IRVING, Texas — The normally media-shy Dallas Cowboys left guard Kyle Kosier tried to walk out of the team's Valley Ranch headquarters Monday undetected.

But using crutches and hopping on a casted sprained right foot, Kosier acknowledged the obvious.

"I guess I can't run from you," he joked.

Out four to six weeks with a sprained right foot, Kosier is in unfamiliar territory. He had missed only one game in his previous six years in the league; now he could miss the first month of the season.

However, the Cowboys, who are being challenged by injuries at linebacker and receiver in addition to left guard, aren't looking for pity.

Pro Bowl safety Terence Newman returned to practice Monday for the first time in a month and will be ready for the season opener. The remaining injured players should be back early in the season.

—LG Kyle Kosier (sprained right foot)

Injury update: Will be out four to six weeks after being injured in the fourth quarter of last Friday's preseason game against the Texans.

Replacement option: Tackle Pat McQuistan worked with the first team Monday, which speaks volumes about the depth on the line.

Concern factor: High.

Kosier wasn't a Pro Bowler, but he was a solid technician. The Cowboys have no proven players to step in.

—LB Kevin Burnett (sprained right knee)

Injury update: Underwent successful arthroscopic surgery Aug. 15. He is questionable for the opener. But he is confident he will be ready to go.

Replacement option: Bobby Carpenter would be his replacement as the linebacker on passing downs. He plays fast and knows where to be. However, the Cowboys still don't believe he is physical enough.

Concern factor: Medium.

The Cowboys were comfortable with Burnett on passing downs, allowing them to rest starters Bradie James and Zach Thomas. They are not there yet with Carpenter. Burnett was also a key contributor on kickoff and punt coverage.

—LB Anthony Spencer (sprained right knee)

Injury update: Spencer underwent arthroscopic surgery on Wednesday and could miss the first two regular-season games.

Replacement option: The Cowboys wanted Spencer to take some snaps away from Greg Ellis in hopes of keeping Ellis stronger late in games and late in the season. More Ellis is not a bad thing.

Concern factor: Mild.

Ellis and linebacker DeMarcus Ware combined for 26 sacks last season. Still, Spencer gives them three bona fide pass rushers.

—WR Miles Austin (sprained right knee)

Injury update: Suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee against Denver on Aug. 16. He is out four to six weeks and could miss the first month of the season. He had made strides as the possible third receiver, a spot now held by Sam Hurd.

Replacement option: Danny Amendola, Mike Jefferson, Isaiah Stanback or a waiver wire signee. The Cowboys had targeted Stanback as Austin's replacement, but that was before he dislocated his shoulder against Houston.

Concern factor: High. No one else on the roster behind Terrell Owens has Austin's speed and big-play ability. The Cowboys aren't looking at Terry Glenn as an option. According to a source, he is still not in shape to play.

—WR Isaiah Stanback (dislocated shoulder)

Injury update: Stanback dislocated his shoulder returning a kickoff against the Texans. He needs surgery, but will try to rehab it and play through the season and have the surgery in the off-season.

Replacement option: Danny Amendola, Mike Jefferson or a possible waiver-wire signee. Stanback was a work in progress as a receiver. Still, he had the size and speed to be a factor.

Concern factor: Medium.

Stanback's contributions to the offense were going to be minimal. He was going to be the primary kickoff returner. Now, the Cowboys will be "forced" to use proven players on kickoff returns such as cornerback Adam Jones and rookie running back Felix Jones.