In an era where NFL players want to wear less and less gear, Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware has no choice but to wear more.
According to Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Ware will be adding a shoulder harness to his total equipment ensemble on Sunday against the Redskins. Earlier in the week, Ware had said he will not be adding a harness to the brace protecting a hyperextended elbow.
On Friday, Ware explained that the harness is necessary to prevent the shoulder from popping out of joint again.
Still, he’s listed as probable on the final injury report, even though he hasn’t practiced all week. That said, Ware’s availability likely will be limited.
“I think we’re going to have to watch how many plays we give him, pick our spots and play our other players,” defensive coordinator Rob Ryan said. “We’ve got good payers here so we’re going to play them. There’s only one DeMarcus Ware. There’s only one Sean Lee, but we’ve had to function without Sean. Now, sometimes we’ve had to function without DeMarcus. I mean these are two of the premier guys in football. Nobody’s got them except us, but we’re fortunate to have them and when we don’t, we have to move on. We’ll do the best we can. I know DeMarcus will play his heart out when he’s out there, and we’ll just see how much he’s able to give us.”
If Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III is healthy, the Cowboys will need whatever they can get from Ware, and maybe even a little more. Otherwise, Ware won’t have to worry about wearing a harness again.