IRVING -- Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan believes he has the talent to be an NFL head coach, and that his brother's success with the New York Jets makes him want it more.
But right now, he's trying to help the Cowboys beat the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday."Those opportunities come when you work hard and take care of the job you have," he said Friday in his weekly media session at Valley Ranch. "Watching my twin brother have all the success he's had and two championships in two years, that's exciting. That's probably piqued my interest more. Do I think I have the talent enough to do that job? Absolutely."Ryan said he had several job opportunities in the off-season but wanted to coach in Dallas because he could win with the Cowboys."This is the team that I chose. This is the team that I wanted," he said. "It's been a great experience, and it's what I wanted. I missed winning."Felix OK with kickoffsRunning back Felix Jones, left without a carry last week as the Cowboys transitioned him to a new job as a kickoff returner, said he is glad to at least be healthy and contributing."It's very exciting. Another way to contribute. Another way I feel I can change the game," he said.Jones missed four games with an ankle injury before returning two weeks ago against Washington. He had five carries and one catch. On Thanksgiving against Miami, he had no carries, one catch and four kickoff returns.Austin runs routesReceiver Miles Austin, ruled out of Sunday's game, said he started running routes and working on conditioning this week, aiming for a return to action against the New York Giants."I'm feeling better now than I did Wednesday or Thursday... because I'm continuing to get treatment," he said. "I'll be good to go next week. I'm running routes now. It's good to get these days up underneath me just to get not only my hamstring, but to get my legs, my wind and everything back."Austin has not played since the Seattle game on Nov. 6, when he hurt his hamstring on a sideline catch. It was his second hamstring injury of the year, one in each leg.No McNabbThe Cowboys opted not to put in a claim for Donovan McNabb after his release by the Minnesota Vikings, believing backup quarterback Jon Kitna will be healthy soon."Right now, we're just going to stand pat with where we are and evaluate our quarterback situation with the health of Jon Kitna as much as anything else," coach Jason Garrett said.Injury reportIn addition to Miles Austin and Jon Kitna, the Cowboys ruled out nose tackle Josh Brent (knee), fullback Tony Fiammetta (illness) and running back Phillip Tanner (hamstring) for Sunday's game.Cornerback Mike Jenkins (hamstring), right guard Kyle Kosier (foot) and safety Gerald Sensabaugh (foot) are questionable, but all three are expected to play. They were limited in practice Friday.Elam returnsStrong safety Abe Elam returned from Florida and was back at Valley Ranch on Friday morning. Elam flew to Florida on Thursday to be with his family after learning of the death of his father.Carlos Mendez, 817-390-7760
Sensabaugh, Elam provide safety net for Cowboys
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