"He was there this morning," tight end Jason Witten said. "I think something came up."
It wasn't clear what those personal matters were or if Owens would be on the field for any of the three-day minicamp.
Cowboys team owner Jerry Jones didn't stop to talk to reporters while escorting sponsors and other guests off the field and into the building after heavy winds and an approaching thunderstorm cut short the team's morning workout. Coach Wade Phillips was scheduled to meet with the media before an afternoon practice.
Witten and other teammates didn't seem concerned about Owens' absence.
"It wasn't anything that you guys would go crazy about," quarterback Tony Romo said, without elaborating. "I don't think it's a big deal."
Owens participated in optional workouts the past four weeks. Heading into the final year of his contract, the 34-year-old receiver recently signed a three-year extension worth around $27 million through the 2011 season.
"He's been here so much. He's worked his butt off," Romo said. "I don't know that (being absent all week) would be a big deal. I'm sure he'll try to be here if he can."
Owens led the NFL with 13 touchdown catches in 2006 and had an NFC-best 15 more last year for a two-year total that is tops in the league. He has 166 catches for 2,535 yards in his two seasons with the Cowboys.
T.O. is ninth on the career receptions list with 882, 10th in receiving yards with 13,070 and third in touchdowns with 129 - the most among active players, and trailing only Jerry Rice (197) and Cris Carter (130).
