NFC Notes: Cowboys, Panthers, Saints, Seahawks

Cowboys

Cowboys HC Jason Garrett said OT Tyron Smith will miss practice due to a “tight back” after being carted off the field from Tuesday’s practice.

Although Smith is experiencing a “tight back” and missed two games last season with a back injury, Garrett added that he does not think his issue is related to a previous injury.

“We don’t think this issue is related to anything from his past,” Garrett said, via Todd Archer of ESPN. “So like with a lot of guys sometimes they get nicked up and for a guy like that we just want to be deliberate bringing him back.”

Panthers

• Panthers HC Ron Rivera said QB Cam Newton (shoulder) threw on Wednesday and will be re-evaluated tomorrow to determine if he can practice on Friday. (David Newton)

Saints

• Saints TE John Phillips is fully recovered from an appendectomy and has been medically cleared to resume playing. (Joel Erickson)
• The Saints officially activated Phillips from the non-football injury list on Wednesday,

Seahawks

• According to Bob Condotta, Seahawks RB Thomas Rawls appears to be the “clear” No. 1 running back after Eddie Lacy worked exclusively with the backup units during Wednesday’s team drills.