Claiborne says there's no doubt he'll play in season opener

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Morris Claiborne took another step in the right direction Thursday. The Dallas Cowboys starting cornerback cut and ran full-speed for the first time since jamming his left knee in practice on Aug. 6.

Claiborne, who will not play in Saturday's preseason game against Cincinnati, did not participate in the Cowboys Silver and Blue Debut practice at AT&T Stadium on Thursday but he worked out earlier in the day at Valley Ranch.

"I've been feeling good with the running and the cutting," Claiborne said. "I feel like I've made some big strides this week to getting me back on the field.

"I know it's a no-go for this week, but hopefully next weekend I'll be back out here."

So, he's still optimistic about being ready for the season opener on Sept. 8?

"Oh yeah," the second-year corner said. "Ain't no doubt in my mind that I won't be playing in that game. I know I will."

Claiborne said he was looking forward to this week because he's been having trouble getting the knee fully-healed.

"As I work out, it would flame up on me or something like that," he said. "I really wanted to see what it was going to do this week and I tried to give it everything I got as far as cutting and planting, trying to come out and drive it. And everything went good.

"The tenderness I had in it is easing-up everyday."

Claiborne said he'd like to take a couple snaps in the preseason finale on Aug. 29 but said that decision will be entirely up to the coaching staff.


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