Dallas worry on key players

The Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber has missed training this week due to a toe injury.

The Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber and linebacker DeMarcus Ware are doubtful for Sunday's game with the Pittsburgh Steelers after both were sidelined during training. The Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips also chose to rest several key starters in that session, and said that today's training period will be the critical day for Ware and Barber as to whether they will be fit to take on the Steelers.

Ware, the NFL's league leader this season with 15 sacks, is sidelined with a hyperextended left knee. Barber has a dislocated toe in his right foot. Ware had three sacks in a 34-9 win over Seattle last Thursday before departing in the third quarter. Barber left late in the second quarter and had just one carry in the second half before leaving to have the injury looked at by club officials. MRI tests last weekend revealed no significant damage for either player.

Phillips is hopeful both will be able to play in what is a critical game for Dallas (8-4), who trail Atlanta (8-4) for the second wild card in the NFC. "We have heard nothing but positive things from the trainers and the players themselves," Phillips said. "They think they will play, but until the practice you don't know for sure." When asked if Barber or Ware will be able to take up their usual positions on Sunday in the team, Phillips added: "Friday is the key."