Although the Cowboys are remaining optimistic by listing him as day to day, running back Marion Barber will likely be out for Sunday’s game against Colts with a calf strain, a source said.

Barber suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of the Thanksgiving Day loss to the Saints. The injury has improved considerably over the weekend so the Cowboys are going to take a wait and see approach with Barber. But as of now he will be hard pressed to play against the Colts. Barber did not practice with the team on Monday.

“We’ll see how he’ll he responds as we go,” interim coach Jason Garrett said.

If Barber is not ready, it will mean an increased role for third back Tashard Choice who will then share carries with leading rusher Felix Jones.

Garrett said the Cowboys are confident that Choice will respond with a strong effort as he has in the past.

Linebackers Bradie James and Keith Brooking were held out of practice for precautionary reasons. James missed at least one practice a week for the last month because of a knee injury, though he has yet to miss a game. James said that will likely be his routine for the rest of the season.

Brooking suffered a sprained right foot early in the Thanksgiving Day game against the Saints. He wore a walking boot on Monday but the injury is not considered serious. Brooking finished the game against the Saints and he said will not miss Sunday’s game against the Colts.