Cowboys did have some other notable injury news as well.
- Defensive end Jason Hatcher has been out a week with a hamstring injury but returned to practice Wednesday afternoon with full pads. He did participate in some of the drills and team work, but then went to the side field for extra conditioning during the 11-on-11 sessions.
- Jay Ratliff had his most extensive work during training camp. The Cowboys have been overly cautious with Ratliff, who is suffering from plantar fasciitis in his foot. Ratliff was able to get through the practice without seemingly any problems.
- Anthony Spencer (hamstring) and Miles Austin (hamstring) both participated in the morning walk-through. They were limited to just condition drills in the afternoon. Still, it seems likely they are getting close to practicing again. Their status for Saturday's game in San Diego seems doubtful.
- Rookie cornerback Morris Claiborne (knee) was practicing for the second straight day in full pads. He has a good chance of playing Saturday against the Chargers.
- Rookie wide receiver Danny Coale did not practice in full pads Wednesday, after going in full on Tuesday. It's not likely a setback but the Cowboys' way of monitoring a young player as he rehabs from a broken foot injury.
- Safety Matt Johnson has yet to practice here in the afternoon practices. His hamstring injury hasn't allowed him to get cleared, but he was in full pads running wind sprints on Wednesday.
- Linebacker Orie Lemon did not practice Wednesday because of a neck strain.
