ESPN Watkins: Cowboys still unsure about Witten...feels better

[WoodysGirl]

By Calvin Watkins

IRVING -- Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said quarterback Tony Romo (back) is feeling better and his chances of playing Thursday vs. the Raiders are good.

But tight end Jason Witten (sprained left foot) continues to worry the team. Witten will try and practice today at Valley Ranch, but he's still a game-time decision for the Cowboys.

"I think Tony's fine and again, Witten, we'll have to see tomorrow," Phillips said before Wednesday's practice. "He's getting therapy and as many treatments as you can get and we'll see how he feels. He's gone though both practices some, a limited amount and he moved around. We'll pick up the pace a little bit."

If Witten is unable to play, second-year tight end Martellus Bennett gets the start. Bennett is the future at tight end because he's younger and is more athletic than Witten. However, Bennett's inconsistent play has held him back some.

"We've worked Martellus like he's going to play and going to start, so we want him to have that mindset, no matter what," Phillips said. "If it were to be the case, then he'll be ready that way."

 

[Dave_in-NC]

I would obviously have JW, but Bennett will do fine if need be.

 

[Boyzmamacita]

Witten is the soul of our offense, but if they're still unsure, I say just sit him tomorrow. It's not worth the risk. Step it up, Bennett and Phillips. This is your shot.

 

[tomson75]

Uh...I'd be careful dubbing Bennett the "future at tight end".

Witten is 27....and is still a hell of a lot better than Bennett. I don't see him going anywhere anytime soon.

 

[windward]

I have a feeling they'd have to amputate a limb before Jason would sit a game out.

I think he'll be active and at least try to play.

 

[WoodysGirl]

Updated: November 25, 2009, 1:09 PM ET
Injured Witten takes part in warm-ups

IRVING, Texas -- Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten was on the field for the start of practice Wednesday, a potentially good sign for his chances of playing against Oakland on Thursday.

Witten went through warm-ups before the team drills in Wednesday's practice. That was the only part of the workout open to media.

Coach Wade Phillips said beforehand that Witten remains a game-time decision because of his sprained left foot.

"He's getting therapy and as many treatments as you can get and we'll see how he feels," Phillips said. "He's gone through both practices some, a limited amount and he moved around. We'll pick up the pace a little bit."

Witten has missed only one game in his career, and that was as a rookie in 2003.

Information from The Associated Press and ESPNDallas.com reporter Calvin Watkins was used in this report

 

[Cajuncowboy]

Uh...I'd be careful dubbing Bennett the "future at tight end".

Witten is 27....and is still a hell of a lot better than Bennett. I don't see him going anywhere anytime soon.

Yeah, I wondered about that statement as well.

 

[Everlastingxxx]

I have a feeling they'd have to amputate a limb before Jason would sit a game out.

I think he'll be active and at least try to play.

Maybe if Jason had a week to get ready but on such a short week...i don’t think he plays. Now is the time for MartyB to shine.

 

[CowboyMike]

Uh...I'd be careful dubbing Bennett the "future at tight end".

Witten is 27....and is still a hell of a lot better than Bennett. I don't see him going anywhere anytime soon.

Yeah. People forget how young Witten is.

Bennett is here to be a complement to Witten, not his replacement.

 

[Nav22]

No doubt in my mind that Witten will play. None.

 

[AbeBeta]

honestly, I think Witten has looked a little beaten up for a few weeks now. I'm never in the "we can win without him so rest him" camp but I really think that JW needs to sit so that he can be right for the rest of the season.

 

[windward]

Maybe if Jason had a week to get ready but on such a short week...i don’t think he plays. Now is the time for MartyB to shine.

I hope Marty is ready if that's the case.

Maybe he'lL be the POTG

 

[CowboyMike]

Haha, yeah. MartyB get's the Galloping Gobbler... oh wait, it's on CBS this year. But hey! No Joe Buck! That's a plus.

I think it might be a good opportunity for MartyB to get some catches in and get comfortable. He needs to work out the kinks and get his confidence up.

 

[Everlastingxxx]

I hope Marty is ready if that's the case.

Maybe he'lL be the POTG

I hope so too. I tittered him the other day and told him to stay in his playbook because he could be starting. He has been busy with his rap crap. But i think if he starts, he is going to have a big game.

 

[JBond]

honestly, I think Witten has looked a little beaten up for a few weeks now. I'm never in the "we can win without him so rest him" camp but I really think that JW needs to sit so that he can be right for the rest of the season.

Agreed. I believe it is why his ypc is a little down from his career average. He has been so great for so long people take him for granted.

 

[WoodysGirl]

Jason Witten feeling better
2:25 PM Wed, Nov 25, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Todd Archer/Reporter Bio | E-mail | News tips

Officially, Jason Witten is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against Oakland with a sprained left foot.

He took part in a limited part of Wednesday's practice after doing little to nothing on Monday and Tuesday. He will test the injury in pre-game warmups before deciding whether to play or not.

"It's gotten better every day," Witten said. "We'll see how it is tomorrow."

Just a gut feeling here, but if he feels OK, he'll play. There is a risk that Wade Phillips hinted at Tuesday that it is possible Witten's foot could get worse if he plays. With the New York Giants next on Dec. 6, might it be wiser to rest him for the NFC East showdown?

The easy answer is yes, but it's never easy. Oakland is coming off a win against Cincinnati and close losses vs. San Diego and Kansas City and have allowed more than 24 points in the last five games. The Cowboys, meanwhile, have not scored more than 20 in the last three games.

On his weekly appearance on The Fan, Witten said the decision will be made between the training staff, Wade Phillips and himself. He was asked if he ever tried to fool the coaches and training staff before.

"Absolutely," Witten said. "Kinda of doing that right now. No, I'm kidding."