IRVING, Texas -- It's a shortened practice with shells, but Cowboys nose tackle Jay Ratliff practiced Wednesday for the first time since suffering a high-ankle sprain in an Aug. 25 preseason game against St. Louis.

Defensive end Kenyon Coleman (knee), who missed the last two games, also practiced.

Rookie safety Matt Johnson (hamstring/back) and center Phil Costa (back) also participated in some fashion.

However, outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (hamstring), tight end John Phillips (ankle), inside linebacker Bruce Carter (hip), outside linebacker Anthony Spencer (pectoral muscle) and punter Chris Jones (knee) didn't practice.

Spencer missed the Monday night loss to Chicago and said he should be ready for the Baltimore game on Oct. 14. Phillips and Carter suffered their injuries during the Bears game but finished. Ware is out most likely as a precaution because he's dealt with a tight hamstring most of the season.

Jones is expected to return after the bye week, but the strong performance by Brian Moorman, who has a 34.3 net average and two punts inside the 20, could mean the Cowboys don't feel they have to rush Jones back after the bye.