The Official Dallas Cowboys 2010 Off-Season Thread

[sike]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

Great to hear about Bryant.

I'm verrrry excited about this coming season.

Everyone who talks about how the kid has looked stumbles over themselves reaching for superlatives...hope he lives up to the potential.

[fluid.forty.one]

lol


Dez refuses to carry Williams' pads
By Tim MacMahon
ESPNDallas.com


SAN ANTONIO -- Receiver Dez Bryant has done everything right on the field during the first two days of Dallas Cowboys training camp, but he refuses to participate in an NFL rite of passage.

According to the rookie first-round pick, Roy Williams and the other veteran receivers can carry their own shoulder pads after practice.

Williams gave his pads to Bryant after Sunday's morning practice, but Bryant declined to carry them. Williams threatened to go to "step two" when talking to reporters.


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"I'm not doing it," Bryant said. "I feel like I was drafted to play football, not carry another player's pads."

"If I was a free agent, it would still be the same thing. I just feel like I'm here to play football. I'm here to try to help win a championship, not carry someone's pads. I'm saying that out of no disrespect to [anyone]."

It's a common duty for rookies, who typically get some sort of hazing. Bill Parcells used to make first-round picks bring him water during breaks in practice. The Cowboys' rookie offensive linemen are given awful haircuts by the veterans at some point during each training camp.

"Everybody has to go through it," Williams said. "I had to go through it. No matter if you're a No. 1 pick or the 7,000th pick, you've still got to do something when you're a rookie.

"I carried pads. I paid for dinners. I paid for lunches. I did everything I was supposed to do, because I didn't want to be that guy."

What would "step two" be?

"We'll find out. Definitely going to find out," Williams said. "I don't know. I've seen guys take people's credit cards and go fill up their cards and wife's cards and everything. There's a lot of dirt that goes on in that locker room."

Bryant, a Lufkin, Texas, native who went to Oklahoma State, has become an immediate fan favorite. He made several spectacular catches during each practice in the Alamodome -- where the crowd roars even when he makes routine plays -- and runs a lap around the field high-fiving fans before going into the locker room.

Williams, an Odessa, Texas, native and University of Texas product, is a frequent target of fan criticism due to his poor production since being traded from the Detroit Lions during the 2008 season. He was booed during Sunday morning's practice when he dropped a pass, although Pro Bowler Miles Austin didn't get similar treatment when he had a drop in the afternoon session.

"I bought a Ford F-250 2011. Everybody loves a new car but I also have a 2004 Navigator that's still running," Williams said about the perception that Bryant will soon be the starter. "So that's the way I feel."

There has been no previous friction between Williams and Bryant, whose arrival puts Williams' status as a starter in jeopardy. Williams has consistently praised Bryant publicly and made it clear that the rookie could come to him with any questions that he had.

Williams believes it's a veteran's duty to serve as a mentor to rookies. And he believes it's a rookie's duty to carry the veterans' shoulder pads to the locker room after practice.

"I don't believe in that at all," Bryant said. "We have a goal here. It's not about playing games. It's all about just trying to do the right thing and achieve our goal."

Tim MacMahon covers the Cowboys for ESPNDallas.com You can follow him on Twitter or leave a question for his weekly mailbag.

[ty]

Originally Posted by fluid.forty.one

lol

Dez refuses to carry Williams' pads

F Roy.

[MavsX]

Originally Posted by ty

F Roy.

I do kind of want to punch Roy in the face.

OHHHHH how the mighty have fallen. It would be crazy if jerry jones cuts Roy, and let's crayton take his place. No way, would he do that, but you never know.

If roy can somehow have a good season this year, i think a lot of fans will forgive him. Myself included. But, he certainly has been a bust. (thus far)

[Underdog]

Shoulderpadgate: slow offseason without the T.O. Show...

(thankfully!)

[Underdog]

Yawn... Let's stir up a little drama...

Bryant Helped Off Field With Injury

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Cowboys rookie receiver Dez Bryant had to be helped off the practice field with an apparent right ankle injury he suffered on the second-to-last play of Friday’s afternoon practice.

Going for a pass over the middle of the field, Bryant collided with cornerback Orlando Scandrick and immediately went to the ground. The rookie receiver tried to get up and walk back to the huddle but had to go back to the ground as he was aided by the athletic trainers.

After a few minutes, Bryant was helped off the field and straight to the locker room here at the Alamodome. Practiced ended just one play later.

Several players, including Scandrick said they noticed Bryant was limping even before the collision.

Wade Phillips will conduct his normal press conference at 4:45 p.m. and should be able to provide further details on the injury.

[DirkFTW]

Originally Posted by Underdog

Yawn... Let's stir up a little drama...

NOOOO... unstir! Unstir!!!!

EDIT: saw this hilarious nugget on a cowboys forum

I wonder if Roy carried his pads

[mavspwnage]

Bryant is out 4-6 weeks according to Jerry Jones.

[Male30Dan]

Well this friggin sucks. He may miss the entire preseason.

[jleefilled]

Chip-on-the-shoulder Scandrick at it again. always trying to prove something. Hey Orlando, how about not trying to hurt the guys from your own team from time to time? Of course, he didn't mean to hurt Dez, but I'm just pissed. I would have guessed Scandrick was involved in the play w/o having even read about it. Same dude that knocked out Roy Williams last preseason. bravo.

[MavsX]

Can't. Wait. Till. Football. Season. Starts.

[Underdog]

...

Marcus Spears Injured

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SAN ANTONIO - Starting defensive end Marcus Spears suffered a sprained left MCL Thursday afternoon while defending an inside run toward the final whistle of the last full practice session in the Alamodome.

Spears, who has never missed a game in five seasons, is expected to be out 4-6 weeks. A one-month recovery would put him back after the final preseason game, a week before the season-opener, Sept. 12 at Washington. The Cowboys held a walkthrough Friday morning before leaving for Dallas, Wade Phillips saying afterward the team expects Spears to return and contribute.

"He's played for us, he knows what to do," Phillips said. "He's had a good training camp, so it shouldn't be any problem once it gets well for him to come in and play. Jason Hatcher needs to play anyway, so it's a good opportunity for him. That's what we're looking forward to, we wanted to see him get some more playing time."

With Spears playing on a one-year restricted free agent contract of $1.226 million, the Cowboys had left open the possibility Hatcher could push for the starting left end job. Hatcher and fellow fifth-year rotational end Stephen Bowen are both restricted free agents as well, though they are ironically contracted more ($1.759 million) in 2010 than the starter, Spears.

The Cowboys' second pick in the 2005 first round (No. 20 overall), Spears started in 10 games as a rookie, and has been the first-team left end in the 3-4 scheme every season since. He has 8.0 career sacks, including a personal best of 2.5 last season, when he also tied his high mark with 16 quarterback pressures. While Spears is typically taken out of the game on passing downs, teammates and coaches credit his play at the point of attack with the Cowboys' success against the run.

Though never a huge compiler of stats, Spears has still been important to the success of the front seven.

"Marcus Spears is a really solid part of our defense," Phillips said. "He's going to be where he's supposed to be. He's a smart player and a physical player, so we'll miss him in the preseason."

A player appeared to roll up Spears' legs from behind with the starting defense working in team drills. The Cowboys wore shoulder pads, helmets and shorts, and Spears was not wearing a protective knee brace, as many linemen do. As a rookie in 2005, he missed almost all of the preseason because of a sprained MCL in his other knee.

Hatcher, who had missed several days earlier in camp because of a hyperextended elbow, is expected to fill in with the first-team in Spears' absence. The Cowboys are currently also missing seventh-round pick Sean Lissemore, who has a strained groin, but Phillips said he expects the rookie to return next week.

Spears became the Cowboys' second considerable injury of training camp, after a high ankle sprain cost them first-round pick Dez Bryant for at least a month.

The Cowboys play the Cincinnati Bengals in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio on Sunday. After the second game of the preseason, Aug. 12 at Cowboys Stadium against Oakland, they will relocate to Oxnard, Calif. for the final two weeks of training camp.

[Underdog]

Damn, it's official...

Cowboys' John Phillips out for season

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CANTON, Ohio -- An MRI confirmed the Dallas Cowboys' fear that tight end John Phillips tore the ACL in his right knee during the Hall of Fame Game, a source with knowledge of the situation told ESPNDallas.com.

Phillips, a sixth-round pick who contributed as a rookie last season, is out for the season.

Phillips, who underwent the test Monday morning, believes he injured the knee Sunday night when he landed after catching a back-shoulder throw from Jon Kitna. It was the second of four receptions for Phillips, who left the game after he collapsed while battling with Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Frostee Rucker as he tried to release into a pass route.

"It's disappointing because he was having such a great camp and such a great game," tight ends coach John Garrett said after Sunday night's preseason win. "But I know one thing: He's got great resolve. He's got great perseverance. If there's anybody going to come back even stronger than he was before, it'll be John Phillips."

The Cowboys are suddenly extremely thin at tight end behind perennial Pro Bowler Jason Witten. No. 2 tight end Martellus Bennett didn't play in the preseason opener to rest an ankle injury that sidelined him for the first week of training camp. Kevin Brock, who left Fawcett Stadium with a walking boot and crutches, suffered a sprained left ankle after replacing Phillips. Undrafted rookie Scott Sicko is the only other tight end on the roster.

Phillips blocked well as the Cowboys' third tight end during his rookie season, when he caught seven passes for 62 yards. His progress as a receiver and ability to be a lead blocker out of the backfield made it a strong possibility that he'd have an increased role in the offense this season.

The Cowboys are also thin at cornerback due to a couple of injuries Sunday night. Cletis Gordon, the front-runner in the competition to be the Cowboys' fourth cornerback, strained his neck on a punt return during the second half and will be further evaluated. Undrafted rookie cornerback Bryan McCann suffered a chest contusion on another punt return.

Alex Barron, the backup at both offensive tackle spots, also left the game after spraining his left ankle and jamming his left wrist.

[DirkFTW]

So we're getting all of our injuries out of the way early, right? :/

[Male30Dan]

Sucks about Phillips. I mean, yeah, he may have been our 3rd string TE but he could have been our 1st string FB. He was a helluva blocker and had very consistent hands with good route running. He was labeled a poor man's Witten, which is a helluva compliment. This injury hurts us - no doubt - as Marty B hasn't proven a damn thing other than how stupid he can be.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by Male29Dan

Sucks about Phillips. I mean, yeah, he may have been our 3rd string TE but he could have been our 1st string FB. He was a helluva blocker and had very consistent hands with good route running. He was labeled a poor man's Witten, which is a helluva compliment. This injury hurts us - no doubt - as Marty B hasn't proven a damn thing other than how stupid he can be.

Cap'n Cruuuunch!


Honestly, I think Phillips was well on his way to being our #2 TE...

(silver lining - Sicko looked pretty good last night!)

[mkat]

i bet there are few things more depressing to a player than to be out the whole season. i like that kid a lot. damn.

[Male30Dan]

Originally Posted by mkat

i bet there are few things more depressing to a player than to be out the whole season. i like that kid a lot. damn.

Yeah, to work your tail off all year long to prove yourself, have a terrific camp, have an outstanding 1st preseason game, only to have it all pulled out from under you on a freak injury (didn't even look like there was contact) - man that really has to be difficult to accept.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by Male29Dan

Yeah, to work your tail off all year long to prove yourself, have a terrific camp, have an outstanding 1st preseason game, only to have it all pulled out from under you on a freak injury (didn't even look like there was contact) - man that really has to be difficult to accept.

He got flipped over by a hard hit to the legs a couple plays before he went down - that's probably when the injury occurred, but he didn't realize it until he planted his feet to make that catch...

[Underdog]

A little good news on the horizon?

Bryant Sheds Boot, Recovery Going Well

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The temperature may have been lower as the Cowboys practiced for the first time in Oxnard, Calif., but the mood was higher as wide receiver Dez Bryant did some light rehab work without his protective walking boot 15 days after spraining his ankle.

Trainers and staff said they would reevaluate Bryant's high ankle sprain about two weeks after the injury. The healing process seems to be on time or possibly a bit further ahead of the four-to-six week timetable, as Bryant walked around and stretched without a boot.

If Bryant heals rapidly, he may be ready for one or two preseason games before the regular season begins at Washington on Sept. 12. But the Cowboys' medical and training staff will not rush his return.

"If he does come back and he's able to play in a couple preseason games, then he can get a feel for what it may be like just being on the field," wide receivers coach Ray Sherman said.

Sherman said Bryant is feeling better every day, but he doesn't have a timetable for an exact return date. He said ankle sprains tend to be different for each player.

"We want him to come back when he's ready to go and healthy, because you don't want a guy coming back and then something happens and he's back out again," Sherman said. "Hopefully when he comes back, he's going to be here for a while."

Sherman said the mental notes Bryant can take in practice should have him prepared to get back into action without falling too far behind. He said Bryant is staying on top of everything in meetings, film studies and during practice. When Sherman shouts out a route, Bryant responds with where he's supposed to be.

"This is what he loves to do, and I just can't wait until I get him back out here," Sherman said.

[Underdog]

I'm getting sick of all these injury reports...

Cowboys RT Marc Colombo hurts knee

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OXNARD, Calif. -- The Dallas Cowboys suffered a scare Sunday when starting right tackle Marc Colombo was carted off the field following practice with a right knee injury.

Colombo, who was injured toward the end of the day's second practice when his knee locked up, has been diagnosed with loose cartilage. If he undergoes arthroscopic surgery to clean it up, he could miss two to four weeks.

Colombo will be sent back to Dallas to undergo an MRI exam.

Normally, Alex Barron would have replaced Colombo in the lineup, but he's out with an ankle injury. Rookie Sam Young replaced Colombo at right tackle.

Robert Brewster, who can play both tackle spots, could also fill in for Colombo.

Colombo played the first nine games of the 2009 season before suffering a broken left fibula and a high ankle sprain. He didn't return until the playoffs. Prior to that, Colombo had been a durable player for the Cowboys.

"I think he'll be OK," offensive line coach Hudson Houck said. "I don't think it's any major problem. We don't want to miss him."

Colombo didn't miss a game from 2006 to 2008. But he's endured surgeries to both knees in his career and wears knee braces.

In 2002 when playing for the Chicago Bears, he suffered a dislocated left patella and femoral nerve damage. Colombo missed the entire 2003 season and part of the next season as he rehabbed the injuries.

The Bears released Colombo after the season opener in 2005 and he was out of football until the Cowboys signed him on Nov. 1, 2005.

He earned the starting right tackle job in 2006 and didn't miss a game until last year.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Originally Posted by Underdog

I'm getting sick of all these injury reports...

This seriously sucks. I know it's only preseason, but I'm starting to get a little worried about the offense. Another injury on OL is the LAST thing we need right now, especially to Colombo who has been sloppy lately. After missing so much action last year, and obviously being rusty, he's not somebody we want missing a lot of practice.

To make matters worse, apparently the offense has been sloppy in practice as well http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcont...r.297479e.html.

Again, I know it's only been two preseason games, but it would be nice to see ONE offensive touchdown, wouldn't it?

[Male30Dan]

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

This seriously sucks. I know it's only preseason, but I'm starting to get a little worried about the offense. Another injury on OL is the LAST thing we need right now, especially to Colombo who has been sloppy lately. After missing so much action last year, and obviously being rusty, he's not somebody we want missing a lot of practice.

To make matters worse, apparently the offense has been sloppy in practice as well http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcont...r.297479e.html.

Again, I know it's only been two preseason games, but it would be nice to see ONE offensive touchdown, wouldn't it?

No worries - vanilla ice cream is boring and predictable. They will throw some Rocky Road in there come week 1.

[FINtastic]

I have to say, if there's one player on the offensive line that I don't care about getting hurt, it's probably Colombo. Granted I'm not sure if someone like Sam Young is ready for the bright lights, but I just have this feeling that Colombo is close to finished.

The o-line does scare me. That's the only thing that could possibly be the Cowboy's undoing this year (besides serious injuries of course). Strangely enough, I'm not scared by the one guy who is supposed to be the big question mark - Doug Free. I think Free is going to be fine, but the rest of the line is aging and have always been a little bit flaky. It would be nice to have some young up and coming talent backing up the starters, but with all the talent elsewhere on the roster I suppose I can't get too greedy.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Originally Posted by FINtastic

Granted I'm not sure if someone like Sam Young is ready for the bright lights, but I just have this feeling that Colombo is close to finished.

I've had that same feeling, but it seems like this knee surgery that he had today was long overdue and should help him a lot.

Jones said the situation could have been much worse as Colombo has had problems with his right knee for the past couple of years. Now that it’s cleaned up, Colombo can play better than he has _ considering he struggled in the playoff loss to the Minnesota Vikings last year and had some of the same problems in giving up two sacks to Oakland Raiders rookie defensive tackle Lamar Houston last week.
http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/08...ded-after.html

The dude was a beast before his injury last year. Hopefully this will help him get back to form. If not, I'm afraid we don't have another Doug Free on our roster.

Edit: I will say this much. I'll feel A LOT better once I see Dez on the field. Everything I've seen/read indicates that he was absolutely amazing in training camp before his injury. Just having him out there should open a lot things up for the offense.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

I've had that same feeling, but it seems like this knee surgery that he had today was long overdue and should help him [Colombo] a lot.

Kinda makes you wonder why he didn't have the surgery earlier though...

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

I'll feel A LOT better once I see Dez on the field. Everything I've seen/read indicates that he was absolutely amazing in training camp before his injury.

Only if you like lightning-fast speed and one-handed circus catches...

[Thespiralgoeson]

Originally Posted by Underdog

Kinda makes you wonder why he didn't have the surgery earlier though...

It sounds like he didn't even know he needed until his knee locked up yesterday. It's a very minor surgury apparently, so who knows how much difference it will really make. I can't imagine missing practice is going to help him get back into the swing of things, but who knows, maybe a bit of rest will do him some good.

[FINtastic]

Yeah, I'm really looking forward to Dez. Hopefully he's able to stay up to speed with the offense despite this injury because I'm getting some strong Larry Fitzgerald vibes from him.

And honestly, anything to get Roy Williams less involved in the offense is a good thing.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by FINtastic

Yeah, I'm really looking forward to Dez. Hopefully he's able to stay up to speed with the offense despite this injury because I'm getting some strong Larry Fitzgerald vibes from him.

And honestly, anything to get Roy Williams less involved in the offense is a good thing.

If Dez ends up somewhere in the ballpark of Fitz (alongside Austin), we're gong to be scary-good...

Especially if the much-hated Roy Williams becomes our 3rd WR (nobody wants to give him props, but he was tied in 6th place for the most reception TD's last season at seven - he's still plenty useful...)

[Underdog]

Ugh... We better be getting these out of the way early, otherwise this is going to be a loooong season!

Kosier injured

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Starting left guard Kyle Kosier left Wednesday's morning practice early with a knee injury. The team has not made an official diagnosis or announcement, but very early indications are a possible sprained MCL.

Kosier will have an MRI today. Defensive end Marcus Spears suffered a sprained MCL on the final full day of practice in San Antonio, and the timetable was four-to-six weeks. We'll provide updates as the come available.

The Cowboys are already without starting right tackle Marc Colombo, who had arthroscopic knee surgery Monday to remove loose particles and could miss at least two weeks.

Montrae Holland replaced Kosier in team drills. Kosier also doubles as the primary backup center, which will mean more work for rookie Phil Costa.

[LonghornDub]

We're going to be down to me and UD anchoring the offensive line soon.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Ugh, is this punishiment from the football gods for not addressing the O-line this offseason? Seriously, o-line depth is kinda important these days...

[FINtastic]

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

Ugh, is this punishiment from the football gods for not addressing the O-line this offseason? Seriously, o-line depth is kinda important these days...

As much as I'd like more depth along the line, we can't be stacked at every position unfortunately.

We are getting a little too thin for comfort along the offensive line, but at least the line should be healthy by the end of the first month of games. Hopefully, we can at least keep the ship plugged until then.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Originally Posted by FINtastic

As much as I'd like more depth along the line, we can't be stacked at every position unfortunately.

We are getting a little too thin for comfort along the offensive line, but at least the line should be healthy by the end of the first month of games. Hopefully, we can at least keep the ship plugged until then.

If the starters can stay healthy all season, then we should do fine. However, if any one of them is injured for a siginificant time period, we could have a huge problem. I just hope we have much better luck in the regular season than we've had during the preseason in that regard.

[chumdawg]

I wonder if anyone of quality at all will be cut by another team. I sure hope so!

[MavsX]

maybe we can get Flozell back hahha

[Underdog]

...!

Opener Now In Question For Sensabaugh

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What looked like more of a minor injury Saturday night in San Diego, now appears could sideline safety Gerald Sensabaugh for 3-4 weeks, possibly forcing him to miss the season opener in Washington.

Sensabaugh suffered the injury – a subluxation in his left shoulder – in the second defensive series of the Cowboys’ 16-14 win over the Chargers. Initially, reports from the locker room indicated Sensabaugh might just be held out for the rest of the preseason, mainly for precautionary measures.

But as the Sept. 12 game against the Redskins is exactly three weeks away, not it seems Sensabaugh’s chances of returning are closer to 50-50.

For the Cowboys, it’s a good thing veterans Pat Watkins (sore knee) and Mike Hamlin (concussion/strained neck) are expected to return to practice this week. And not to mention, the Cowboys also have three rookie safeties that are playing well. Fourth-round pick Akwasi Owusu-Ansah made his debut Saturday night, but undrafted rookie Barry Church filled in for Sensabaugh at strong safety. Church not only stopped the run well but his 80-yard fumble return helped the Cowboys score their first offensive touchdown of the preseason.

And then rookie Danny McCray looks to have locked up a roster spot, solely for his ability on special teams. McCray was a star on the coverage teams Saturday night. Whatever happens at the rest of the safety spots, look for McCray to have one for himself.

But the big question will be what the Cowboys do now in place of Sensabaugh for the time being. Watkins and Hamlin are more free safeties, but it’s not to say they can’t fill in.

Then again, the Cowboys might just go with Church, a more natural strong safety who doesn’t appear out of his element.

[Underdog]

In lieu of any significant Mavs news:

Knee braces not an option for Cowboys

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OXNARD, Calif. -- An interesting question this week addresses the Cowboys' offensive line and how they've dealt with injuries to starters Marc Colombo and Kyle Kosier.

In an attempt to prevent further injuries, head coach Wade Phillips has decided to make it mandatory for all the linemen -- on offense and defense -- to use knee braces.

By no means does this guarantee that a player can't get injured, but wearing a brace does stabilize the knee and minimizes the possibility of injuries occurring.

Colombo was wearing a knee brace when he heard something pop in his knee, which was some loose cartilage that has since been removed. Colombo told Jerry Jones a few days ago that his knee feels great, and Jones said the lineman's long-term health shouldn't be an issue.

Kosier, who doesn't wear a knee brace, injured his knee. Marcus Spears, who wears one at times, didn't have one on when he injured his knee in San Antonio.

So there is no clear-cut way to say whether a knee brace helps or not.

Several of the Cowboys' offensive and defensive linemen have had knee issues in the past, whether in college or the pros.

When Bill Parcells was the Cowboys' coach from 2003-06, it was mandatory for linemen to wear knee braces. Currently, the Dolphins -- where Parcells is vice president of football operations -- have made it mandatory for linemen to wear knee braces. And New York Jets coach Rex Ryan had made it mandatory for quarterback Mark Sanchez, who's coming back from offseason knee surgery.

When Phillips replaced Parcells, that rule became optional for Cowboys players. Some offensive linemen can't stand wearing them, because sometimes it keeps your leg stiff. Other players just find it uncomfortable and can't get used to it.

But now, if you want to play on Sundays -- or in this case, on Saturdays during the preseason -- you had better put the brace on.

[DirkFTW]

I know it's just preseason, but that was painful to watch.

[Flacolaco]

If my twitter account was any indication, the number of people who watched a COMPLETELY meaningless football game tonight was more than those who watched the Rangers in a pennant race.

That confuses (infuriates?) me.