DeMarcus

Ware

Ware is often compared to LT, who has been asked by coach Bill Parcells to work with the Cowboys’ first rounder.

Ware was hurt midway through the fourth quarter, appearing to aggravate an injury he originally suffered in Week 13. He missed one series. Ware could miss some practice time for the second straight week, but should be fine for Week 15.

Ware didn’t play his usual number of snaps as he was getting his neck/back worked on by trainers on the sideline. He did show up with a sack late in the game, his 15th of the season. Ware and Jared Allen are tied for the league lead.

Ware barely played in the second half thanks to the lopsided score. His practice reps could be limited this week, but we’d expect a full complement of snaps in Week 16. The Cowboys are in a must-win spot against the suddenly hot Eagles on Saturday.

Jared Allen (12.5) leads the NFL, but Ware already had his bye. Jason Babin and LaMarr Woodley (9.0) are tied for third. Ware also has two forced fumbles and 31 tackles (27 solo) in what is shaping up as another ferociously dominant year. Ware now has double-digit sacks in six straight seasons, and is very much on pace to challenge for Michael Strahan’s single-season record (22.5).

Ware has a history of back/neck issues, but this stinger isn’t a real concern. The dominant pass rusher is fully expected to play against the Giants on Sunday night.

William Beatty’s back has continued to give him trouble and he’ll be available only to play tight end in jumbo packages. We’d call it a concern for the New York passing game -- particularly facing DeMarcus Ware -- but the Giants did just fine with a below-average left tackle (David Diehl) for most of last season. Locklear outplayed Diehl in camp, and Diehl will start at right tackle.

The tests all came back negative and Ware says he feels “great actually.” It sounds like he simply got one of the stingers that have cropped up in recent years. Ware has never missed a game in his seven-year career and has posted an absurd 66.5 sacks over the last four seasons. IDP owners shouldn’t be overly concerned.

Ware now has 102 sacks in just 113 games. Only Hall of Famer Reggie White reached the 100-sack mark in fewer appearances. Ware is still only 30 years old, giving him a shot at Bruce Smith’s record of 200 career sacks.

Ware is listed as probable on the Cowboys’ injury report. “He’ll play, I’m sure he will. He’s been sick. He’s been battling that hamstring all year and all this other stuff and now the illness, but there’s only one DeMarcus Ware, and he’ll be out there on Sunday. Does he need all the work? I’m going to say no,” said defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.