ESPN: Cowboys defense hobbled with injuries

[tr1]

http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nfl...e=NFLHeadlines

IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys' defense began preparing to face the NFC's highest-scoring offense without three starters.

The defensive starters who did not practice Wednesday were inside linebackers Bradie James (knee) and Keith Brooking (foot) and strong safety Gerald Sensabaugh (quadriceps). Nickel back Orlando Scandrick (concussion) also did not practice.

Reserve inside linebacker Sean Lee did not wear full pads like the rest of the Cowboys, but he's listed as having limited participation on the official injury report.

Running back Marion Barber, who missed Sunday's win over the Indianapolis Colts with a strained left calf, did not practice and isn't likely to play Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

James hasn't practiced on the last several Wednesdays since spraining the PCL in his knee. Brooking barely practiced last week due to a strained left foot, but he started against the Colts to extend his consecutive games played streak to 156, the second-longest among active linebackers.

Lee, a rookie second-round pick, earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his two-interception performance against the Colts. Lee injured his shoulder on his 31-yard touchdown return in the second quarter, but he returned to the game and finished with nine tackles. His second interception set up the game-winning field goal in overtime.

Scandrick also returned an interception for a touchdown against the Colts. He sustained a concussion in the second quarter when he collided with Sensabaugh and did not play in the second half.

Sensabaugh suffered a bruised quadriceps in the second half but missed only one play.

In other injury news, rookie receiver Dez Bryant was placed on injured reserve. The Cowboys signed inside linebacker Kenwin Cummings off the New York Jets' practice squad to take the roster spot.

Cummings has spent most of the last three years on the Jets' practice squad and was active for one game this season with one special teams tackle. He joined the Jets as an undrafted free agent out of Wingate in 2008. The Cowboys must keep Cummings on their active roster for three games, per league rules.

---------- Post added December-8th-2010 at 06:56 PM ----------

Well, well, well...I'll bet puke fans can't remember a time when so many starters were out.

It's what happens when a team gets old.

[Tom [Giants fan]]

I was kind of hoping they could put an L to the Eagles.

[Big Blue Joe]

I was kind of hoping they could put an L to the Eagles.

It doesn't look like we are going to get any help. The Giants may have to win 3 out of their last 4 to get in.

[Hitman21ST]

It sounds to me like ESPN is trying to excuse them if (when) they lose to the Eagles, because they went on their little 3-1 run.

[AzSkinsFan63]

That's no excuse!!!!!!!

[Tweedr01]

It sounds to me like ESPN is trying to excuse them if (when) they lose to the Eagles, because they went on their little 3-1 run.

It sounds like I agree with this, lol

[Hitman21ST]

That's no excuse!!!!!!!

For ESPN's golden boys, it sure is. Just ask ESPN.

[jflow78]

For ESPN's golden boys, it sure is. Just ask ESPN.

I agree, this is ridiculous. Especially when you've got teams like Green Bay who have about 13 starters on IR and still have 2xs the Cowboy's record.

[Hitman21ST]

I agree, this is ridiculous. Especially when you've got teams like Green Bay who have about 13 starters on IR and still have 2xs the Cowboy's record.

Or the Colts, who haven't had their #2, 3, or 4 receiver since about week 4, nor their starting safety or one of their best LBs in Brackett.

[Beans]

It sounds to me like ESPN is trying to excuse them if (when) they lose to the Eagles, because they went on their little 3-1 run.

Exactly.

[pjfootballer]

I agree, this is ridiculous. Especially when you've got teams like Green Bay who have about 13 starters on IR and still have 2xs the Cowboy's record.

Or the Colts, who haven't had their #2, 3, or 4 receiver since about week 4, nor their starting safety or one of their best LBs in Brackett.

Or the Redskins who have 1 more win than them at this point and have had just as many injuries or more.

[jflow78]

Or the Redskins who have 1 more win than them at this point and have had just as many injuries or more.

And according to the same source are the 2nd or 3rd worst team in football, but we'll just ignore that part. SB Cowboys!!!