Oct. 28--IRVING -- Add two more starters to the lengthy injury list. Cornerback Anthony Henry and tight end Jason Witten are questionable for this week's game against the Giants.
Henry suffered a deep thigh bruise against Tampa Bay. With Terence Newman (groin surgery) and Adam Jones (suspended) already out, the Cowboys could be in the unenviable position of starting rookies Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick against the Giants.
Jenkins and Scandrick had nine tackles combined against the Buccaneers. Alan Ball, a second-year pro, also had two tackles and played solid coverage. All three were on the field during Tampa Bay's final possession.
"Nobody was more nervous than I was when we had all three of those young guys in there on fourth down twice," Phillips said. "I expect them to try to do the best they can do."
Witten left the game in the first half with a rib injury. He tried to come back into the game, but the pain was too much. Witten has missed only one game in his career because of injury.
If Witten can't play, rookie Martellus Bennett will see more playing time. Bennett had three catches for 21 yards Sunday.
"It's good to get first-team [practice repetitions], and we rotate a lot," Bennett said. "It's just a chance and you try to take advantage of it."
Jefferson returns: Practice squad receiver Mike Jefferson was reinstated by the NFL on Monday. He was suspended the last four weeks for violating the league's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances. The Cowboys have a one-week roster exemption to either release Jefferson or someone else.
Zach speaks up: Phillips credited seven-time Pro Bowler Zach Thomas for standing up in a defensive team meeting last week and letting his feelings known. Thomas and Ken Hamlin both spoke up last week as the players held themselves more accountable.
"He spoke from the heart and let it be known what he thought about things," Hamlin said. "He's passionate about the game he plays. His message was heartfelt. Guys understood where he was coming from and really took that seriously."
Extra time off: Phillips cancelled last Saturday's walkthrough practice so the players would have fresh legs against Tampa Bay. Phillips then cancelled practice Monday and let players watch the Tampa Bay film on their own.
"We're going to give them all the negative things that they didn't do well enough when they come in here Wednesday," Phillips said. "And we'll work on those things in practice, and we'll work on the Giants in practice."
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