Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten practiced on Sunday afternoon and the organization seems pleased with his progress as he tries to return from a lacerated spleen suffered in a preseason game against the Raiders. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said on Friday that the organization might hold Witten out of Wednesday night's opener against the Giants even if he was medically cleared to play. Jones seemed more optimistic on Sunday and did indicate after practice that his progress and rehab to this point has been positive.

Quarterback Tony Romo was very optimistic as well, stating flatly that he expects Witten to play in the opener. As for Jones' earlier contention that the Cowboys may hold him out regardless, Witten seems determined to get out there if the doctors give the go-ahead (via Tim McMahon of ESPNDallas)

Jason Witten says there's no way they can keep him out of Giants game if he gets medically cleared Tuesday.

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) September 2, 2012

Witten will have a scan on Tuesday in Dallas before the team leaves for the opener. A final doctor's determination will be made then.

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