FRISCO, Texas – The Cowboys looked a little light on the front lines as they reported for their first practice of Week 15.
Two of the team's starting five offensive linemen, Tyron Smith and Ron Leary, were absent as the Cowboys took the field for the first time this week. DeMarcus Lawrence Lawrence and Cedric Thornton were also absent from the defensive line.
Wednesday is always a little early to panic, given the nature of injuries in the NFL. Smith has played through a back injury for much of this season and has occasionally refrained from practicing, while Lawrence played 13 snaps last week while fighting through a back injury.
It's unclear what problems are bothering Leary and Thornton, though it's worth noting that both players finished the game last week in the Cowboys' 10-7 loss to the Giants.
On the positive side, second-year tackle Chaz Green did return to practice on Wednesday, as he tries to work his way back from his own back injury. Green injured his foot in the Oct. 2 win against San Francisco and hasn't appeared in a game since. It's only been in recent weeks that the back injury has shown up on practice reports, but his ability to get onto the field is a good sign.
Defensive backs Morris Claiborne and J.J. Wilcox were also absent, though that's to be expected. Claiborne is still recovering from his Oct. 30 groin injury, and team officials have already said it's unlikely he plays against the Buccaneers.
Wilcox hurt his thigh in the Thanksgiving Day win against Washington, and he has not yet practiced in the time since.
Long snapper L.P. Ladouceur was at practice with a wrap around the knee he appeared to tweak on Sunday night.
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