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A fast move by Owens

Dallas Cowboys coach Bill Parcells was optimistic Wednesday, saying Terrell Owens might not miss any games due to his broken finger. The wide receiver broke the bone leading to his right ring finger in Sunday`s game, and has since had a plate surgically attached to it. The Cowboys enjoy a bye week this Sunday, and their next match is October 1, against the Tennessee Titans.

Although Owens` hand was swollen and aching Wednesday, and the anti-pain medicine made him ill, Parcells said he "certainly wouldn`t rule it out now." "Once you put the plate in there`s no risk of it being displaced again," he added. "So now it`s a question of when you can withstand that trauma or pain of catching the ball. Once he can do that, he`ll be good to go. So we`ll just see how quickly that comes along." Owens himself did not speak with reporters Wednesday, but said earlier in the week that although he is a quick healer, he would miss two to four weeks.

A return against the Titans would make it 13 days after the surgery. Another potential factor could be how much the Cowboys (1-1) feel they need Owens to beat the Titans (0-2). Having Owens would certainly help, but not if it might compromise his chances of playing the following weeks. It is quite definite that he will not miss the following game, October 8, against his previous employers, the Philadelphia Eagles.