Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, who suffered a lacerated spleen during the preseason, has apparently offered to sign a medical waiver in order to play Wednesday night against the New York Giants, according to ESPN.

The Cowboys host the defending Super Bowl champion and NFC East rival Giants at Cowboys Stadium, and Witten's presence could be vital Dallas's chances.

The waiver would indemnify the Cowboys should Witten re-aggravate the injury, but Dallas does not want their seven-time Pro Bowl tight end to take such a risk. As of now, Witten is considered a game-time decision.

Witten has missed only one game in his nine-year NFL career, and once played with a broken jaw. He originally suffered a lacerated spleen during Dallas's first preseason game against the Oakland Raiders Aug. 13.

Witten is considered a top target of quarterback Tony Romo, and also has a reputation for being a solid blocker. The Giants' defensive line has historically put a great deal of pressure on Romo, so Witten's blocking may play a key role in the season opener.

Rookie James Hanna, Dallas's sixth-round draft pick, is expected to fill in for Witten should he remain sidelined. During preseason, Hanna caught 10 passes for 111 yards.

Replacing Witten may not be an easy task. The 30-year-old has 696 receptions for 7,909 yards and 41 touchdowns in his career. The lone game Witten missed was as a rookie in 2003.

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