FRISCO -- Travis Frederick isn't close to returning to the field for the Cowboys. But there has been an encouraging development in his recovery from Guillain-Barre syndrome.

The Pro Bowl center recently regained sensation in his hands for the first time in nearly three months.

"It's starting to come back in my hands a little bit here, which is good,'' Frederick said. "Now it's more just numbness, no tingling, and it's more in the tips.

"I mean the fact there is some light at the end of the tunnel is definitely a positive.''

Frederick was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre, an auto immune disease that weakens the muscles and attacks the peripheral nervous system, near the end of training camp. He hasn't played since, and while he hasn't been ruled out this season, it's difficult to envision a scenario where he would be able to return.

Frederick still has no sensation in his feet. But he remains optimistic and cites statistics that show 95 to 100 percent of people afflicted with this disorder make a full recovery.

"It's going to come back,'' Frederick said. "I have no doubt about that.

"I'm doing good. I'm getting better, slowly but steady.''

Briefly: Nine players were held out of Wednesday's practice for the Cowboys. Five of them play in the defensive line -- Maliek Collins (knee), Taco Charlton (shoulder), David Irving (ankle), Daniel Ross (calf) and Antwaun Woods (concussion). The team is so short at the position at the moment that it signed Azia Shittu to the practice squad. ... The two remaining Pro Bowl members of the offensive line, Tyron Smith (back) and Zack Martin (knee) were also held out of practice. Both are expected to play against the Falcons.