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Thursday, August 21, 1997

Receiver Miller to test his knee against Oilers

By Jean-Jacques Taylor

The Dallas Morning News

(KRT)

DALLAS - First, receiver Anthony Miller practiced on consecutive days for the first time since he joined the Cowboys 12 weeks ago.

Then, Coach Barry Switzer said Wednesday that Miller, the Cowboys' prized off-season addition, will start Friday's pre-season finale against Tennessee.

Switzer said Miller probably will play two series, as will most of the Cowboys' starters.

"I just want to get into a game and run some routes," Miller said. "I need to get into a game atmosphere. Hopefully, I won't have any more setbacks."

Miller had practiced only four times since signing a two-year, free-agent contract with the Cowboys in June. Since his arrival, he has been slowed by arthroscopic surgery and a hyperextended knee that led to a bruised bone.

But he walked into receivers coach Hubbard Alexander's office Wednesday morning and said he wanted to play against the Oilers.

Three days ago, Miller ran on a treadmill with a weighted harness, but he still had soreness in his knee when he removed the harness and put more pressure on the knee. He felt better Tuesday and felt good when he arrived at the Cowboys' training complex Wednesday.

"It's not uncommon for these injuries to heal quickly," said assistant trainer Britt Brown, "once you get over the hump."

Alexander said Miller appeared tentative in practice Tuesday but Wednesday showed the burst that has coaches and quarterback Troy Aikman excited.

"He's getting his confidence back," Alexander said. "He's still a little rusty, but he's getting into the thick of things."

TUINEI OK:

Left tackle Mark Tuinei said he feels pretty good entering the final pre-season game.

Tuinei, recovering from off-season knee surgery, said he will start against Tennessee but probably won't play more than the first half.

DORM DAMAGE:

Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones said he received a report Wednesday concerning the damage to a dormitory at St. Edward's University, where the Cowboys hold training camp.

John Lucas, vice president of student affairs at St. Edward's, said carpet was damaged by water, air vents were kicked in, a surveillance camera was forcibly removed and the smell of urine was prominent in the hallway.

"I visited with our people and got some specifics," Jones said. "We're going to handle it internally and in a way that will leave everybody satisfied. We will leave St. Edward's in much better shape than it was before we got there, and that's not to say it wasn't in good shape."

(c) 1997, The Dallas Morning News.

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