A mixed bag of injury news.

- Jason Ferguson is going to miss the rest of the season due to a right biceps tear in the first quarter of last night’s win. Ferguson had played in 81 straight games.

Jay Ratliff took over for Ferguson and played well, with three tackles and Dallas’ only sack, and he’ll likely be the starter from here, unless the Cowboys decide to make a move to pick someone up. If Gerard Warren was still available, he’d be a great option, but that’s not the case. Ratliff showed last night that he could be counted on, so that’s a little assurance.

But, behind Ratliff, there really aren’t any other options, in case something happens to him. Jason Hatcher can play tackle if needed, but it would be a good idea to check out the market and see if there’s at least someone who can provide quality depth.

- Things don’t sound very promising on the Terry Glenn front. Glenn reinjured his right knee in practice last week, and isn’t close to returning anytime soon. And, in fact, he may not play at all this season. If Glenn has arthriscopic surgery on the knee, it could keep him out for only three to five weeks, but the knee could still be a problem. What might be the better option for his body might be the option that no one would like to have to go to. If he has microfracture surgery, that could knock him out for the rest of the season, but at least we’d be able to count on him being healthy for next season.

Since we won’t be seeing him for a while either way, that means Patrick Crayton and Sam Hurd are going to be of great importance. The two combined for four catches, 102 yards, and Hurd’s 51-yard touchdown, so if the old adage plays out true, and that two is indeed better than one, Tony Romo will be able to breathe easy when he’s in the pocket. And hey, with Glenn’s extended absence, that might mean we’ll start seeing more of Isaiah Stanback. Yay! (especially if you’re Mickey Spagnola)

- Terence Newman and Greg Ellis may be back in acton very soon. Newman’s foot has kept him out since before the second preseason game against the Broncos, while Ellis has been out since the second day of training camp, with nagging heel issues.

If Newman can be back for Sunday, that will definitely be a relief, if he’s at full strength. Ellis’ return could create a debate about who to start at strong side linebacker. Anthony Spencer has been steadily improving, and will likely continue to see the majority of the snaps there, at least while Ellis gets worked back into action. Can’t say it’s a bad problem to have, because no matter who starts, the Cowboys won’t have to worry about missing a beat when they rotate at the position. Of course, a lot depends on how effective Ellis is, and if the heel doesn’t start bothering him again. If he’s effective, then that will not only be a benefit to the team, but also for Spencer and his development, because it would allow him to continue his development gradually, instead of having to worry about having too, too much responsibility on him right off the bat.