IRVING, Texas — The Cowboys likely will be a wounded team in at least a couple of very key places when they visit the Giants Wednesday night.
Jay Ratliff — whom Dallas defensive coordinator Rob Ryan this week labeled “the best nose tackle in football” — was ruled out for the season opener Tuesday because of a high ankle sprain, and Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten is being listed as doubtful with a lacerated spleen.
Witten practiced three consecutive days leading up to the game but appears unlikely to play as a precaution. He flew to New York yesterday, but reportedly on his own and not with the team so he could have his spleen examined by specialists.
If Witten doesn’t play, it would end one of the longest active streaks in the NFL. The Cowboys’ big pass-catcher and noted Giants tormenter has played in 139 consecutive games while missing just one contest in his nine-year career.
Veteran reserve John Phillips likely would start in Witten’s place, but it would be a major blow because Witten is one of quarterback Tony Romo’s favorite (and most reliable) targets.
The Cowboys are expected to use the combination of Josh Brent and Sean Lissemore to handle the bulk of Ratliff’s nose-tackle responsibilities.
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Cornerback Mike Jenkins, relegated to a reduced role by the signing of Brandon Carr and the drafting of Morris Claiborne, also appears unlikely to play tonight despite making the trip and being listed as questionable on Dallas’ official injury report.
Jenkins wrecked his shoulder in the Cowboys’ Week 17 loss to the Giants at the Meadowlands last season, requiring reconstructive surgery, and only returned to practice for the first time last weekend.
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Claiborne was a roommate at LSU with Giants’ second-round pick Rueben Randle and said he hopes to reunite with his former college teammate on the field tonight.
“That would be fun, if we could go against each other,” Claiborne said this week. “You always look forward to situations like that. It would feel like going against my brother.”
Claiborne said the Giants have a potential star on their hands in Randle.
“He’s got good size, good speed and good hands,” Claiborne said. “He’s also in a great situation where he can learn from some great receivers. Give him a little bit of time, and he’s going to be really good.”