OXNARD, Calif. – Injuries are starting to creep up at a rapid pace now as the Cowboys are barely a week into training camp.
The latest is a rash of hand/finger injuries to a pair of young players. Second-year tailback Phillip Tanner suffered a broken bone in his right hand and will be headed to Dallas on Sunday to see a hand specialist.
On the same flight and same visit will be rookie receiver Saalim Hakim, who chipped a bone in his left middle finger. Hakim said he will likely be out "about a week to 10 days."
Head coach Jason Garrett said it's an untimely setback for those two players, especially for the position they play.
"The challenge for both of those guys is they catch the ball and carry the ball," Garrett said. "A lot of the hand injuries become an issue for them."
Garrett was informed of a story about Emmitt Smith suffering a similar hand injury such as Tanner and was able to return to play the next week. While Garrett never compares players or situations, he is certainly hoping Tanner's injury and return can be similar.
With Hakim going down, it's starting to create depth issues at receiver, coupled with Cole Beasley leaving the team. Fifth-round pick Danny Coale (Broken foot) is getting close to practicing again after being removed from the PUP list.
Hatcher Banged Up
Defensive end Jason Hatcher, one player the Cowboys might be the most excited about this year, suffered a hamstring injury that will likely keep him out a few days, definitely through Sunday's scrimmage.
Hatcher sustained the injury late in Friday's practice and tried to fight through it. He'll likely be held out for precautionary measures to allow other lineman some reps.
Marcus Spears will likely move to the first-team, possibly for the scrimmage, but expect Clifton Geathers and Sean Lissemore to get plenty of snaps. Tyrone Crawford may not be able to take advantage, considering he is dealing with a slight knee injury.
Quick Hits
- Garrett said guard Mackenzy Bernadeau is getting close to returning to practice from a hip injury, possibly as early as next week when the Cowboys return from Oakland. Bernadeau passed his physical and will be taken off PUP.
- Veteran guards Derrick Dockery and Daniel Loper, both signed on Friday night, won't be eligible to practice until Tuesday.
