Cowboys Injury Report. Dec. 15th

The Cowboys suffered two big injuries last week against the Chargers, but they could have their best pass rusher back a lot sooner than anyone thought.

Linebacker Demarcus Ware was carted off the field during the fourth quarter with a sprained neck, and was released from the hospital later that night and drove himself home. It was reported on ESPN that Ware wouldn't play this week, but Head Coach Wade Phillips said that wasn't true, and that Ware was doing a lot better on Tuesday than anyone expected.

Ware was asked on the Cowboys website yesterday about how his neck feels:

"You know what's weird, it feels better than it did yesterday. Yesterday, you couldn't move it or anything; today it feels like I'm ready to play the game on Saturday to be honest. I cleared the little test they give you where you push and pull your neck to check all your strength—I didn't have any last night, but today I had all my strength and everything back."

The Cowboys will continue to evaluate him during the week, and if he is cleared by doctors, he will play Saturday night.

Safety Patrick Watkins suffered a sprained PCL, the same injury that Felix Jones suffered earlier in the season. Like Jones, Watkins is expected to miss 2-4 weeks meaning unless the Cowboys make the playoffs, he won't play again this season.

Tight End Martellus Bennett has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Saints as he's still suffering from concussion like symptoms. Bennett couldn't pass the mandated concussion tests last week and therefore was ruled ineligible by the league to play. Backup tight end John Phillips will take his place.

Safety Ken Hamlin is expected to work back into practice this week but it's unlikely he'll play this week as he works his way back into football shape. If he doesn't play, Alan Ball will once again take his place at the free safety spot.