Witten hoping to play this week
Witten’s scan is set before the team’s departure for the NFL’s kickoff game Wednesday night at the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants.
“If I get cleared, we’re playing. It’s the only way I believe you can approach the game,” said Witten, who was then asked if he was optimistic about getting cleared.
“I wouldn’t say optimistic just because as of right now it’s been a tough challenge to get to that point,” he said. “Optimistic would be if it was in my hands and my control. So no from that standpoint.”
Sunday also marked the return to practice for cornerback Mike Jenkins, and Jones said he “practiced well.” The former Pro Bowler missed all offseason work and training camp because of reconstructive shoulder surgery after last season.
Jenkins passed his physical last week and was eligible to return to practice Saturday. But he missed that day because of migraine headaches.
When asked of his chances of playing in the opener, Jenkins said he didn’t know.
“It was good. I got my feet up under me. I got a chance to get out there and work with the rest of the team,” Jenkins said after his first practice. “I just got cleared. I’m guessing it’s on me and the coaches, come together to a mutual decision when I can get back out.”
But Jenkins, who like Witten was limited in practice, said he has confidence in his surgically repaired shoulder.
The Cowboys listed 14 injured players on their practice report. Among them were receivers Dez Bryant (right knee) and Miles Austin (hamstring), who were listed as full participants. Receivers coach Jimmy Robinson said both were making progress. “They’re doing good out there,” he said.
Now the Cowboys have to wait to find out if they will have Witten. He has missed only one game in his career, as a rookie in 2003 because of a broken jaw
Witten was able to avoid surgery with the spleen injury. But there is uncertainty because it’s an internal issue.