WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J.- After being put on the inactive list for three straight games, former Monmouth University wide receiver Miles Austin has played solid for the NFL's Dallas Cowboys in their last two contests.

Austin returned a pair of kicks in Dallas' 21-14 win over the previously unbeaten Indianapolis Colts yesterday on national television. Austin had two returns for 59 total yards for a 29.5 yard average. With his team trailing 14-7 in the fourth quarter, Austin returned a kickoff 28 yards, setting up a Cowboy drive that ended with a Marion Barber touchdown. Austin made his returning debut against Arizona on Nov. 12, when he returned two kicks for 39 yards with a long of 22 yards. The Garfield, N.J., plays on almost all of the Cowboy's special teams units, recording three tackles on the season.

Austin became the first former Monmouth player to earn a NFL contract when he was signed to the Cowboys after a solid training camp and preseason. He put his talents on display in a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints on ESPN's Monday Night Football, hauling in a 48-yard touchdown reception from Cowboy's quarterback Tony Romo. The Cowboys are 3-0 this season when Austin is in the lineup, 3-4 when he is on the inactive list.

"It is good to see that Miles is making a positive contribution to the Cowboy's special teams," said head coach Kevin Callahan. "He is talented and hard working player so it comes as no surprise that he is making plays for them."

After three seasons as a starter with the Hawks, Austin left West Long Branch as the MU career leader in catches, receiving yards and touchdown catches.

Photo courtesy of the Dallas Cowboys