[Underdog]

Newman's Status For Monday Still Unclear

Although Terence Newman said Monday he'd make his season debut against Philadelphia, Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips wants more evidence in practice that the Pro Bowl cornerback is ready to return from his nagging groin injury.

Newman was limited again on Thursday, though Phillips said he practiced more with the first-team defense and could indeed play Monday night at Texas Stadium. Last week, Newman worked mostly with the scout team before sitting out the Cowboys' season opener against Cleveland.

"He did a lot more today than he did last week at this point," Phillips said. "And he showed a lot more things in practice when he practiced."

Newman suffered a slight groin tear early in training camp and originally was expected to miss at least three weeks. He returned to practice on Aug. 25 but missed all four preseason games.

Phillips said Newman did not suffer a setback in his recovery, but rather he "just leveled off."

"He was doing OK and he leveled out a little bit and now he seems to be doing better," Phillips said.

If Newman is inactive, Adam Jones would start again at left cornerback and rookie Orlando Scandrick likely would continue manning the slot in nickel situations. The Cowboys will practice Friday and Saturday leading up to Monday night's 7:30 p.m. (CDT) kickoff.

"If he looks like himself (he'll play)," Phillips said. "That's all I can gauge. If he looks like he can play and he says, 'I'm ready.'"



Miles Austin Looks Ready To Play

It’s becoming rather clear that wide receiver Miles Austin will be ready to play this week against the Eagles. The third-year pro, who suffered a sprained MCL on his right knee about a month ago in Denver, has looked rather sharp all week, despite wearing a protective brace.

Austin has practiced all three days, including here Friday, with seemingly no setbacks.

One team trainer said this week he expects Austin to play against the Eagles, which was evident by the team releasing Mike Jefferson and putting him back on the practice squad.

The Cowboys will likely go into the game again with four receivers. However, a big question involves special teams coverage. The club did not use Isaiah Stanback in that area last week because he was coming off a shoulder injury.

The same logic might prevent Austin from covering kickoffs as well.



Hurd Progressing

Cowboys wide receiver Sam Hurd (high ankle sprain) wants to wait until he starts cutting on his sore ankle before he estimates a return date for practice.

"Front-line and straight forward (running) is good, but cutting will be the test," said Hurd, who started running this week and guessed that his ankle is "85 percent" healthy.

Hurd isn't expected to play against the Eagles, but said a Sept. 21 return at Green Bay is within reach, barring any setbacks.

Guard Kyle Kosier (hairline foot fracture) was the only other player who missed practice. Running back Marion Barber (ribs) and wide receiver Isaiah Stanback had full participation Thursday; cornerback Terence Newman (groin), wide receiver Miles Austin (knee) and linebacker Anthony Spencer (knee) were limited.



Making Contact

Cowboys inside linebacker Bradie James said he had no issues with the new helmet communication device in the regular-season opener, but Monday night he'll have to block out the Texas Stadium crowd noise while receiving defensive signals in his ear.

"This will be my biggest test because it'll be loud," James said. "We're playing at home, and usually it's our fans that you've really got to worry about (with noise). On the road it's more quiet because their offense has the ball."

Backup linebacker Kevin Burnett had been the designated device-wearer when James left the field in nickel and dime situations during preseason, but Burnett took hand signals from defensive coordinator Brian Stewart against the Browns.



Rivalry Newbie

There aren't many things 12-year veteran Zach Thomas is new to. But this Cowboys-Eagles rivalry is one of them. Even growing up in Pampa, Texas and playing at Texas Tech, Thomas said he didn't know the full intensity of this rivalry until this week. "Not really," Thomas said. "But it seems like everyone in the division here is a rival. When I was in Miami, it was the Jets. Really, only the Jets. But here it seems like every division team is a rival. But Philly, I know with the way they're talking, it's a big game.



Short Shots

Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb didn't take exception to Adam Jones' comment on Philly's offensive dominance in its season-opening win over St. Louis. Jones said Monday, "It's going to be a big challenge, but they played the Rams. They ain't played the Cowboys." McNabb shrugged it off, saying, "Everyone has their own opinion. We'll definitely see Adam on Monday. I don't get into that trash talking or slighting anyone. We'll see each other on Monday." . . . Eagles starting wide receiver Reggie Brown (hamstring) was limited in Thursday's practice and was labeled "questionable" by head coach Andy Reid. Brown and starting receiver Kevin Curtis (sports hernia) missed the season opener. Curtis won't play Monday.