Cowboys TE Witten has X-rays on ribs

Oct 27, 2008 - 12:57 AM IRVING, Texas (Ticker) -- Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten left Sunday's 13-9 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a rib injury. But the Pro Bowler hopes to be available for next weekend's showdown with the New York Giants.

Witten suffered bruised ribs late in the first quarter Sunday and was taken to the locker room for X-rays, which came back negative.

Although he returned to the bench before intermission and came back onto the field in the second half, Witten was ineffective in limited duty before being sidelined for the remainder of the contest.

"I aggravated my ribs," said Witten, who was diagnosed with bruised ribs. "We'll get some tests tonight and tomorrow. I just took a shot, but it sure doesn't feel good right now. I tried to doctor it up at halftime and come back, but I just didn't have it in me.

"I'm hoping for the best and hopefully get back to it next week."

Witten was uncertain exactly on which play he aggravated the injury, which has plagued him for the past two weeks. The six-year veteran hauled in an eight-yard reception in the first quarter and blocked on a run the following play.

"I didn't feel it until the next play," he said. "So I don't know if it was during that next blocking play or it was during the catch."

Witten leads the Cowboys (5-3) with 46 receptions for 549 yards this season. The four-time Pro Bowler has hauled in 15 catches for 273 yards in his last four meetings with the reigning Super Bowl champion Giants, who host Dallas next Sunday.

Dallas has been without starting quarterback Tony Romo for its last two contests. Sidelined by a broken pinkie finger on his throwing hand, Romo likely will not play against the Giants.