Cowboys' Barber Ready To Go Sunday

NFL News - October 1st, 2009 - Written by John

barber If ever a team were to warn their running backs against hitting the homerun ball, it would probably be the Dallas Cowboys.

Twice they've seen their feature back go down with a game-ending injury after breaking off a huge chunk of yards and fighting off pursuing tacklers. First, it was Marion Barber, who hurt himself in Week Two on a breakaway run deep in New York Giants' territory. Then, a week later, back-up Felix Jones got banged up his knee outrunning Carolina's defense.

But in the roto-backfield that is Dallas, the Cowboys got some welcome news today when it was confirmed that Marion Barber is expected to play this week against Denver.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said that Barber is finally healthy and ready to go, adding to his confidence by saying Barber was probably ready last week against the Panthers, but trainers suggested he wait a week.

"(Barber) did more (Wednesday) than we thought and he will have expectations," Jones said on ESPN.com. "I would like to reserve that to after practice, but I bet he's pretty aggressive out here in practice, listening to how he responded (Wednesday) and listening to these trainers."

It's welcome news to a toiling offensive coaching staff who were down to their third option, Tashard Choice, who was the starter for the final five games of last year when the duo got hurt as well.

Jones says his knee is improving but still stiff, and will be reevaluated next week. He is listed as out for the game against the Broncos.