IRVING, Texas -- Terrell Owens' two-week absence from practice because of a sprained left ankle hasn't caused any high anxiety for the Dallas Cowboys. Not yet, anyway.
Owens didn't practice again Thursday, the last workout for the NFC's top-seeded team before their three-day weekend.
When the Cowboys return Monday for a light practice, the NFC's top-seeded team will know the opponent for the divisional playoffs. But they still might not know Owens' status for their Jan. 13 playoff game, the first at Texas Stadium in nine years.
"Everything's been real positive with what I've heard again today. I heard some good things," coach Wade Phillips said Thursday, though he didn't elaborate about the Pro Bowl receiver's status. "We'll see where he is next week."
Owens got hurt in the first half Dec. 22 at Carolina when his leg got caught underneath him while being tackled after trying to gain extra yards on a catch. An MRI confirmed a high ankle sprain.
After wearing a protective boot on his left foot for about 10 days, Owens took it off and did some jogging this week. T.O. didn't appear in the locker room during open media periods.
Owens is the only Dallas player who didn't return to practice during this bye week after missing the regular season-ending 27-6 loss at Washington on Sunday.
Center Andre Gurode, nose tackle Jay Ratliff, cornerback Terence Newman and safety Patrick Watkins all were back on the field. So was receiver Terry Glenn, who made his season debut against the Redskins after two knee operations.
"We've got one of our playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. It would be definitely good to get (Owens) back," linebacker Bradie James said. "And T-New and Jay Ratliff, those guys could heal up, and we could be full steam ahead."
Phillips said earlier this week that he was hopeful Owens, who has 81 catches for 1,355 yards and an NFC-high 15 touchdowns, can return to practice next Wednesday or Thursday.
Asked if Owens could play in the postseason without practicing, Phillips said that was possible. But the coach didn't commit to that idea.
"Terrell could play if he didn't practice, but how effective it would be, what percentage that he would be playing would be up in the air," Phillips said. "We'll just wait and see."
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
