Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin may be ready to return for Week 6's matchup against the Redskins after missing two games with a hamstring injury. The veteran pass-catcher has participated in both of the Cowboys' practices so far this week, according to Todd Archer of ESPN Dallas. Head coach Jason Garrett added that Austin performed well in practice on Thursday, per Archer.
NFL injuries: Miles Austin practices again, Calvin Johnson and Greg Olsen return
The health of Miles Austin, Calvin Johnson and Greg Olsen highlighted the injury headlines on Thursday.
Ronald Martinez
Austin missed losses to the Chiefs and Broncos in consecutive weeks and the Cowboys are currently 2-3. Rookie Terrance Williams has performed well in Austin's place but Dallas would surely benefit from having both in the lineup with Dez Bryant. Austin has had a history of issues with his hamstring throughout his career.
Here are some more injury headlines you may have missed on Thursday:
The Lions may get back their top target on offense for Week 6. After missing Week 5's loss against the Packers with a knee injury, Calvin Johnson returned to practice on Thursday, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Johnson's participation was limited at practice but that is an improvement over Wednesday's no-show, per Birkett.
The Lions will face the Browns on Sunday and Johnson's presence will be a big boost to running back Reggie Bush and quarterback Matthew Stafford. Both offensive stars struggled against the Packers without their leading receiver. Birkett also reports that tight end Tony Scheffler is currently sidelined with a concussion.
Greg Olsen boot-free at Panthers practice on Thursday
The Panthers may have dodged a bullet on offense with tight end Greg Olsen. The former Miami Hurricane has lost his walking boot and was practicing on Thursday, according to the Charlotte Observer's Joe Person. Olsen suffered an apparent lower-leg injury in Carolina's Week 5 loss to the Cardinals.
Olsen has been productive this season. Through four games, the tight end has reeled in 21 catches for 273 yards and a touchdown. Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has used Olsen consistently as a safety valve for the last three seasons.
Texans tight end Owen Daniels hopes to return before the playoffs
Texans tight end Owen Daniels is hoping to be back down the stretch for his team after being put on injured reserve with a designation to return. Daniels has set the Dec. 5 game at Jacksonville as his return date goal, according to the Houston Chronicle's John McClain. Daniels suffered a fractured fibula in the Texans' Week 5 loss to the 49ers.
Daniels' backup, Garrett Graham, will handle the load while the veteran is recovering from his injury. Graham has played well this season and already has three touchdowns in five games.
Bills safety Jairus Byrd likely to debut on Sunday against the Bengals
The Bills will likely welcome safety Jairus Byrd back to the lineup on Sunday against Cincinnati. Byrd is expected to play in Week 6 after missing five games with plantar fasciitis, according to ESPN’s Mike Rodak. The Pro Bowler was given the franchise tag by Buffalo in the offseason and held out well into training camp this summer.
Byrd is reportedly being shopped by the Bills and both parties supposedly want to go their separate ways. The five-year veteran has not played in a game since the end of last season.
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