MRI negative for RB Barber, LB Ware

Nov 28, 2008 - 8:04 PM IRVING, Texas (Ticker) -- The Dallas Cowboys received some good news Friday as MRI tests for running back Marion Barber III and linebacker DeMarcus Ware came back negative.

The two players were injured in Thursday's 34-9 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Barber suffered a dislocated right pinkie toe and Ware, the NFL's leader in sacks, hyperextended his left knee.

The MRIs revealed no fracture for Barber and no ligament damage for Ware.

The Cowboys hope the two Pro Bowl players will be healthy when they open a rugged final month December 7 at AFC North leader Pittsburgh.

The Cowboys appear to be gaining momentum after routing the Seahawks on Thanksgiving for their third straight victory. However, losing Barber and Ware would be significant blows with Dallas heading into the toughest part of its schedule.

In addition to the contest at Pittsburgh, Dallas' December schedule includes home contests against the New York Giants (10-1) and Baltimore (7-4), and another road game at Philadelphia (6-5-1).

One good thing for the Cowboys (8-4), however, is that they do not play again for 10 days, which would allow time for Barber and Ware to recover.

The two players will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis next week.

Ware recorded three sacks Thursday, establishing a single-season career high with 15, which is the most ever for a Dallas linebacker.

Barber is the Cowboys' leading rusher with 870 yards and seven touchdowns on 225 carries. He was held to 32 yards and a TD on 10 carries against the Seahawks and did not return after dislocating his toe early in the second half.

Tashard Choice, a rookie out of Georgia Tech, is the only other running back on the Cowboys' roster if Barber is unavailable.

Still, Dallas quarterback Tony Romo appears to be back to full strength after missing three games with a fractured right pinkie finger.

Romo completed 22-of-34 passes for 341 yards and three touchdowns against Seattle, his second straight contest with at least 300 yards.

The winning streak has propelled the Cowboys into a playoff position as they hold one of the NFC's two wild card spots.