After missing six games due to ankle surgery and a broken fibula, Cowboys' right tackle Marc Colombo is nearing a return.
Colombo was injured during Dallas's 17-7 loss to the Packers in Green Bay in week 10, after being 'rolled up,' so to speak, by Green Bay's Johnny Jolly. The veteran tackle suffered a broken fibula and a host of torn ankle tendons, and had to be helped off the field. He had surgery to repair the ankle six weeks ago, shortly after suffering the injury.
While his status remains unclear for the Philadelphia game on Sunday, Colombo is hopeful that he'll be back in time for the first round of the playoffs.
Colombo was recently cleared to return to practice, and has spent this week working on-field with trainers. It seems doubtful, though, that the veteran will be rushed back into the lineup for Sunday's NFC East-deciding showdown with Philadelphia.
Coaches have been pleased with the play of his replacement, Doug Free. Jerry Jones echoed the positive sentiments last week, saying of Free that the team has "a player in him."
Reportedly, special teams standout Pat Watkins is close to a return as well. Watkins has missed the last two games with a sprained PCL. Like Colombo, Watkins said he was unsure of his status for Sunday.
"I have to wait for the doctors," Watkins said. "I got a little bit of pain. You've got to take your time from this type of injury."
