IRVING, Texas — Wade Phillips insisted there are no rifts in his locker room, Jerry Jones dismissed rumors of inner turmoil, and Roy Williams wore a Santa hat but hardly sounded merry.

This is how the Dallas Cowboys made their case yesterday that everything is just fine at Valley Ranch.

Before tomorrow night's pivotal game against the NFC-leading New York Giants, the Cowboys fended off questions about divisive secret meetings, an unhappy Terrell Owens and cornerback Terence Newman's frank comments about accountability.

"I am not worried about a divided locker room," Phillips said.

It began with individual meetings Owens, Williams and wide receiver Patrick Crayton had with Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett this week. The Cowboys characterized the meetings as normal, but the timing hinted at frustrations over their roles.

That followed a report by ESPN, citing anonymous sources, that quarterback Tony Romo and tight end Jason Witten sketched out plays in private meetings. The Dallas Morning News and Fort Worth Star-Telegram also reported, again using unnamed sources, that the Cowboys receivers felt Romo favored Witten in games and practices.

In last week's loss to the Steelers, Romo targeted Witten on his last of three interceptions. He also threw incomplete to Witten on fourth down in what was the last gasp for Dallas.

Owens didn't speak to reporters in the locker room yesterday, and Williams and Crayton stayed mostly on-message about playing the Giants. The Cowboys held a team meeting yesterday morning, but neither Phillips nor players provided much details.

"This has nothing to do with the media or anyone else who is not a Dallas Cowboy," Williams said. "I am a Dallas Cowboy, therefore I am loyal to the Dallas Cowboys."

Deluged with questions about whether the Cowboys (8-5) are trying to mend divides at a crucial point in the season, Phillips dismissed the reports as non-issues and inventions of the media.

"Everything is set straight as far as I'm concerned," he said. "I think the players, too. We'll see."

Witten leads the Cowboys with 64 catches. Owens is second with 55 receptions and has nine touchdowns, the most on the team.

Jones said he visited with Owens at practice Thursday, but the Cowboys owner said he never discussed with his star player whether he was concerned about Romo's relationship with Witten. Jones said they talked about the team and preparation.

"I spent 10 minutes talking with him on an individual basis, so I guess you could say we had a meeting yesterday," Jones said yesterday in his weekly interview with Dallas radio station KTCK. "I'm not trying to be trite. There are meetings going on everywhere."

COLTS

Indianapolis linebacker Gary Brackett will miss his second straight game tomorrow with a cracked bone in his lower right leg.

Brackett, the team's defensive captain, leads the team with 113 tackles.

Linebacker Tyjuan Hagler will also miss the game against the winless Detroit Lions with a knee injury, while running back Joseph Addai did not participate in yesterday's practice and is questionable with a right shoulder injury.

JETS

Wide receiver Brad Smith was listed as doubtful yesterday for New York's game tomorrow against Buffalo with a concussion.

Smith didn't practice all week, participating in only light workouts, after taking a vicious hit from San Francisco's Patrick Willis in the Jets' 24-14 loss last Sunday.

Smith has 10 catches for 68 yards, and 11 carries for 116 yards in his third season. If he doesn't play, David Clowney, in his second season with the Jets, could make his NFL debut.

PATRIOTS

New England quarterback Matt Cassel practiced for a second straight day following the death of his father earlier this week. But the Patriots declined to say whether he'll play against Oakland tomorrow.

Coach Bill Belichick addressed the media briefly, but wouldn't describe Cassel's playing status.

"We'll do our thing after practice and let you know," Belichick said.

SEAHAWKS

Seattle star tackle Walter Jones will miss the final three games following microfracture surgery in his knee.

Coach Mike Holmgren said yesterday the eight-time Pro Bowl blocker had holes drilled into a bone in his left knee Thursday to regenerate cartilage.

"It will be training camp (before he returns), but he will be fine," Holmgren said after practice.

SUSPENSIONS

Titans: Tennessee center Kevin Mawae was fined $5,000 by the NFL yesterday for his hit on Cleveland's Kamerion Wimbley in Sunday's victory. Mawae was penalized for unnecessary roughness on the hit and plans to appeal.

Browns: Cleveland wide receiver Donte' Stallworth was fined $5,000, also for unnecessary roughness, on an interception when he speared an opponent with his helmet.

Raiders: Oakland defensive lineman Tommy Kelly was fined $5,000 for unnecessary roughness for a late shove of an opponent in a loss at San Diego.

Lions-Vikings: Detroit fullback Moran Norris and Minnesota linebacker Napoleon Harris were fined $5,000 each for the same issue when they struck each other in the head in the Vikings' win. Norris was ejected.

SHORT SNAPS

Buccaneers: Tampa Bay quarterback Jeff Garcia was limited during practice because of a right calf strain and is questionable for tomorrow's game at Atlanta. If he doesn't play, Luke McCown or Brian Griese will start.

Giants: Halfback Brandon Jacobs is going to miss the New York Giants' game against Dallas on Sunday with a knee injury and will be replaced by Derrick Ward.

Vikings: Minnesota quarterback Gus Frerotte is doubtful for tomorrow's game against Arizona with a lower back injury. That means backup Tarvaris Jackson likely will start against the Cardinals.