Tony Romo, whose romance with singer Carrie Underwood is frequent tabloid fodder, gave gossip reporters something to chase during his speech after accepting the team's offensive player of the year award. He thanked several people, ending the list by saying with a smirk, "and my wife."

Cowboys veteran wide receiver Terry Glenn is not sure he's ready to get back on the field. Glenn said he hopes his right knee allows him to get back on the field soon, but sounded uncertain if he will play in the opener Sept. 9 against the New York Giants. Glenn had arthroscopic knee surgery Aug. 1 to remove loose cartilage. "There's always a question," said the 33-year-old Glenn, after the team's kickoff luncheon at the Hotel Intercontinental. "With the grace of God, hopefully I will be out there."

Matt Schaub and the Texans became the first team to score a touchdown against the Cowboys' starters this preseason on Saturday night. Schaub connected with Andre Johnson early in the second quarter and found speedy rookie Jacoby Jones just before halftime to lead the Texans to a 28-16 win over the Cowboys.

Linebacker Greg Ellis is no longer disgruntled. But he remains a frustrated soul. It's not about his contract anymore. It's the lack of progress in his attempt to return from a torn left Achilles' tendon. Ellis has not practiced since experiencing pain in his left heel on the first day of training camp. He is now concerned that he won't be ready for the season opener against the Giants on Sept. 9, and he even raised the possibility that he might never play again.

Wade Phillips' first game coaching the Cowboys opened with a pass to Terrell Owens and ended with a victory over the Super Bowl champs. Sure, it was only preseason, but that didn't stop Phillips from enjoying his team's 23-10 victory over the Colts on Thursday night.

After a two-day absence because of back spasms, Terrell Owens was back on the practice field Tuesday and plans to play in Thursday's preseason opener against Indianapolis at Texas Stadium. "I was able to run around full speed and make some cuts, so the last day, I was at practice," said Owens, who missed all but one preseason game last year.

Terrell Owens had an MRI on his stiff lower back Monday. Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said the test was precautionary after Owens didn't feel any better following treatment Sunday, when he also missed practice. The team was awaiting the results, but the coach didn't sound too concerned. "We feel sure that he just has back spasms, but we don't want to take any chances," Phillips said after the first of the team's two practices. "There's no alarm, but we wanted to make sure."

Somewhere out there, beyond the moon and the stars, Walter Irvin must've been smiling. His little boy had made him proud. And it wasn't just because his son, Michael, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday night. Or that he started his speech with a prayer, which would've made Walter, a preacher, happy. Walter had to be pleased with the man his son is trying to become. "I thank God for the help of my father Walter Irvin, whom I lost at age 17. He was my hero, and I'm telling you, he loved the Dallas Cowboys," Irvin said. "I woke up this morning smiling and knowing that my father would not be here in the flesh, but that he is in heaven watching and celebrating with his all-time favorite coach ? coach Tom Landry." Several times during an emotional 26-minute induction speech, Irvin alluded to the scandals that have tarnished his reputation, embarrassed his family and caused his wife, Sandi, to cry herself to sleep more than once. He offered no excuses for his behavior; only apologies.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones suggested Wednesday he's content to wait until after the season to begin serious discussions with Tony Romo's camp about a new contract. ?I'm confident that if Tony does what I expect him to do, he'll be our quarterback,? Jones said. Romo is in the final year of a two-year, $3.9 million deal. Jones said he knows waiting until after the season to sign Romo could cost the Cowboys more money, especially if he returns to the Pro Bowl or leads the team to the Super Bowl. ?If he's the quarterback I think he is, he's going to get his money,? Jones said. ?When we've had a quarterback that could compete at a Super Bowl level, we've always paid ? and welcomed the chance to do it.?