IRVING, Texas — Cowboys tight end Jason Witten was out of today's game against Tampa Bay because of bruised ribs, playing only a few more plays after returning to the field.

Witten apparently got hurt on an 8-yard catch at the end of the first quarter that was his only one in the game. Team trainers looked at the Pro Bowl tight end on the sideline before taking him into the locker room, where they did further evaluation. X-rays were negative.

Witten was back on the field for the Cowboys' first play after halftime, lined up as a fullback. He took part in several plays that series, but didn't play again after that.

There was no official update from the team, but Witten stood on the sideline wearing a baseball cap in the fourth quarter when the Cowboys offense was on the field.

The Cowboys were already playing without Pro Bowl quarterback Tony Romo, who was inactive because of a broken pinkie on his throwing hand.