PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Now the Eagles’ problems are much bigger than just Terrell Owens.

Roy Williams intercepted Donovan McNabb’s pass and ran it back 46 yards for a touchdown with 2:43 left, leading the Dallas Cowboys to a 21-20 comeback victory over Philadelphia on Monday night in the Eagles’ first game since T.O. was told not to return to the team.

The Eagles were in control until Drew Bledsoe connected with Terry Glenn on a 20-yard TD pass with 3:08 left that cut it to 20-14.

On the second play after the ensuing kickoff, McNabb’s poorly thrown pass was picked off by Williams, who outran McNabb as the quarterback tried to tackle him. McNabb was hobbling badly after that play, though his injury wasn’t immediately known.

The Eagles had a final chance, but David Akers’ 60-yard field goal attempt failed miserably.

McNabb, who is playing with a sports hernia that will require surgery, played one more series after the interception, before giving way to Mike McMahon for the Eagles’ final possession. The reigning NFC champion Eagles (4-5) lost their third straight game for the first time since 1999 and fell further behind in the NFC East standings. Dallas (6-3) is tied with the New York Giants for first place, one game ahead of Washington.

For a while, it seemed the Eagles had overcome the distractions caused by Owens’ departure and were headed toward an important victory.

But McNabb made one of the costliest mistakes of his seven-year career.

Owens was suspended one day before Philadelphia’s 17-10 loss to Washington last Sunday. He was told not to return to the team a day later following a series of incidents, including harsh criticism of the organization and McNabb.

A grievance hearing for Owens’ four-game suspension is scheduled for Friday, but the Eagles plan to deactivate the All-Pro wideout the rest of the season no matter the outcome.

Brian Westbrook had 86 yards rushing and one TD and Lamar Gordon ran for 57 yards as Philadelphia’s pass-heavy offense tried to offset the loss of its best receiver by keeping it on the ground.

But Philly’s wideouts – Reggie Brown and Greg Lewis – combined for just six catches for 57 yards. Owens had 47 catches for 763 yards and six TDs in seven games.

AP-ES-11-15-05 0026EST