IRVING, Texas -- Terence Newman was on the practice field with the Dallas Cowboys for the first time in four weeks Monday, an indication that the Pro Bowl cornerback could be ready to play in the season opener.
2007 Statistics:
Tackles: 56
Passes defensed: 13
INTs: 4 (1 returned for TD)
While Newman returned to practice, the Cowboys were without two other players because of injuries.
Guard Kyle Kosier needed crutches to get around the team's facility because of the large cast on his right foot, and receiver Isaiah Stanback couldn't lift his arms very high because of a separated left shoulder. Both were hurt Friday night in a 23-22 preseason victory over Houston.
Newman, coming off his first Pro Bowl season, sustained a groin injury July 28, less than a week into the team's training camp in California. He had been expected to miss at least three weeks.
Coach Wade Phillips had said last week that Newman was close to returning to practice. It is unclear if Newman might play in the preseason finale against Minnesota on Thursday night, but without any setbacks, he should be able to play in the regular-season opener Sept. 7 at Cleveland.
Kosier, who started all 32 games at left guard for the Cowboys since coming from Detroit as a free agent, sprained his right foot in the fourth quarter of Friday night's game.
Pat McQuistan, a third-year player from Weber State, was in Kosier's spot with the first-team line during the 20 minutes of practice open to the media Monday. Adam Stenavich was at left guard with the second line.
"It's going to be tough, but whoever they put in there, they're going to manage," Kosier said. "They'll be all right. They're playing around three Pro Bowlers, so they'll be all right."
Whoever is at left guard will be sandwiched by left tackle Flozell Adams and center Andre Gurode, both Pro Bowl players last season, as was right guard Leonard Davis.
Stanback separated his shoulder when he got hit at the end of a 32-yard kickoff return to open the second half against the Texans. He also had a 44-yard return in the game.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press
