IRVING, Texas – DeMarcus Ware finally returned to the practice field Wednesday, but the Cowboys may be without another defensive lineman Sunday against the Saints.
Ware wore a helmet and shoulder pads and was on the field for Wednesday's practice at AT&T Stadium. He was listed as a limited participant on the team's official practice report.
After never missing a game in his career, Ware has missed the last three games with a strained quad (thigh).
"Hopefully he's 100 percent," defensive tackle Jason Hatcher said. "We'll take his 75 percent or whatever he is, it's better than a lot of people in the NFL. That's the kind of player he is."
However, Hatcher himself did not participate in Wednesday's practice. He's still suffering the effects of a stinger – a pinched nerve in his neck that saps the strength in his left arm.
"Hopefully I won't be a cheerleader this Sunday, to be honest with you," Hatcher said.
"This thing is kind of stressful. I lost all the strength in my arm. It's getting better day by day, so hopefully I'll be out there with D. Ware this weekend."
Hatcher said he couldn't control his arm after Sunday's win over the Vikings. He said the injury improves a little each day and is anxious to return in time for the game at New Orleans.
"It's eating me away to just to know I'm not where I want to be at," Hatcher said. "That's my home state, so it's going to suck if I have to sit this one out."
If he can play Sunday, it will be with a new piece of equipment designed to prevent stingers.
"I've got my neck roll," Hatcher said. "If I can get it back, I'll wear this neck roll from now on, stop being so stubborn."
Follow Keith Whitmire on Twitter: @Keith_Whitmire
