Allen Will Play Vs. Cowboys

Strong safety Nate Allen returned to practice on Wednesday after missing Monday night's game against New Orleans with a hamstring injury. Following Wednesday's practice, Allen said that he will definitely play this Sunday. He felt that if he had played on Monday he could have made the injury worse and decided that it was in the best interest of the team to sit out.

Wide receiver Mardy Gilyard has already been ruled out for Sunday's game with a hamstring injury that he suffered in the Atlanta game.

Four other players including running back LeSean McCoy did not practice Wednesday. McCoy tweeted on Tuesday that he was concerned about getting the flu and was listed as not practicing because of an illness. Guard Danny Watkins has missed the last two games with an ankle injury. Running back Chris Polk missed practice with a toe injury. Safety David Sims, who started in place of Allen against the Saints, was sidelined with an ankle injury.

Five players including Allen were full participants in practice - wide receiver Jason Avant (back), cornerback Brandon Boykin (toe), linebacker Akeem Jordan (groin) and guard Evan Mathis (knee).

For the Cowboys, running back DeMarco Murray appears as if he will not play against the Eagles with a foot injury. Felix Jones would start in Murray's place. Jones is also on the injury report with a knee injury.

The Cowboys could also be without starting center Phil Costa, who missed practice with an ankle injury. Ryan Cook would start in his place.

On defense, standout nose tackle Jay Ratliff suffered an ankle injury last Sunday against the Falcons and missed Wednesday's practice. Fellow defensive lineman Sean Lissemore was also sidelined with an ankle injury.

Starting inside linebacker Dan Connor was limited with a neck injury. Former Eagle Ernie Sims would start in Connor's place if he can't play.

Reserve safety Matt Johnson also missed practice with a hamstring injury.

Wide receiver Dez Bryant was a full participant with a hip injury.

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