IRVING, Texas – The Cowboys had several players sitting out of Thursday's practice, including wide receiver Miles Austin.
It appears the team gave Austin a day off to rest his hamstring. He was on the stationary bike during the early portion Thursday, alongside running back DeMarco Murray, who told reporters Wednesday he wasn't ruling himself out of Sunday's game with the sprained knee. However, word around Valley Ranch is Murray will likely miss at least two games, if not more.
Other players not practicing Thursday include DeMarcus Ware, who is nursing a quad strain. He has never missed a game in his career, which began in 2005. But it seems probable Ware could be sitting out for the first time this week.
Lance Dunbar (hamstring), Edgar Jones (groin) and DeVonte Holloman (neck) also missed practice. Holloman suffered a neck injury in practice Wednesday.
As for the possible replacements, rookie running back Joseph Randle is expected to start in place of Murray this Sunday in Philly. Also look for Phillip Tanner to get plenty of reps as well, especially with Dunbar likely out and the Cowboys only two backs on the roster. The club signed Davin Meggett on Tuesday to help run the scout team plays at running back.
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If Ware can't go, Kyle Wilber should start but it's likely newly-signed Jarius Wynn will also play and get into the rotation.
As for Holloman's injury, the Cowboys are hopeful he can play this week but they do have seven linebackers on the roster. Cameron Lawrence, Kyle Bosworth and Ernie Sims are all listed as backups who will likely be active.
