The Cowboys won’t have Jay Ratliff in the lineup when they try to buck recent trends and knock off the Giants in the Meadowlands on Wednesday night.
The team announced that Ratliff has been ruled out of the game because of a high ankle sprain suffered in the preseason game against the Rams. It’s a big blow for the Cowboys defense, which would have its hands plenty full with Eli Manning and company even if Ratliff was able to get on the field. Josh Brent and Sean Lissemore will try to replace as much of Ratliff’s production from nose tackle as they can.
Hope still exists for tight end Jason Witten, however. Witten has been listed as doubtful because of his lacerated spleen, but he’ll make the trip to New Jersey with the rest of the team so the possibility that he’ll be on the field still lingers. Witten is seeing a doctor Tuesday and a final decision will probably follow that appointment. With Miles Austin and Dez Bryant both looking healthy, the Cowboys would have an easier time dealing with Witten’s absence than they’ll have making do without Ratliff in the middle of the defensive line.
Cornerback Mike Jenkins is questionable after missing the entire offseason while recovering from shoulder surgery. Special teamer Danny McCray is doubtful thanks to a stinger.