The Dallas Cowboys will be without Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jay Ratliff when they christen the NFL season against the rival New York Giants on Wednesday evening.
Ratliff was officially listed as “out” in the injury report that came out Tuesday after missing the entire week of practice with a high ankle sprain. The four-time Pro Bowler suffered the injury in an August 25 preseason game against the St. Louis Rams. Josh Brent will likely start in Ratliff’s place.
The news on Ratliff was particularly discouraging to the Cowboys because there’s a growing likelihood that they will also be without the services of Jason Witten as well. The seven-time Pro Bowl tight end continues to mend from the lacerated kidney he suffered during a preseason game last month. Witten is expected to be a game-time decision.
Witten underwent a CT scan Tuesday on his lacerated spleen, but the results were not immediately available. If the spleen is completely healed, the seven-time Pro Bowler could be cleared to play against the Giants. Team doctors also could elect to sideline Witten until Week 2 against Seattle. Witten was a limited participant in practice this week but has not been cleared for contact.
Now in his eighth season out of Auburn, the 31-year-old Ratliff has been bothered by elbow, rib and foot injuries in recent years.
Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks (foot) is listed as questionable, but he says he will be ready to play.
