SAN ANTONIO (Aug. 6, 2007) -- Terrell Owens had an MRI on his stiff lower back.
Dallas 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."
Phillips didn't know when he would have the results of the test, which was done in San Antonio. It wasn't clear if Owens would attend the team's second practice later in the day.
Before missing Sunday, Owens had taken part in four straight workouts since being given time off by Phillips so the 33-year-old receiver could rest his sore legs. Owens went through drills at full speed without any apparent problems during workouts, including two Saturday.
Owens wasn't on the field Sunday, when he was with the trainers doing whirlpool therapy and work on a stationary bike.
"I thought he would be a little better today because he did all the stuff our trainers wanted him to do," Phillips said. "But it wasn't better."
Still, Phillips hasn't ruled out the possibility of Owens playing in the preseason opener Thursday night against Indianapolis.
"No, he wants to play," Phillips said.
Owens missed about half of his first training camp with the Cowboys last year, including the first three preseason games, because of a hamstring problem.
Owens' coach-ordered hiatus last week included sitting out both workouts Wednesday. That was a day after he came on the field in uniform, minus shoulder pads or a helmet, after being told by Phillips to take it easy.