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Cowboys Deny Reports Of Locker Room Rift

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The Associated Press

Published: December 13, 2008

IRVING, Texas - Wade Phillips insisted there are no rifts in his locker room, Jerry Jones dismissed rumors of inner turmoil, and Roy Williams wore a Santa hat but hardly sounded merry.

This is how the Dallas Cowboys made their case Friday that everything is just fine at Valley Ranch.

Before a pivotal game Sunday night against the NFC-leading New York Giants, the Cowboys fended off questions about divisive secret meetings, an unhappy Terrell Owens and cornerback Terence Newman's frank comments about accountability.

"I am not worried about a divided locker room," Phillips said.

It began with individual meetings Owens, Williams and wide receiver Patrick Crayton had with Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett this week. The Cowboys characterized the meetings as normal, but the timing hinted at frustrations over their roles.

That followed a report by ESPN, citing anonymous sources, that quarterback Tony Romo and tight end Jason Witten sketched out plays in private meetings. The Dallas Morning News and Fort Worth Star-Telegram also reported, again using unnamed sources, that the Cowboys receivers felt Romo favored Witten in games and practices.

BILLS: Backup quarterback J.P. Losman will likely make his second straight start for injured starter Trent Edwards (groin) on Sunday at the Jets.

COLTS: Linebacker Gary Brackett will miss his second straight game with a cracked bone in his lower right leg.

GIANTS: Halfback Brandon Jacobs is going to miss the game against Dallas on Sunday with a knee injury. Derrick Ward will replace him.

JETS: Wide receiver Brad Smith was listed as doubtful for the game against Buffalo with a concussion.

PATRIOTS: Quarterback Matt Cassel practiced for a second straight day following the death of his father earlier this week, but Coach Bill Belichick declined to say whether he'll play against Oakland on Sunday.

SEAHAWKS: Eight-time Pro Bowl tackle Walter Jones will miss the final three games following microfracture surgery in his knee.

TITANS: Starting defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch won't play in Sunday's game at Houston because of a groin injury.

VIKINGS: Quarterback Gus Frerotte is doubtful for the game Sunday against Arizona with a lower back injury. That means backup Tarvaris Jackson likely will start.

FINE: Titans center Kevin Mawae was fined $5,000 by the NFL for his hit on Cleveland's Kamerion Wimbley in Sunday's victory.

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