ARLINGTON, Texas -- Starting cornerback Morris Claiborne and backup running back Lance Dunbar said they expect to return from injuries for the Dallas Cowboys’ regular-season opener against the New York Giants.
Claiborne, out with a sore knee, ran at full speed for the first time in nearly a week at Valley Ranch.
"I've been feeling good, but as soon as I worked out [the knee] flared up on me," Claiborne said. "But I started cutting and driving on it [Thursday] and everything went good."
Claiborne most likely will miss the final two preseason games to get ready for the Week 1 game.
"No doubt, I have no doubt," Claiborne said when asked whether he would play against the Giants. "I really don't care [about playing in the preseason]. I’d like to take a couple of snaps, but I have to do what the coaches want me to do."
Dunbar, who has a sprained foot, said he expects to have the protective walking boot on his left foot removed in three days.
When running back DeMarco Murray sprained his foot last season, he missed six games. Dunbar said his foot injury isn't as severe, but he's taking every precaution to get ready for Week 1.
"Hope so, that's my goal," Dunbar said. "I'm disappointed and it's a setback. I just want to keep working, and I'm ready to get out of [the walking boot] right now. It feels a whole lot better than [it did Wednesday]."
Also, slot cornerback Orlando Scandrick practiced Thursday after missing Wednesday's session with a tight hamstring.
Those missing Thursday’s practice: Matt Johnson (foot), safety Eric Frampton (calf), linebacker Brandon Magee (concussion), linebacker Ernie Sims (groin), defensive tackle Jay Ratliff (hamstring and groin), defensive Anthony Spencer (knee), wide receiver Cole Beasley (knee), guard/center Ryan Cook (back), guard Ronald Leary (knee) and guard Nate Livings (knee).