"On Monday, Jason Witten said his fractured rib was sore. On Tuesday, the Pro Bowl tight end said he was feeling a little better.

"The thing is, I need to avoid those direct blows," said Witten, who took a painkilling injection before Sunday's game at Washington.

Redskins safety LaRon Landry hit Witten on the sideline after an 11-yard catch, but Witten said he did not believe teams will target his ribs. Witten has two catches in the two games since suffering the injury against Tampa Bay on Oct. 26.

"A lot of times things happen so fast I don't know they have a chance to say, 'Let's go for his ribs,' " Witten said.

"But I feel a lot better about going through a game after playing in the Giants game [Nov. 2]. That let me know everything was all right. It's still going to take time for the ribs to heal."

Austin has sprained knee: Wide receiver Miles Austin suffered a sprained lateral collateral ligament in his knee in Sunday's win at Washington and could miss the next 2-4 weeks.

Austin suffered the injury after his 8-yard catch in the fourth quarter. Austin, who missed the first game of the season with a sprained medial collateral ligament, has 12 catches for 255 yards. He was splitting the No. 3 receiver role with Patrick Crayton.

With Austin hurt and Isaiah Stanback bothered by a shoulder injury, the Cowboys have only three healthy receivers in Terrell Owens, Roy Williams and Crayton.

Austin's absence could also force the Cowboys to use another kick returner if Felix Jones does not return this week.

Jones waiting on commissioner: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is in the process of reviewing medical information regarding suspended cornerback Adam Jones.

On Tuesday, Goodell told the NFL Network he would make a decision about a possible reinstatement regarding Jones in the coming days. Goodell said he wants to see what medical personnel have to say before making a decision.

"He has to understand that there's a certain standard we expect from him and everybody else," Goodell said. "And now, it will be up to him."

Jones returned to Dallas after spending 30 days in a Boston alcohol treatment center. A source said the treatment center determined Jones doesn't have"