The Dallas Cowboys are currently riding a four game winning streak. With a 7-4 record, Dallas is currently a game in front of the New York Giants for first place in the NFC East. Quarterback Tony Romo had another strong November as Dallas took advantage of a favorable schedule to build a nice division lead. However, December hasn't been as kind to the Cowboys. A combination of past history and a tougher schedule will make many fans wonder what will happen with Dallas in the final five weeks of the season. But there is some good news for the Cowboys. Wide receiver Miles Austin might return for the Cowboys in Week 13.
Austin has missed the last three games with a hamstring injury. He has missed a total of five games in 2011. His hamstring issues have been more serious than most players with similar injuries. The lingering concern dates all the way back to training camp. Austin has twice aggravated the injury in the regular season. It is certainly good news that the team thinks he is ready to take the field again. However, he will probably be pretty limited when he does return. It seems like a tall order for Austin to step in as the primary receiver so soon.
That might not be a bad thing. Dallas has actually done quite well without Austin. Laurent Robinson has emerged as a major touchdown threat in place of Austin. Meanwhile, Dallas also has Jason Witten and Dez Bryant ready to make plays. It could be argued that Tony Romo has never been better than he has in the past month. Most of that strong play happened without Austin. Despite the way Dallas has played without him, the Cowboys are still a better team when he plays.
Even though Austin has only appeared in six games, he has four touchdown catches and 19 catches for first downs. He is always a big playmaker and his presence should help Dallas down the stretch. Assuming he can stay healthy, he will add a new element to a pretty solid passing attack. His return comes at the perfect time. Dallas kicks off the final stretch with a game against the Arizona Cardinals. They still have two games against the New York Giants as well as a game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The competition is much better than it was in November. With Austin back, Dallas stands a better chance of making the playoffs.
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