Oliver

Hoyte

Rookie Deon Anderson has played well in Hoyte’s absence, so he may spend most of his time on special teams initially.

Anderson has all the tools but has had his commitment questioned after sitting out a year at UConn. He’ll battle Oliver Hoyte to be Dallas’ starter.

A converted college linebacker who took over as a starter in his 2006 rookie season, Hoyte has hardly been his self when he’s played this year. Dallas tried to get Jason Snelling off Atlanta’s practice team last week as insurance, but the Falcons countered by promoting Snelling to their active roster.

Hoyte has missed the last six games with a neck injury, but will be counted on with rookie Deon Anderson out for the year with a torn rotator cuff. If Hoyte has a setback, the Cowboys will use tight ends Jason Witten and Anthony Fasano at fullback.

Despite the practice progress, head coach Wade Phillips continues to say that Henry will likely come off the bench against the Eagles. FB Oliver Hoyte (neck sprain) is likely to sit out, while LB and special teams player Justin Rogers (calf) is expected to play.

Hoyte sprained his neck early in 2007 and wound up playing through it during the second half of the season. An MRI determined that his condition had not worsened. Hoyte will likely stay on as Dallas’ main lead blocker in 2008.

Both were competing for backup/special teams spots on the club.