ARLINGTON, Texas -- Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant missed practice Wednesday because of a bruised thigh, and the hopes of cornerback Terence Newman's return this week remained in doubt after he also didn't participate.
Bryant played through the bruised thigh and some cramping in Sunday's season opener against the New York Jets.
There has been some optimism that Newman could return this week after being out since injuring his groin in training camp Aug. 3.
"We're still hopeful. It's still a day-to-day situation with Terence," Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said after practice Wednesday. "I would say less hopeful than I would be if he were on the field."
With Orlando Scandrick expected to miss at least Sunday's game at San Francisco with an ankle injury, and Mike Jenkins still banged up after coming in and out of the opener, Newman's return certainly would be a boost.
Jenkins was a limited participant in practice Wednesday.
The Cowboys at least received some help in the secondary when freshly signed journeyman Frank Walker practiced. Walker has been in the NFL since 2003, and played 93 games with the New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings. As a rookie with the Giants, he was teammates with Garrett.
"We are so thin at the cornerback position right now. ... Frank has played well for a long time," Garrett said. "He is smart and instinctive. He is in shape because he has been playing in the preseason. He can be a special-teams contributor."
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
