IRVING, Texas - The Cowboys had few surprises on the practice field Thursday as they near the end of their prep work for the Titans game Sunday.
While head coach Jason Garrett continues to call linebacker Justin Durant's status as day-to-day, it looks more and more that not only will he be out this week against Tennessee, but likely for a few games after that because of a groin injury he suffered last Sunday.
Durant, who had eight tackles and a pass deflection, also called the plays against the 49ers, meaning the Cowboys will likely use Bruce Carter to wear the headset in his helmet to relay the defensive assignments.
On the field, Carter will remain as the SAM, with Rolando McClain staying in the middle and Durant's spot is expected to be field by rookie Anthony Hitchens, who took some first-team reps in the early part of Thursday's practice.
The Cowboys appeared to have an issue at the safety spot when J.J. Wilcox walked off the field alongside head athletic trainer Jim Maurer. But moments later, Wilcox jogged back onto the field and continued practice. The Cowboys are already without safety C.J. Spillman, who had a groin injury in Sunday's loss to the 49ers.
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The Cowboys have a couple of defensive backs on the practice squad with ability to play both corner and safety in Micah Pellerin and Jemea Thomas.
Other players not practicing Thursday were offensive tackle Darrion Weems and defensive end Anthony Spencer.
Quarterback Tony Romo, who didn't practice on consecutive days in training camp, is practicing again Thursday following Wednesday's practice. Last week, Romo also practiced on back-to-back days, suggesting that schedule was reserved more for the preseason and camp.
