EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Seven-time Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten has been cleared to play for the Dallas Cowboys in the kickoff to the NFL season against the New York Giants.
Witten, who has missed only one game in his career, injured his spleen in the preseason and his status for the game was iffy all week. He was given a 25 per cent chance of playing on Tuesday, the day he had a CAT-Scan to determine whether his spleen was OK.
Witten being active was the biggest surprise when the inactives were announced Wednesday. Cowboys starting nose tackle Jay Ratliff was listed out on Tuesday with an ankle injury as was Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara.
Sean Locklear, who has started at left tackle all preseason, got the start although incumbent Will Beatty (back) was active.
