Outlook More Promising For Owens and Harrison Than Gates
Three major storylines involving injured players could affect the outcomes of this weekend's conference championship games. In at least two of the three cases, it appears that the injured player will play this weekend.
Wide receiver Terrell Owens practiced Thursday with the Dallas Cowboys for the first time since suffering a high ankle sprain in the second-to-last game of the regular season. That probably was a signal that Owens will play Sunday against the New York Giants at Texas Stadium. With Owens, the Cowboys are an explosive team with a varied offense. His presence helps to create room to maneuver for fellow wideout Patrick Crayton and tight end Jason Witten. Without him, the Cowboys could struggle to generate points.
The Indianapolis Colts also are counting on having wide receiver Marvin Harrison in the lineup Sunday against the San Diego Chargers. Harrison missed most of the regular season because of an ailing knee, and there were several occasions when it appeared that he was close to returning to the lineup but he didn't. This is the playoffs, though, and Harrison has been practicing all week. His return would give quarterback Peyton Manning another option in the passing game and prevent defenses from keying on wideout Reggie Wayne and tight end Dallas Clark.
The standout pass-catcher who could have trouble playing this weekend is Chargers tight end Antonio Gates. He suffered a sprained toe during last weekend's first-round playoff triumph over the Tennessee Titans and didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday. Chargers Coach Norv Turner said that Gates's availability to face the Colts won't be determined until shortly before game time Sunday. If the Chargers don't have Gates, they probably would need a big game by wide receiver Chris Chambers to remain competitive with the Colts.
By Mark Maske |
January 11, 2008; 9:16 AM ET
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Posted by: DatMel | January 12, 2008 6:44 PM
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Terell Owens has a "miracle" 3 week recovery from a high ankle sprain then he needs to be immediately tested because there's no way that he naturally recovered.