"If you say something enough, it may come true: The Cowboys want to get Felix Jones more touches.

They said it in 2008 before he suffered a season-ending toe injury. They also said it last year, and it has been repeated this week in part because of Chris Johnson's presence at Cowboys Stadium on Sunday.

The Tennessee running back was picked two spots after Jones in the first round of the 2008 draft and has had back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons. Johnson became the sixth running back in NFL history to record a 2,000-yard season when he had 2,006 last season.

Jones is looking for the second 100-yard game of his career. He has 22 carries for 88 yards in three games this season, but Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones believes his runner has Johnson-like ability.

"Absent the injury issue, which faces every player, there's no doubt in my mind the more times Felix gets the ball, the more chance we have at big plays," Jones said.

Jerry Jones said he has not had to deliver that message to the coaches, particularly offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. The emphasis has been on Felix Jones getting more touches since training camp began.

Garrett, however, has not been as forthcoming on whether Jones would get more touches.

"He's probably being coy with our strategy," Jerry Jones said.

Gronkowski expects to play: Chris Gronkowski is listed as questionable on the injury report and did not practice for the second straight day with a groin strain, but the rookie fullback said he should be able to play Sunday.

Gronkowski said he had a similar injury last year at Arizona and did not miss a game.

"I did something to agitate it a little bit," he said. "I just need it to calm down again."

If Gronkowski can't play, tight ends Jason Witten, Martellus Bennett and Scott Chandler could pick up the slack.

"It's a tough job," Witten said. "I don't have the ideal look: big, thick neck."

Witten will not wear a brace to protect the right knee he sprained in the win over Houston two weeks ago, although it will have a heavy tape job. "