Dallas Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips has no doubts about the toughness of running back Marion Barber, who did not play in the loss to the Steelers Sunday.

"I don't think anyone here is questioning Marion Barber's toughness," Phillips said.

Barber had been nursing an injured toe, but Phillips says a calf injury that started Wednesday is what caused him to miss the game.

"We thought he could play then found out he couldn't," he said.

Phillips said trainers thought it'd better for Barber to stay in Dallas and get treatment.

Owner Jerry Jones seemed to questions why Barber didn't play after the game.

Still, Phillips says Barber is one of the toughest players on the team.

"He's carried the load this year for us," Phillips said.

Phillips said he expects Barber to try and prepare for Sunday's game against the New York Giants.

"I know he's feeling better," Phillip said.

Rookie Tashard Choice started in Barber's place and had an outstanding day, rushing for 88 yards and catching five passes for 78 yards.

"I thought Tashard Choice played outstanding," Philips said. "He had over half our offense in the game."

The biggest question facing Choice coming into the game was his ability to recognize NFL blitz schemes.

"He blocked well and did a lot of good things for us," he said.

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