The Dallas Cowboys are not expected to have rookie cornerback Morris Claiborne against the Pittsburgh Steelerson Sunday.
A team source said Claiborne had not passed the necessary tests for his concussion as of late Saturday. Barring a late and dramatic change, the first-round draft pick will miss his first game.
Claiborne suffered a concussion and a bloody lip that necessitated 10 stitches after a friendly fire blow from safety Danny McCray against the Cincinnati Bengals. His absence means Mike Jenkins will almost certainly start in his place.
Claiborne felt dizzy Thursday, but said Friday that he was feeling good. Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan was more realistic.
"I know he's doing everything he can," Ryan said Friday. "He's got to pass these (concussion) tests. That's the one thing about it. You have to follow protocol and no one can rush it no matter who you are. I think it's great for the players' safety. You have to make sure when they do come back they are ready with no trouble coming back. When Mo comes back he'll be ready to go, but until then we'll just move forward."
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