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When will Anthony Miller play?

By DENNE H. FREEMAN / AP Sports Writer

IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Anthony Miller's mysterious hamstring problems have become a deep concern for the Dallas Cowboys.

Although Miller is a five-time Pro Bowl player his exits at San Diego and Denver were prompted by his down time because of injuries that gave him a reputation as a soft player.

But he showed is value following an exhibition season in which he played only one games, burning the Pittsburgh Steelers with his speed in a 37-7 victory in the regular season opener. He caught a 31-yard touchdown pass from Troy Aikman and helped free Michael Irvin for two touchdown receptions.

Three days before Sunday night's 25-22 overtime loss at Phoenix, Miller developed a twinge in his hamstring during practice. He told coach Barry Switzer he felt it again during warmups before the game. Miller played two downs and took himself out.

The Dallas passing game suffered.

Switzer called Miller "our biggest training camp disappointment" because he didn't get to work with Aikman.

If Miller doesn't get healed soon, Switzer might have to change that to "biggest regular season disappointment."

Switzer said Miller came out of the game on his own "because he was scared to turn it loose. He's a Pro Bowl player in this league for years and knows his body better than anybody.

"We want him to be smart. We don't want any college rah-rah. We don't him to be like one of those track guys who blows a hamstring and misses a bunch of time. "

Switzer ordered a new practice routine for Miller. He said Miller will no longer sit idle for 20 minutes in practice while the defense faces the scout team offense like it did last week.

"We're going to keep him stretched out," Switzer said. "This is going to be one of those day to day things. If he had a true hamstring pull I could tell you if he could play. But this thing just tightens up on him."

Miller worked out Wednesday but didn't run deep.

"He just ran crossing routes so he would be under control," Switzer said. "We expect him to play Monday. Of course, we expected him to play last week."

The Cowboys are taking no chances. They worked Deion Sanders at receiver on Wednesday and Switzer said "we want to make use of his talent. We might have six or seven plays for him on offense in the Philadelphia game. We might use him like we did in the Super Bowl two years ago."

Miller doesn't want to appear to be a shirker. But the lockerroom whispers about his toughness won't go away until he plays hurt.

"I don't think a defense can cover Irvin and Miller and stop our passing game at the same time," said running back Emmitt Smith. "That's why we have to get him out on the playing field."

Miller just shakes his head about his injury problems.

"Frustrating, it's very frustrating," Miller said.

The Cowboys hope an extra day will help Miller get ready for Monday night's game against Philadelphia.

Until then, they'll second Miller's opinion about what has become a big area of concern for the Cowboys run to a sixth consecutive NFC East title.