Cowboys CB Brandon Carr eager to return to full practice after hand surgery

If the Cowboys had a game today, Brandon Carr insists he would play. But they don’t open the season until Sept. 13, so the Cowboys are taking a cautious approach with his surgically repaired hand.

Carr dressed for the team’s walk-through Saturday, but he stood behind the defense during the 11-on-11 portion, simulating his back pedal. It was his first day back since breaking a bone in his right hand Aug. 8.

“That’s probably all I can do right now is just the mental part,” Carr said. “Now I can learn more about the offense and how they like to attack and do things that way. But you know just taking it day by day, listening to the trainers. Whenever they give me the OK, I’ll be back here.”

Carr flew back to Dallas to undergo surgery last Monday. Doctors inserted a plate and pins to stabilize the fracture.

Coach Jason Garrett compared the injury to the injury DeMarco Murray had last season, with the running back playing six days after similar surgery.

Carr said he has no timetable for a return to practice.

“I don’t know,” Carr said. “I just take it day by day and see how it goes. You want to get out there as fast as you can with your guys and mix it up, but want to be smart about it and make sure I’m ready for the long haul of the season.”

This story was originally published August 15, 2015 at 3:23 PM.