IRVING, Texas – Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain returned to practice on a limited basis Wednesday.
McClain did not play in the regular-season finale because of an illness, which is still listed as part of the reason why he was limited. He has been playing through a sore knee for the last few months.
With rookie linebacker Anthony Hitchens missing practice with a high right ankle sprain, Cameron Lawrence took first-team snaps at middle linebacker.
Right tackle Doug Free missed practice with an ankle injury that has kept him out of the final two games of the season. Coach Jason Garrett would not say if Free would start over Jermey Parnell if healthy.
“We’re not going to put him in there before he’s ready to play,” Garrett said. “Jermey’s played very well for us. He’s stepped in and he’s tough and he’s done a good job as a run blocker, done a good job in protection. He blocked (Ryan Kerrigan) a lot in the game the other day. And they put him over there. Really thought he held up well. He’s really improved as a player, but obviously we love Doug. Doug’s done a really good job for us. Doug’s impact on the other guys around him is significant. First question is, let’s get Doug healthy and then we’ll make that decision.”
Defensive tackle Nick Hayden did not practice because of a shoulder injury, but said he will play Sunday. Safety C.J. Spillman (groin) also did not practice.
Quarterback Tony Romo will return to practice Thursday after following his weekly routine in which he sits out of Wednesday’s practice.
Running back DeMarco Murray (hand), defensive tackle Josh Brent (calf), linebacker Bruce Carter (knee), safety Jeff Heath (thumb) and guard Zack Martin (ankle) were full participants.
Defensive tackle Amobi Okoye, who is on the reserve/non-football illness list, had right ankle surgery last week. He said the ankle has bothered him since 2012 and he wanted to get it cleaned up so it would not be an issue in the 2015 offseason program.
