While there might be somewhat of a battle brewing at outside linebacker in Dallas, Anthony Spencer will be out a few days with a hamstring injury, likely giving Victor Butler much-needed first-team reps for the Cowboys.
Spencer called it “minor,” but it will cause him to miss Friday’s afternoon practice and possibly longer. Spencer said he tweaked it earlier this week and has been fighting through it. But he didn’t participate much in Friday’s walk-through.
“It’s not a big deal, but it’s something to take care of,” Spencer said. “I’ll be back in a day or two. Nothing serious.”
Coach Jason Garrett said he doesn’t expect Spencer to practice the next few days, which means he will be held out of Sunday’s intra-squad scrimmage.
“We’ll see how he responds,” Garrett said of Spencer. “He won’t practice (Friday) or probably (Saturday).”
Butler actually has been getting first-team snaps in the nickel, ahead of Spencer.
“We’re just pushing each other when we can,” Butler said. “I don’t want any of my teammates to get hurt. But we all have to take advantage of opportunities when we get them. I know 'Spence' will be back soon. I have to make plays when I get in there.”
Spencer, playing a one-year franchise tender of $8.8 million, is ahead of Butler on the depth chart. Butler is in the final season of his contract as well.
Follow the Cowboys and reporter Nick Eatman @CBSSportsNFLDAL.
