IRVING, Texas - The Cowboys returned to practice on Wednesday in preparation for their matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Here are a few noteworthy observations from the media portion of practice.
-Veteran defensive lineman Jay Ratliff wasn't on the practice field Wednesday. Ratliff suffered a left ankle sprain last Sunday against the Falcons. The injury was sustained in the second quarter, but Ratliff was able to return late in the game. The injury isn't considered to be serious, but Ratliff is still day-to-day.
-Also out on the field was newly signed linebacker Gary Guyton, wearing No. 98. Guyton played his first four years in the league for the New England Patriots and started six games for them last season. The Cowboys made room for him by placing linebacker Orie Lemon on Injured Reserve. Lemon hurt his hamstring against the Falcons, which left Dallas short at linebacker.
-Offensive lineman Kevin Kowalski was not only in attendance at practice, but he was also in pads for the first time this season. Kowalski has been recovering from an ankle injury and was recently removed from the Physically Unable to Perform list. There is a three-week grace period for the Cowboys to make a decision on whether they want to add Kowalski to the 53-man roster. If they choose to do so, they will have to release a player to make room.
-Linebacker Dan Connor was in practice and wearing pads. However, he was on the sidelines while the team was running special teams drills. Connor sustained a neck strain against the Giants.
-DeMarco Murray attended practice in a jersey, but without a helmet. He was on the sideline for the media portion of practice and looked to be simply a spectator. He is still recovering from a foot injury sustained in the Baltimore game.
-Sean Lissemore (ankle) and Matt Johnson (hamstring) were on the field participating in the team stretches, but did not have helmets, meaning they were likely not practicing either.
-Center Phil Costa was not on the field for practice. Costa has missed the past few games while recovering from an ankle injury that he sustained against the Carolina Panthers.
