Cowboys/Giants: In Game Thoughts

Miles Austin looks solid overall, much more spectacular in the 2nd half. Not sure if the 1st half was rust or what, but he was not involved in the slightest. The 2nd half, including his TD catch, has been much different, as he looks like his dynamic self again. And he’s changing directions and speeds without hesitation, which can be an issue with hamstring pulls. I like his value a lot based on what we’re seeing tonight from an injury standpoint.

Jason Witten, do I have to say anything I haven’t already said about him playing tonight?? Just wait it out and he should be fine long term. He was at least blocking well without an issue

Hakeem Nicks looks a bit off. I personally didn’t see anything related to his foot injury that appears to be limiting him. He just doesn’t see in the flow of the game. I’d lean more towards rust than anything else, considering he didn’t really practice at all this preseason. It’s looking like it could take a week or two for him to get back to his old self, but part of his issue tonight could be Brandon Carr/Morris Claiborne as well, as they looked every bit as advertised against Nicks and Cruz.

Dez Bryant hasn’t had too much involvement tonight, but at the very least he doesn’t look limited. He just seems like he’s getting a lot of attention from the Giants D and can’t seem to get anything going. Maybe it’s because Kevin Ogiltree has 1,210 targets tonight (sorry, I’m a little bitter). Bottom line: His knee injury looks like it’s behind him. I think he’ll be just fine.

Victor Cruz, there’s no injury here, just interesting how many balls he’s dropping tonight. Not a clean start tonight for the G-Men receivers.

Cowboys/Giants Injury Updates

Hakeem Nicks, Giants: Sat out of practice today, which makes it two days in a row following his sitting out yesterday. It’s a little discouraging seeing him sit out two days in a row, especially since he looked good in the last preseason game of the season against the Pats. One report, courtesy of the New York Daily News, has him saying “…it’s nothing that is going to stop me from playing.” Soreness is very normal for anyone post surgery, especially with as much as he’s been ramping up to get ready for week 1. I’m still confident he’ll play, but sitting out two days in a row makes me think it’s a little more than precautionary. His official status tomorrow will give us some much needed clarity, but I still think you roll with him.

Jason Witten, Cowboys: Limited participation in practice today, still did not take part in contact drills. I don’t expect him to play, especially with how much contact he can potentially take the midsection being both a blocker and a pass-catcher. Sit him for week 1.

UPDATE: Jason Witten has officially been listed as Doubtful for tomorrow’s game. Adjust accordingly, but plan on him being out.

Miles Austin (hamstring)/Dez Bryant (knee): Both were full participants in practice today and both look ready to roll. I like Austin a lot here, especially with starting corner Prince Amukamara being likely to miss the game on Wednesday and with Witten (Romo’s safety valve) also not at 100%. Austin is much more likely than Bryant to have increased targets due to their skill sets, as Austin is more of a possession-type receiver than the speedy, athletic Bryant.

Cowboys Defense: Jay Ratliff is likely to sit out Wednesday’s game with an ankle sprain, meaning the middle of the Cowboys front 4 will be significantly hurt. Also, linebacker Dan Conner (hip) and cornerback Mike Jenkins (shoulder) were both limited in practice today, meaning all 3 levels of the Cowboys defense is hurting a bit. Looks like this could be a run-and-shoot type of game if the Giants put up a couple early scores, which negatively affects the Cowboy defense, but significantly favors both offenses’ passing games. Look for a high scoring one on Wednesday. Jenkins’ injury is a bit more concerning, coming off a rotator cuff and labrum repair, which essentially provide the majority of the stability to the shoulder joint itself. He probably sits out Week 1, which means Nicks/Cruz will have one less DB to worry about.

Hakeem Nicks Sits at Practice

Nicks sat out practice today, but no official reason was given, according to sources in the Twitterverse. I wouldn’t read too much into it, 3 days before the start of their season. I’m thinking probably more precaution than anything else. Roll with him unless otherwise stated.