IRVING, Texas – The Cowboys had the majority of their 53-man roster and 10-player practice squad on the field for Wednesday's practice at Valley Ranch.
The exceptions were rather big – quarterback Tony Romo and linebacker Bruce Carter. Romo's absence was expected, marking the third straight week he will sit out on Wednesday to rest his back. Romo did participate in the morning walk-through and should practice again Thursday. However the Cowboys are approaching Romo's status seems to be working as his quarterback rating has improved in each of the four games, including a 137.4 passer rating last Sunday against New Orleans.
As for Carter, the veteran linebacker ruled himself out of this week's game with the Texans because of a quad injury but is hoping to make it back for the Oct. 12 matchup in Seattle.
Of course, the Cowboys are without cornerback Morris Claiborne, who will be on IR after suffering a season-ending knee injury. [embedded_ad]
The defensive side of the ball welcome back a few players to practice. Henry Melton (hamstring), Rolando McClain (groin), Anthony Spencer (knee) and Terrell McClain (concussion) were all on the field Wednesday but some of them could be listed as limited when the team's official injury report comes out in the afternoon.
Another player returning to practice Wednesday was safety Jakar Hamilton, who was suspended the first four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Hamilton is still not on the roster and can be on an exempt list for this week until the team decides to place him on the active roster. In order to play this week, he must be moved up to the 53-man roster.
The Cowboys did have a new face on the field Wednesday in practice squad guard Rishaw Johnson, who was added on Tuesday. To make room, the club waived rookie guard Ronald Patrick.
