DeMarcus Ware's return looking better

Dec 17, 2009

Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware did not practice Wednesday but coach Wade Phillips said Ware would not have to practice to be able to play Saturday at New Orleans.

"I'm not going to punish him or the team if he doesn't practice," Phillips said.

Ware did not go through any more tests Wednesday because he is feeling better and his neck continued to show improved strength over the last two days. He has worked with strength and conditioning coach Joe Juraszek the last two days and took part in Wednesday's walkthrough. Phillips said the doctors have cleared Ware structurally and now it is a matter of strength, range of motion and pain tolerance.

Phillip said he hopes the decision to play or sit Ware can be made before the team leaves for New Orleans on Friday.

"It's day to day how it feels and whether he can participate [Thursday] I think is going to be key," Phillips said.

Fantasy Impact:

yesterday

Cowboys hope to get WR Brandin Cooks (knee) back for Week 12

Calvin Watkins on X

yesterday · 5:55 PM EST

Mike McCarthy said he's hoping Cowboys will get WR Brandin Cooks (knee) back this week.

Fantasy Impact:

Cooper Rush will get the start at QB again against the Commanders in Week 12. CeeDee Lamb led the way with 12 targets vs. the Texans, but it was Luke Schoonmaker, who took over after Jake Ferguson left with a concussion, who had 10 targets which was most behind Lamb. The addition of Cooks should help the Cowboys offense in what is a good matchup against the Commanders defense. For the fantasy world, Rush did end up throwing for 354 yards.

Cowboys will start Cooper Rush at QB in Week 12

Calvin Watkins on X

yesterday · 5:48 PM EST

Mike McCarthy said Cooper Rush "will be the starter" this week against Washington and a package of plays will be formed for Trey Lance.

Fantasy Impact:

McCarthy came out and said he regrets not giving Lance a chance to run the offense in the loss to the Texans on Monday Night, but even after that the team is going forward with Rush in Week 12 against the Commanders. One would have to assume Rush gets the start the following week as well, which is a short week and a game on Thanksgiving Day game against the Giants.

49ers TE George Kittle (hamstring) 'close' to playing in Week 11

The Athletic

yesterday · 3:18 PM EST

Shanahan said George Kittle was “close” to playing against Seattle and should be able to practice Wednesday.

Fantasy Impact:

It's at least a good sign Kittle is expected to practice Wednesday. The hope is he will be ready to go in Week 12. The 49ers play at the Packers, and it's in the later Sunday window so owners will certainly want to pay attention to what kind of work Kittle can get in this week at practice.