Dallas Cowboys making backup plans for injured Barber

IRVING -- Dallas Pro Bowl running back Marion Barber’s status for Sunday’s game at Pittsburgh is expected to be a game-time decision, according to associate athletic trainer Britt Brown.

Barber, who missed practice again on Thursday, suffered a dislocated right pinkie toe against Seattle and has been held out all week.

If he does play against the Steelers, Barber will use a special support in his cleats to protect and take pressure off the injured toe.

“We were assuming that Marion would play, but it's a little more doubtful right now," coach Wade Phillips said. "We'll see tomorrow."

If Barber doesn’t play, the Cowboys are strongly considering signing practice squad running back Alonzo Coleman to backup rookie Tashard Choice. Choice has 30 carries this season for 147 yards. He had 57 yards on 11 carries against Seattle after Barber was forced out of the game because of the toe injury.

The Cowboys will likely take three running backs to the game and thus need the game-day roster spot. If the Cowboys do sign a running back to the roster, they will need to release a player _ possibly cornerback Quincy Butler. Butler was signed to the roster when Adam “Pacman” Jones was suspended six weeks ago.