IRVING, Texas – Any theory about games being more difficult than practices probably doesn't involve shoulder harnesses, especially the ones Morris Claiborne is trying out this week.
The second-year cornerback is dealing with a dislocated shoulder injury he suffered last Sunday against the Giants. He's got two different harnesses –one for practice and another for games.
"The one I have when I wear pads is better than the one I wore today," Claiborne said after Friday's practice at Valley Ranch. "I felt like it's way better. The (practice harness) just keeps it all the way down."
When it comes to tackling, Claiborne said he'll have to just "find a way" to bring ball carriers to the ground. He also said he's been making sure to extend his arms high in the ball drills at practice to test his range of motion.
How flexible Claiborne can be likely will determine how much he plays Sunday. There has been talk about Orlando Scandrick starting on the outside with Claiborne coming in on nickel situations. In that scenario, he would go back to his outside spot with Scandrick sliding into the slot.
However, Claiborne said he has been practicing with "pretty much the regular role" for this week.
Sims Held Out
The Cowboys had 60 of 61 players on the field Friday afternoon for the final tune-up practice before the team departs for Kansas City on Saturday.
Linebacker Ernie Sims was the only player held out of action as the veteran is still nursing a groin injury he re-aggravated this week. Sims missed the final two weeks of training camp with the same issue. He played last week against the Giants both as a reserve linebacker and on special teams.
If he doesn't play this week, the Cowboys will likely have just five linebackers in uniform. Rookie DeVonte Holloman and newly-signed vet Kyle Bosworth will be the backups to starters Sean Lee, Bruce Carter and Justin Durant.
Sims' role on special teams could go to Danny McCray, who missed last the Giants game with a hamstring injury but has practiced all week.
Same With Waters
The game-time decision on whether Anthony Spencer can play will probably also be the plan for Brian Waters, the newly signed guard who is working his way into the mix.
Waters has taken reps with the first-team offense at right guard, although the Cowboys have mixed up their line some in practice as Mackenzy Bernadeau has played both on the left and right side, while Ron Leary has also taken first-team reps.
Garrett said the club will make a decision on Waters before the game.
"He had a good day of practice," he said. "We anticipate giving him some work (Friday) and we'll see how he does with that. We'll make a decision on that this weekend."
Heavy Workload
DeMarco Murray's 20 carries and eight receptions gave him the second-most touches in the league for Week 1, behind Philadelphia's LeSean McCoy.
Murray said he's always happy to get the ball if he can help spark the offense, but he's excited to see Lance Dunbar return to the lineup this weekend.
"He's a special player – happy to have him back on the sidelines," Murray said. "He'll definitely get some touches here, and I'm excited to see him play this weekend."
HOF Rings [embedded_ad]
Former Cowboys coach Bill Parcells, who was recently inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame last month, will receive his official HOF 2013 Class Ring at a halftime ceremony Sunday in the Giants' home opener against Denver.
Although he coached for four teams and the Hall of Fame does not differentiate members with one team, Parcells has said he considers himself "going in as a Giant" in reference to the Hall of Fame.
Former Cowboys lineman Larry Allen, who was also a member of the 2013 Class, will receive his HOF ring at halftime of the Cowboys-Redskins game at AT&T Stadium on Oct. 13.
Jersey Update
The Cowboys will once again wear their traditional white jerseys in this game against the Chiefs. In the past, Andy Reid-coached teams have worn white early in the season, mainly for heat purposes.
However, the Chiefs will wear their red jerseys Sunday in the home opener and home debut for Reid.
The Cowboys will only wear their blue jerseys once this year – Sept. 28 at San Diego.
