Dez Bryant returned to the practice field Thursday in a limited capacity with a knee injury after missing Wednesday's session.
Coach Jason Garrett added that Bryant's absence Wednesday was more about the wideout's knee than the surgically repaired foot that kept him out five games. Garrett said he is confident Bryant will progress throughout the week.
After falling to 2-6, with six straight losses, the Cowboys and quarterback Matt Cassel desperately need a healthy Bryant on the field Sunday if they are to sack the losing skid.
Tony Romo also practiced on Thursday, mostly doing individual drills and some scout-team work. Romo is eligible to return to game action in Week 11.
Linebacker Rolando McClain (hand) and running back Christine Michael (illness) were both full participants after being limited Wednesday.
Here is the rest of Thursday's injury news we are tracking:
- Browns quarterback Josh McCown (ribs) was limited in practice again, coach Mike Pettine said. A decision on the starter for Sunday against the Steelers hasn't been made.
Cornerback Joe Haden remains in the league's concussion protocol.
- Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (foot) was limited at practice. When asked by reporters about playing Sunday against the Browns, Roethlisberger said, "I hope so."
- Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is in pads and back at practice after a sore foot kept him out of Wednesday's practice, NFL Media's James Palmer reported. Wideout Emmanuel Sanders sat out again with an ankle injury that also kept him out Wednesday.
- Bears wideout Alshon Jeffery (groin) didn't practice. Coach John Fox said Jeffery is day-to-day.
- Jaguars wideout Allen Hurns did not practice as he recovers from a foot injury.
- Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins practiced and said he will play Sunday against the Dolphins. Jenkins said his concussion occurred in the second quarter of last week's win over the Cowboys. Offensive tackle Jason Peters (back) was limited.
- Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins is battling a virus and his status for Sunday is in doubt, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported. Collins missed the Patriots' win over the Redskins with an illness. He hasn't been able to eat and is very weak, Rapoport added.
Wideout Julian Edelman (knee) was limited in practice.
- Giants left tackle Will Beatty will remain on the physically unable to perform list and miss the rest of the season with a rotator cuff injury.
- Jadeveon Clowney didn't practice for the Texans with his lower back still affecting him after trying to practice Wednesday.
- Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was a full participant at practice and coach Mike Zimmer expects him to start a week after suffering a concussion against the Rams.
- Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy was limited with a shoulder injury and cornerback Alteraun Verner was limited with a foot injury. Safety D.J. Swearinger didn't practice with a toe injury.
- Raiders running back Latavius Murray (concussion) said he's symptom free and progressing great, according to Comcast Sportsnet Bay Area. Wideout Amari Cooper also returned to practice after dealing with a quad issue.
- Packers wideout James Jones was added to the injury report as he was limited with a thigh injury.
- Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (hamstring) and cornerback Jerraud Powers (hamstring) were both limited at Thursday practice.
- Jets kick returner Zac Stacyfractured his ankle just before halftime and was carted off the field. Before the game, the Jets announced that CB Antonio Cromartie (deep thigh bruise) would not play versus the Bills. It marked the first time in his 10-year career that Cromartie missed a game because of injury.
- Bills defensive end Mario Williams, who was listed as active Thursday's contest, left the game after just one play in the first half because of illness. Bills quarterback EJ Manuelwas a healthy scratch. Running back LeSean McCoy, who was listed as probable earlier this week, was active.
