Miles Austin Injury: Latest on Cowboys WR's Hamstring, Possible Lengthy Absence

Miles Austin of the Dallas Cowboys won't be back on the field this weekend.

Like many others before him, Austin is battling the dreaded hamstring injury.

Unlike a broken bone, fractured rib or punctured lung (his quarterback happens to be dealing with two of those three right now) the hamstring cannot be rushed back onto the field.

Unfortunately, the only remedy for a hamstring injury is complete and absolute rest from the game of football. There is no way to tough it out on the field because when it tightens it will simply immobilize you. Players who deal with hamstring issues tend to have lingering effects until they finally sit down for an extended period of time.

According to ESPN's Ed Werder, that is exactly what Austin is going to have to do.

The reporter claims his sources say:

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Wide receiver Miles Austin is not expected to play against the Redskins after aggravating a hamstring injury he suffered during training camp. While it is possible he could play Oct. 2 against Detroit, the more likely return date is Oct. 16 at New England after the bye week.

"

Both games will be played in Dallas previous to the bye week, which at least gives the Cowboys the opportunity to monitor him closely without having to travel.

The two matchups he's slated to miss, however, are going to be very important games in the grand scheme of the NFC playoff picture.

It would honestly be foolish to consider the Lions as legitimate contenders for the NFC North crown. However, the way they are playing football right now, they will certainly be in the hunt for a wild card berth.

The same has to be said for the Washington Redskins. They embarrassed the Giants in Week 1, escaped with a win against the Cardinals in Week 2 and have as much right to the NFC East crown as the Cowboys do right now.

A banged up Romo, Dez Bryant, Felix Jones and Austin do not bode well for Big D.

However, while Romo, Bryant and Jones may be able to step on the field this coming week and the following, Austin will have to sit on the bench.

If he aggravates his hamstring injury again it could become a legitimate problem for the length of the season. Dallas can't afford that, not after last year's ugly season and not with their lack of depth at the wide receiver position.

Expect Austin on the sideline until he is 100 percent healthy, regardless of how long it takes.

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LIFE HURTS. THIS INJURY UPDATE BROUGHT TO YOU BY DICKIES.