Mario Barber Out Sunday vs. Pittsburgh

[.GR]

PITTSBURGH -- The Dallas Cowboys' most daunting challenge of the season became more formidable Saturday when the team decided to face the Pittsburgh Steelers' No. 1-ranked defense without Pro Bowl running back Marion Barber.

A high-ranking team source said Barber did not travel to Pittsburgh on the team charter.

Barber, who had been considered doubtful, left the Cowboys' 34-9 Thanksgiving victory over the Seattle Seahawks in the first half after someone stepped on his foot.

The Cowboys could also be without DeMarcus Ware, who had practiced throughout the week with a protective brace on the knee he hyperextended last week, a source told ESPN on Saturday. The status of the NFL's sack leader for the game against the Steelers will not be known with certainty until pregame warmups.

The confidence that prompted Ware to say he was ready to go "full blast'' has been tempered by new concern about how the cold weather in Pittsburgh might affect his ability to keep the damaged knee joint loose during the game.

The Cowboys are concerned about how effective Barber could be while still experiencing pain from a dislocated small toe on his right foot. The team was worried about further damage that would risk him for the remainder of their December schedule, as the team attempts to secure a wild-card playoff berth.

After a week in which he was unable to practice, Barber's streak of 55 consecutive regular-season games played will come to an end.

Since first-round pick Felix Jones is already on injured reserve with a toe injury, rookie Tashard Choice will make his first NFL start for Dallas.

 

[Mexi]

cowboys fans are happy because when they lose, they have an excuse > _>

 

[.GR]

cowboys fans are happy because when they lose, they have an excuse > _>

Hehehe =]
I dont care, they can't use injuries as an excuse against the Steelers.

 

[555666]

Already heard about it. We have plenty of weapons on offense, so I'm not worried. Though Marion would've helped a hell of a lot. Hopefully Choice does a decent job, but I'm not gonna get my hopes up.... Hoffa [or whatever his name is] better be right about this guy.

 

[House of Steel]

Hoffa was way off the mark, sure, he blasted us for some big runs and got some good yardage. May I remind Hoffa and others, the final score is the most meaningful at the end of a game. Nice try, Hoffa, but you came up a yard short talking about Tashard Choice. We got the Cowboys in the end. I will admit though, the defense really shocked the living daylights out of me, that is the best showing by the Cowboys D all season long. Ware is impressive.

 

[Giantmetfan07]

you make a good point. No need to boast about a player when your team just lost a game and all hope of winning their division.

I'm home "sick" today and I'm already getting emails and text messages from cowboy fans I know blaming this injury on the loss.

 

[555666]

Hoffa was way off the mark, sure, he blasted us for some big runs and got some good yardage. May I remind Hoffa and others, the final score is the most meaningful at the end of a game. Nice try, Hoffa, but you came up a yard short talking about Tashard Choice. We got the Cowboys in the end. I will admit though, the defense really shocked the living daylights out of me, that is the best showing by the Cowboys D all season long. Ware is impressive.

He's a really good player... I was more impressed with that goal line stand.

The one time our D steps up, our offense screws it up. I want to see a rematch of Dallas/Pittsburgh in the Super Bowl.

 

[Hoffa]

Hoffa was way off the mark, sure, he blasted us for some big runs and got some good yardage. May I remind Hoffa and others, the final score is the most meaningful at the end of a game. Nice try, Hoffa, but you came up a yard short talking about Tashard Choice. We got the Cowboys in the end. I will admit though, the defense really shocked the living daylights out of me, that is the best showing by the Cowboys D all season long. Ware is impressive.

Oh yeah I totally understand and congratulations to you guys on pulling it out and playing better when it counted. But I'm just talking about Choice, and I was right about him. He is a good back and he did what he need to do to keep us in the game, that's all I'm saying if you over look that and say he didn't do go then that's messed up because the rookie played great. 88 yards rushing and 75 yards receiving pretty damn good.

 

[.GR]

He had a good game, yes. But that doesnt make him a good back. If he can do it consistently I will listen.

 

[555666]

Yeah, despite having a good game against the best defense... I have to agree - he has to do it consistently.

 

[Hoffa]

Yeah, despite having a good game against the best defense... I have to agree - he has to do it consistently.

Of I totally agree guys. But my whole point of this is, that this kid HAS talent and he can be that back somewhere else, he can start for teams in the NFL. You know what I mean?

 

[.GR]

So your saying after one good game he is good enough to start for another NFL team?
I agree, he has POTENTIAL.
But to say he could start for another NFL team after a good game against a good defense doesn't make sense.

 

[Hoffa]

So your saying after one good game he is good enough to start for another NFL team?
I agree, he has POTENTIAL.
But to say he could start for another NFL team after a good game against a good defense doesn't make sense.

I'm saying he could if he keeps showing out like this.

 

[555666]

I'm saying he could if he keeps showing out like this.

That's not what you said though.

 

[House of Steel]

Amen, Fallen and Hova. Exactly my point. Some people can be some real downright pathetic homers.