Although the Cowboys played poorly once again this past weekend, at least there is some good news surrounding this organization, Thee most annoying mascot in sports has been canned. Yes, Rowdy, that foam covered idiot standing behind the goal post signaling no good on fieldgoals that actually travel directly through the middle of the uprights or driving his four wheeler on the field is now gone. all I have to say, it's about time!!!!

My reaction: Hallelujah!

My reaction: Hallelujah!

It was the worst of mascots. It was the best of mascots.

​Some news that will surely soften Broncos 17, Cowboys 10.

Would you believe: R.I.P., Rowdy.

Well, the obnoxious, foam, giant-noggin'ed Cowboys' mascot isn't exactly dead. But I heard over the weekend that at least we won't be subjected to his stupid shenanigans any longer at Cowboys Stadium.

I guess we were too distracted by Peasant Passes or JumboJerry or sex in restrooms or go-go dancers on platforms n' poles to notice, but when I started thinking about it, I don't remember seeing Rowdy at the first two games.

You?

Turns out Rowdy - a.k.a. Ted Ovletrea - will still make appearances for the team - pep rallies and hospital visits, etc. - but the mascot will no longer be part of the game-day presentation at home games in Arlington.

My reaction: Hallelujah!

 

http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/sportatorium/2009/10/cowboys_game_rowdy.php

It shouldn't come as much of a surprise but special teams coach Bruce Read has been fired.

Read's two years with the Cowboys were met with inconsistent to poor special teams play from the coverage units to the return game. It's believed he had a year left on his contract.

We'll have more on this in a bit.

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/12/bruce-read-out.html

 

Now, what did Jerry Jones say last week, oh yeah, the coaches are in place....

Again, You can't believe one word that comes out of that man's mouth.....

 

This isn't really a big surprise though, only happens to be a year too late

WR Isaiah Stanback can go ahead and schedule the operation he needs on his shoulder. He was placed on injured reserve today.

TE Rodney Hannah was promoted off the practice squad to take Stanback's place on the 53-man roster. But that shouldn't be taken as a sign that Jason Witten's status for the regular season finale is in doubt.

Witten (ankle) is listed as probable. He will play. The question is whether he'll be effective.

OG Montrae Holland (ankle) is out. RB Marion Barber (toe) is questionable.

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/12/isaiah-stanbacks-season-is-over.html

The one good thing for me about this move is that Dallas got Hannah signed to the 53 man roster. I think some teams might of been sniffing around trying to sign him off of our practice roster. I really like him and I think he'll take Tony Curtis spot next year on the roster.

 

Stanback cant seem to stay healthy enough to contribute, this year he'll need offseason surgery and unless he really steps up in training camp next year, he will be gone if dallas drafts another receiver next spring, which I think is a strong possibility. I don't see Hurd being brought back next year.

 

Montrae Holland is going to be out again, another Cory Proctor sighting, god help us!!!  In next years draft, I better see a guard/center drafted, get Proctor off of this roster.....

 

 If Barber can't give more than what he's shown the last two weeks, deactivate him for Sunday's game

Is it too much to ask from this offensive line  

 Is it too much to ask from this offensive line to build on the way it played as a unit in the fourth quarter last week against Washington. We've seen small snippets this year of this Offensive lines potential dominance.  

Is it too much to ask from this Offensive line to play with more consistency in the running game getting the push up the middle and keeping out of the third and long from which this team finds itself in too many times.  

Is it too much to ask from this Offensive line, one of the biggest in the league, to play with more focus,intensity, urgency, toughness and HEART and start setting the tone early in games and imposing their will on defenses  

Is it too much to ask this from this Offensive line to play with more discipline and stop taking the numerous penalties every week, especially Flozell Adams with his weekly false start penalties  

Is it too much to ask from this offensive line to start to play up to its potential and start setting the tone for the rest of this team. For me, this offense is all about the offensive line, this is a power running team, not a finesse or throwing team. Controlling the clock by establishing a consistent power running game to set up  play action and staying out of all these third and long is the key to this teams success and will keep our defense fresh and off the field. Trying to throw the ball all over the field more and trying to get it into the hands of T.O more is IMO, getting away from this teams strengths of a ball control power running team.  

Can this offensive line put it all together today, building on how well this Offensive line played in the fourth quarter last week, I don't know, it's frustrating watching this team at times every week, they're so inconsistant along this line. They just need to start playing better now, impose their will and dominate the line of scrimmage early in games, hopefully that starts this week...Is it too much to ask???  

Dallas 27  San Fran 20 

The Cowboys made official today the signings of wide receiver Mike Jefferson and offensive lineman Ryan Gibbons to the practice squad.

Jefferson was released Monday to make room for QB Brooks Bollinger after being called up to the active roster as an emergency for Sunday's game at Cleveland. He essentially takes the spot he held a week ago on the practice squad.

The Cowboys hoped James Marten would clear waivers and sign on to the practice squad but he was claimed by Oakland (and Chicago too but awarded to the Raiders because they had the worse record of the two in 2007).

Gibbons was among the Cowboys' final cuts in training camp. He can play all three line spots, which is a plus for practice squadders

 

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/09/mike-jefferson-ryan-gibbons-on-practice.html 

Jefferson was pretty much a no brainer that if he cleared waivers that he would be resigned to the practice squad, and with Marten being picked up by the Raiders, chances were hgh that the cowboys were going to sign another Offensive linemen to the practice squad to protect themselves in case Kosiers Foot doesn't come along and if Holland has trouble picking up the line calls. Gibbon's was one of the final cuts and his versitility to play three positions on the O-line makes him intriguing to the organization to keep around to develop, athough Marten was their first choice to keep.

The Cowboys hoped James Marten would get through waivers so they could put him on the practice squad, but that effort was thwarted by Oakland.

The Raiders claimed Marten, a third-round pick in 2007, and he will be on their 53-man roster.

Marten was inactive for every game last year as a rookie and was cut last Saturday so the Cowboys could call up receiver Mike Jefferson from the practice squad. He joins the list of high-round misses in the draft with Jacob Rogers (second round, 2004) and Stephen Peterman (third round, 2004).

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/09/james-marten-claimed-by-oakland.html

First Walden, now Marten. Looks like another draft pick that didn't work out for the cowboys. After moving marten from tackle to guard and then back out to tackle again, and the trade for Holland pretty much sealed his fate in dallas. They tried to get him through waivers to get him another year on the practice squad to see how things would work out, but it just didn't happen. I hope Holland can step up and really show his worth. Rogers, Peterman and now Marten, can we not hire some people to better evaluate offensive linemen because we cant continue to fill roles at the position on the offensive line through free agency. We've got to start developing our own linemen

Brooks Bollinger has been added to the 53-man roster and wide receiver Mike Jefferson will be released by the end of the day to make room.

Bollinger will receive $569,411 for the rest of the season as the prorated portion of the veteran minimum for a sixth-year player ($605,000). He also received a $40,000 signing bonus. He will wear No. 5, which was last worn by Clint Stoerner in 2002.

If Jefferson is not claimed, then he will be added to the Cowboys' practice squad. The Cowboys will find out today if guard James Marten was claimed after his release on Saturday. If he clears, they would like to add him to the practice squad.

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/09/brooks-bollinger-is-official.html

 

Well this certainly cant be viewed as a surprise, a head scratcher for sure. I just dont see the logic in signing this guy, I dont see what this organization see's in him. i would not feel comfortable with Bollinger coming off the bench as a backup. This in my opinion isn't the upgrade backup I was looking for.

To make room Jefferson was cut, but if no one signs him, I'm sure he'll be back on the practice roster along with Marten and Bartel will be sent packing.

Update.....

bartel has been released. As I suspected, as soon as Bollinger was signed, there was no need to occupy a Practice squad roster spot on a QB. Marten's locker wasn't cleared out so He'll be resigned to the practice squad is no one signs him. Jefferson will probably make his way back to the practice squad tomorrow

I'm trying to escape New York before Hurricane Hanna hits the area, but wanted to update you on two Cowboys roster moves that just went down. Former third-round draft choice James Marten, who moved from tackle to guard, was released Saturday morning to make room for wide receiver Mike Jefferson, who's going to be activated from the practice squad.

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfceast

With Stanback still suffering with a shoulder injury, it only makes sense that the cowboys activate Jefferson to the active roster. It's just not a smart idea to go into a game with only three receivers, with one still injured.

 If Marten clears waivers, dallas will probably sign him to the practice squad

Here it goes.

Danny Amendola. One of the last cuts, could play at Cleveland.
Mike Jefferson. Started the last pre-season game, also could move up to active roster.
Marcus Dixon. Hurt all pre-season, team sees potential.

Rodney Hannah. Four tight ends. Yeah, Hannah is mainly special teams.
Julius Crosslin. Showed an ability to block like a fullback.
Alonzo Coleman. Improved from last season.
Tearrius George. Last pre-season game helped his cause.

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/08/the-practice-squad.html

Like the 53 man roster, I should preface this practice squad as, FOR NOW!!!

Dixon, Hannah,Crosslin and Jefferson I like, the rest I dont see making it through the year.

Terrius George is on this practice roster because Jerry got cute once again and lost Welden to Kansas City.

Very happy we were able to get Hannah back, I liked his progress over the last year.

Crosslin is on the practice roster just in case Cricket goes down with an injury.

I'd rather have kept Lattimore over Coleman

Marcus Dixon is going to benefit greatly in the teams strength and conditioning program. This kid has alot of upside

I doubt Amendola or Jefferson will be on the practice squad much longer if we acquire another wide out or if Hurd,Stanback and Austin are back soon.

I suspect Bartel will be back unless Dallas signs another backup to the active roster

Rookie TE Martellus Bennett recalls a rather harsh response after asking Jason Witten for help early in training camp: "I'm not going to be [beep] doing this all the [beep] time. You've got to know what the [beep] to do."

The message: Bennett better handle his business before he expects to get much help from the Pro Bowler at his position.

It's not like Witten, the game's best all-around tight end, is worried about the second-round pick cutting into his playing time or eventually replacing him in the starting lineup. Far from it. Witten wants Bennett to fulfill his potential, and he doesn't think babying the Aggie will help him.

It's the same way Dan Campbell, another Aggie tight end, treated Witten when he was a rookie. It's a tough love form of leadership.

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/08/jason-witten-will-not-hold-martellus-ben.html

Martellus Bennett might take note of Witten's comments and start to take his job more serious. Witten does not seem very impressed with bennett's attitude and work ethic thus far.. Bennett has a great opportunity in dallas and has one of thee best tightends in the game to learn from, its time for bennett to grow up and take his opportunity by knowing his responsibilities and learn the finer points of the game from on of thee best tightends in the game in Witten, instead of acting like a know it all.

Injury report from Friday night's game.

Left guard Kyle Kosier could miss up to six weeks because of a sprained right foot and hairline fracture. Kosier left Texas Stadium in a walking boot.

Joe Berger is the favorite to take over for Kosier.

Also, wide receiver Isaiah Stanback suffered a dislocated left shoulder on a kickoff. The Cowboys will wait to see how Stanback responds to treatment before determining if he needs surgery.

The biggest blow to the team is Stanback, we doubt he will play on Thursday night against Minnesota, because it cause depth issues at wide receiver

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/08/kosier-out-six-weeks-stanback-hurt-too.html

Certainly not the news anyone wanted to hear especially how well this O-line played Friday night. Most hoped it was just  a sprained ankle but he's also got a hairline fracture. I guess Joe berger has to step up in his absence. You may see now just how valuable Kosier is on this offensive line.

Stanback, on the other hand may be lost for the year with another shoulder surgery, depending on how he takes to treatment. If the club suggests surgery, Stanback will surely be placed on IR. We are certainly getting thin at the receiver position, cant afford any  injuries to the starters.

I'm sure Wade Phillips will bring up Stanbacks injury to justify his reasoning for NOT putting Felix Jones back there on kick returns.

Shawne Merriman was in New York yesterday to see a specialist and was pondering seeing another doctor today, as he and his advisers attempt to gather enough information to decide when and if he will play this season.

“It's finding out what do I need to fix, what I need to do,” Merriman said by phone. “If it's left up to me, I want to play football. I can't stand sitting out.”

Merriman's options for fixing what he said was a torn posterior cruciate ligament (among other issues) in his left knee range from doing nothing to having a surgery that would delay the start of his season to undergoing reconstructive surgery that would keep him out all season.

 http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/20080822-9999-1s22chargers.html

I never like to hear about a player with a serious knee problem, especially a game changing player like Merriman that could cost him part of or all of a season or even shorten his career, whether they play for the cowboys or not. Merriman has already had orthroscopic surgery in March on his knee, now they are talking about a possible complete reconstructive surgery. That's never good to hear.

After the first two years in the league, some cowboy fans thought that taking Ware over merriman was a mistake, but with Phillips new defensive scheme and the strides that Ware has made in his game, I'm sure with the recent developments with merriman's serious knee problems, all cowboy fans are happy with our selection.

 

Hall of Fame player and longtime NFL Players Association executive director Gene Upshaw has died, according to a report citing unnamed sources by Clear Channel Online.

Upshaw's illness was unreported on and his death was wholly unexpected.

Often a lightning rod for criticism for a too-cozy relationship with former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue, Upshaw presided over major gains for players.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/26326065/

The recently often embattled head of the NFLPA  passes away at the age of 63, It's also being reported that he apparently died of pancreatic cancer. This was very unexpected as there hasn't been any indication that Gene was even ill.

Gene was accused by some players that wanted him out of being to close to the NFL commisioner and the league and not looking out for the players on issues. Recently, there have been calls for him to step down via retirement, but Gene stood fast. There certainly will be a long search for his successor and could throw a wrench into the NFLPA and the leagues contract negotiations that the Teams opted out of this year that could bring an uncapped year.. Whether you like him or not, Gene had a great deal to do with the way the players and the league have grown over the years into the multi-billion dollar industry that it is today.

Wide receiver Anquan Boldin's displeasure with the Cardinals has not dissipated. If anything, it has intensified.

Boldin criticized the organization Monday for "lying" to him about the new contract he desires but has not procured, and he saved his strongest comments for Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt, with whom he no longer communicates.

"At this point we have no relationship, and I don't see that changing," Boldin told NFL Network. "It's just gotten to a point where I think lines were crossed.

"If you ask me, coaches should be coaches, management should be management, and I don't think those lines should be crossed. But when you cross those lines, you put yourself in postiion for things like this to happen."

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story;jsessionid=E6FB7F0E6F32868BE9312BCBF58D6806?id=09000d5d80a1a2bb&template=with-video&confirm=true

 

Things are getting worse by the week in Arizona with Boldin and the Cardinals. It's almost getting to the point where the Cardinls might just get rid of him before things get any worse, if that's possible at this point. Boldin's not happy, wants a new deal like he was promised  or wants to be traded. This is the number two legitimate receiver I'm looking for. I hope jerry and the cowboys atleast kick the tires on this situation and contact the cardinals to see what the availability is for Boldin. I certainly dont want him to end up in Philly and that Dallas made no attempt to contact the Cardinals. This situation between the Cardinals and the Player resembles Shockey and the Giants. How much longer can this go on before it effects the whole team in the locker room and on the field.

I spend part of my work life chasing rumors and today is no different.

So far today I have chased two rumors that continue to persist and I am ready to report to you the first is true, the second is not.

It is true the Dallas Cowboys are mildly, and I do stress mildly, interested in quarterback John Beck. The Cowboys have winked, hand-signaled, called or e-mailed the Dolphins (however it is they do it) that they would be willing to part with a low-round draft pick for the second-year player.

Obviously, Beck remains on the Dolphins so nothing has actually materialized on that front.

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/2008/08/addressing-toda.html

I, for one think Dallas will be bringing in another Quarterback to compete for the number two role, regardless how well Brad Johnson played last week in Denver. At this point I wouldn't mind throwing a late round pick at someone, either to Miami for Beck, who is 27, or Tampa for Simms to get one in here to start to grasp the playbook. Dallas had scouts at the New England/Tampa game last night. If dallas brings in either Beck or Simms via trade, that's a clear indication that letting Moore go last year was a major mistake, something alot of us cowboy fans thought was a major mistake at the time. I suspect Dallas will carry nine offensive linemen instead of ten to gain the extra  spot on the roster to carry three quarterbacks. Right now, its somewhat of a rumor, but Mami's GM, Jeff Ireland wasn't high on Beck during the draft last year.

 

Here's a video of the mediots talking about Beck and his ability when he was drafted in the second round last year by Miami..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MflFK7Q0o9E&feature=related

 Here's some of Becks work in his NFL debut last year against the Eagles. Remember he played for a horrible Miami team.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXLIVDOawcI&NR=1

 

Todd Archer reports,

According to the sources, the Dolphins contacted the Cowboys - and other teams - about Beck shortly after coming to terms with Pennington. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones has expressed a desire to find a long-term backup to Tony Romo with Brad Johnson turning 40 next month.

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/08/no-beck-talks-yet.html

So it was the Dolphins that contacted the cowboys about Becks availability. Jerry is listening, so I think they'll do their homework on the kid to see what the thinking is in the scouting department about his ability.

Nothing that happened last week in San Diego is worth a Dallas Cowboy overreaction, and Lord knows, I wouldn’t want to be a accused of such a thing. Not in early August. Not in this heat.

Overreacting is hard work. It causes sweat. If I want to sweat, I’ll tar and gravel a roof.

But since Jerry Jones brought it up ...

The most obvious yelp factor from exhibition game No. 1 came on special teams, as in coverage of punts and kickoffs, particularly punts. It was awful.

And as Mr. Jones pointed out in pointed postgame remarks, lack of adequate coverage last season was a negative for the Cowboys, and, in Jerry’s belief, it might have been the biggest factor in the playoff loss to the Giants.

"We have too many good Athletes not to be good in this area," he added.

And for anyone who thinks special teams are merely a secondary component in a successful season, then you obviously skipped vital chapters when reading the Jimster football bible, and if you are guilty of that, then you are doomed to both hell and 12 years without winning a playoff game.

My ongoing reply to Jerry’s’ disappointment with STs continues to be this:

"OK. So where is Joe?"

http://www.star-telegram.com/332/story/831763.html

While we contemplate about the weekly musings of  Hard Knocks and discussing whether Dallas will trade for a legitimate number two speed receiver or a backup quarterback that can actually throw a twenty yard out that doesn't requires an in flight movie, I think it's time for this organization to take a very hard look at the special teams coach on this team. This could be a make or break weekend for our special teams coach, Bruce Read, yes, I said make or break weekend.  Last year our special teams were down right awful, near the bottom of the league in yards allowed and after last week's horrific preseason display against San Diego, Jerry Jones was not too happy about it. 

 

  I thought for sure that Bruce Read would of been replaced after last years performance, but somehow he survived, and I think this weekends game is a make or break game for Read. If the cowboys special teams unit doesn't show signs of drastic improvement this weekend, I think there's a chance that Jerry replaces Read with Joe Avezanno. I'd be all for it. I liked Joe, he's an outstanding coach, his special teams in the ninties were feared throughout the league. This team is primed for a superbowl run, I would hate to see it derailed by special teams kickoff and punt coverage. You heard Bill Parcells say during his press conferences about those hidden yards with regards to special teams. It might not be something alot of Cowboy fans talk about since its not a flashy stat like passing percentage, TD's, Int's and sacks but rest assure, the coaches think and talk about the hidden yards stat within a game all the time.

 

I'm all for bringing back Joe Avezanno, I think he's had enough time away from the game to get that singing career off his the gorund. Not much chance of that happening if you ask me, since he's a horrible singer, and really,dont  we need more colorful language at practices!!!  So, where is Joe????

Linebacker Kevin Burnett will return to Dallas to have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, according to two sources. The surgery is scheduled for Friday.

Burnett's availability for the Sept. 7 season opener at Cleveland is in question. Normally, players miss three to four weeks to recover from a scope.

This will be at least Burnett's fifth surgery since coming to the Cowboys in 2005. He has had hip, ankle, shoulder and anterior cruciate ligament surgeries.

 

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/08/kevin-burnett-to-have-knee-surgery.html#comments

Burnett cant stay away from the operating room, atleast five surgeries since being drafted by the cowboys. A second round draft choice who was a converted safety in college to linebacker who finally started to show an ability to be a very good nickel linebacker but lost his chance to take over the starting role last year from Akin Ayodele because he just cant seem to shake the injury bug. He always seems to get nicked up at the absolute wrong time. Now, with him possibly missing the season opener and possiblty week two, Bobby carpenter will get his chance to show if he can be that nickel role player.

 

The Brett Favre era in Green Bay is now officially over. But Favre's legendary career is not.

 

The month-long saga has finally come to an end, with the Packers agreeing to trade their future Hall-of-Fame quarterback to the New York Jets, FOXSports.com has learned. The exact compensation was not immediately known, but it is believed to be a single draft pick that increases in value depending upon how the Jets perform during the 2008 season.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8381934

The long seemingly never ending Brett Favre soap opera has come to an end. The Winner, if you want to classify them as the winners in all this, or winner of the whiner soap opera, the New York Jets has a new Quarterback. I thought a few days ago that the Jets would be a good fit for Favre, if not the Jets, the Bucs would be his second choice. It appears to be a fourth round pick with a chance of becoming a conditional second,. That's about the best you can get for a player that everyone knows, wants out of Green bay and his age. The odd man out in all this is probably Chad Pennington, I suspect he'll be cut soon.

Cowboys wide receiver Patrick Crayton likes the fact that the team's camp has been virtually free of controversy. And then he couldn't help himself.

"Green Bay, that's a soap opera,'' he said, referring to the ongoing Brett Favre saga. "It's shaking Aaron Rodgers, I don't care what they're saying.''

Then Crayton went on to urge the Packers to start Rodgers, not Favre, against Dallas on Sept. 21. When he was reminded that Rodgers played fairly well against the Cowboys when Favre was injured, Crayton said, "Did anyone have any film on him?

"Their defense had film on him for last week's scrimmage. How'd that go?''

Rodgers was 7-for-20 and booed by Packers fans in last week's Family Night scrimmage.

http://timcowlishawblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/08/cowboys-crayton-calls-out-rodg.html

Can someone sucker punch this fool please!!!

Why does Crayton continue to flap his gums about other teams and their players. You would think a guy who dropped a key pass and stopped running his route in  the playoff game against the giants would finally figure out to just play the game and never mind the bulletin board material for other teams to use as motivation because he cant keep his big freakin mouth shut.. Crayton, who is one step ahead of Hurd in the third receiver position, should be spending his time worrying about holding on to that position instead of making stupid remarks about other teams and their players

There have been rumblings out of Panthers camp that club officials are fed up with Smith's actions (not just the latest incident) and are at least considering the idea of dealing him to another team.

The idea of trading one of the best receivers in football seems far-fetched, but Smith has become a divisive force on the team. One Panthers source said that several defensive backs were walking around after the recent incident saying that if management didn't discipline Smith, they would. This isn't exactly the best way to begin a season.

All that to say that I know an owner in the NFC East who has spent the last four months coveting another star wide receiver. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones struckout with Chad Johnson, the Lions' Roy Williams and Anquan Boldin, but behind closed doors, he's still pining away for someone to play opposite Terrell Owens.

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfceast/0-2-22/Smith-to-the-Cowboys-.html

This is the kind of number two established speed receiver Dallas needs opposite T.O to open up the other side of the field since Glenn was cut. If Dallas is one number two receiver away, and I think Jerry thinks that, I would make the call to Carolina to see what the availability is for Smith since things are strained at the very least there after he punched Lucas in the face and broke his nose after the two got in a jawing session on the sidelines.. I'd throw our first  first round pick and a later round pick or a player at them.

 Smith is a high strung player but was very apologetic after the incident.

Linebacker DeMarcus Ware missed the last two plays of practice after a head-to-head collision with offensive tackle Marc Colombo. He was helped off the field by trainers but said he would be all right, he just had his bell rung.

lets just hope that's all it is, we cant afford to lose Ware for any length of time.

 

Alan Ball, who had been working as the slot cornerback in Newman's stead, left practice with an ankle sprain. Cornerback Quincy Butler and linebacker Tearrius George also continued rehab assignments after injuries suffered earlier in camp. Newman told David Smoak of KTBB radio in Tyler, Texas, on Tuesday night injuries are an inevitability, and the Cowboys are fortunate to have a new-found depth at cornerback.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/news.cfm?id=756CE7A9-A306-19FD-197BFC89BB0362E3

 

Ok, so much for the depth part if we lose anymore defensive backs. I can pretty much cut this team down now to 53 pretty easily but one never wants to hear of major injuries during training camp. Thus far, Newmans injury seems to be the worst as he's gone for about four weeks with a slight groin tear but should be back for the final preseason game. My biggest worry about training camp, is just  getting through training camp without any serious or season ending injuries the list is already long enough. Hopefully there wont be anymore.

Injury Update:
LB DeMarcus Ware, blow to head (7/30)
CB Alan Ball, sprained ankle (7/30)
CB Terence Newman, groin - out three weeks (7/28)
CB Quincy Butler, hamstring - day-to-day (7/27)
LB Tearrius George, bone bruise - day-to-day (7/26)

 Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terry Glenn is expected to sign with the Miami Dolphins in the next few days, according to two sources.

Glenn was waived by the Cowboys on Friday.

http://www.star-telegram.com/332/story/793508.html

I dont think this is a surprise to anybody, everyone knew Bill Parcells always loved Terry Glenn. The only difference this time is that the Dolphins are getting a damaged  goods older receiver. Atleast now there wont be any talk about bringing Glenn back sometime after the first week of the season where contracts aren't guaranteed.

That's the word from secondary coach Dave Campo, who was wishy-washy about it.

"It might have been a groin," Campo said. "I'm not 100 percent sure."

Newman, who did not getting any reps after walking off the field midway through practice, declined to comment. Dr. Wade Phillips ought to have an update during his afternoon press conference.

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/07/terence-newman-might-have-injured-groin.html

This is not the kind of news I like to hear in training camp, hopefully he's just going to be day to day and not more serious, details to follow as this story is still developing.

  I guess we'll get a better understanding what exactly the problem is with Newman when Wade Phillips has his daily press conference later today.

 

 

Cowboys Pro Bowl cornerback Terence Newman strained a groin and the severity of the injury is not yet known. He left the morning practice early after an awkward hit while he was on the ground and did not return.

Newman received treatment in the athletic trainers’ tent twice during practice, but remained out. He untied his shoes and remained on the sidelines with a towel around his neck. Newman didn’t appear to be limping but was walking gingerly.

Newman could possibly have an MRI done after the training staff gets a closer look at him this afternoon. He is not expected to sit out the afternoon practice which is one of six two-a-days during training camp. He left the field while the team held its end-of-practice huddle.

http://www.star-telegram.com/332/story/789744.html

Walking gingerly isn't words you want to hear but some good news is that he's not expected to to sit out the afternoon practice, but others are reporting that he will be kept out of the afternoon practice. I guess we'll have to wait for the results of the MRI.

 

Might as well save it," Newman said while walking past reporters after practice.

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/07/no-comment-from-terence-newman.html

Newman was in a foul mood, it's to be expected from a proud player who doesn't like to miss time, especially from an injury. Rest up Newman, you have nothing to prove here with the organization or the fans, just take it easy for a couple fo days, get some treatment and get back out there and ready for the season.

 

 

UPDATED!!!

Corner Terence Newman had an MRI this morning on his strained left groin and it came up negative.

That's the good news. The bad news is that Newman will be out a while. Two weeks possibly. The Cowboys don't want to rush him back and there's no need too.

In the meantime, Mike Jenkins is working with the first team defense in Newman's spot. Adam Jones remains on the second team.

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/07/newman-out-for-a-while.html

 Two weeks is better than six, but four weeks might be more like the time table. Some reports are stating that newman has a slight tear. This will give more reps to Jenkins,Scandrick, Ball and Oglesby. Thats a good thing...they need all the work they can handle. Hopefully newman can return in time for the final preseason game against the vikings.

Well, it looks like Brett favre is going to come out of his long four month retirement, or in his case, reflection. Clearly, Green bay finally made steps to move forward as an organization without Brett, I'm sure Brett is saying, what nerve, how dare they do that, dont they know I am the organization. Sorry brett, you aren't the organization, it survived long before you got there and will after you are long gone.

So with the chances of Brett Favre staying as the backup less than one percent and he certainly wont get his wish for his outright release, where do you think he'll end up?

There have been lots of teams thrown out as a possible landing spot, Washington, Tampa,Minnesota,Chicago,Baltimore. The packers wont trade him to a divisional team like the bears or the vikings, so you can pretty much count them out. I think the best team for Favre is the New York Jets, Pennington has no arm, its an AFC team and a cold weather market, the packers would like to trade him out of the conference as a first choice. My second choice would be tampa, where do you think Brett Favre will end up this year?

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- Arizona star wide receiver Anquan Boldin says the Cardinals lied to him about a new contract and that he has no desire to re-sign with the organization.

Boldin, a two-time Pro Bowl player and a team captain last season, said Thursday that he was promised a new contract before this season, and has directed his agent to stop negotiations with the team.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nfl&id=3504146

Looks like things are getting confrontational in Arizona, might Jerry make a phone call to see about the availability of Bolden....

Second-round pick Martellus Bennett has come to terms on a four-year deal with the Cowboys Thursday morning, just a few hours before the team flies to California.

 

Roster spot: He needs to be a factor because the coaches want to be able to move Jason Witten around more. Bennett admitted the playbook is more involved than it was at A&M and he needed to be in better condition. The coaches, however, see his willingness to work and learn. If he can't become the No. 2 tight end, then that job goes to Tony Curtis

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/07/martellus-bennett-agrees-to-terms-1.html

 

I suspect Bennett's getting his boarding pass for the plane as we speak. I dont see Bennett being a big contributor this year as he seems to need alot of work, having trouble understanding the playbook, not in the best of shape. I really still think Dallas should of used their second round pick on a receiver than a tightend. I think Tony Curtis will be the number two tightend on the roster this year. Dont count out Rodney Hannah, I really like what this kid has done in the past year on the practice sqaud and think he's going to surprise some people in camp.

 

All thats left is the signing of our two first round picks, who both are represented by the same agent, Eugene Parker. I expect both will get signed either later today or early tomorrow morning.

 

The Terry Glenn saga looks like it will come to end one way or another sometime today.

Cowboys wide receiver Terry Glenn is not on the team plane headed here to training camp.

Glenn, who played in one regular-season game last year, is in a dispute with the team over a split salary agreement. The team wants Glenn to sign a $500,000 wavier in case he reinjures his right knee. Glenn is refusing to do so.

Glenn, who declined comment, could still report to training camp today or Friday in time for the first practice.

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/07/terry-glenn-not-on-team-flight.html

 

 The Cowboys released OLB Khari Long, a Baylor-ex who spent some of last season on the practice squad

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/07/so-long-khari-long.html

 Khari Long became the first camp casualty, that leaves 79 roster players, 1 spot has been freed up, is something in the works to fill that spot

THANK GOD FOOTBALL IS BACK!!!!!!!

Running back Tashard Choice, the Cowboys' fourth-round choice (123rd overall) has agreed to a four-year contract with the team.

Choice, from Georgia Tech, is expected to compete for the team's No. 3 running back spot.

Terms were not disclosed.

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/07/tashard-choice-agrees-to-terms-with-cowb.html

Roster spot: He enters camp as the No. 3 back. In some ways he might be better suited to be a carry-the-load type than first rounder Felix Jones. Getting work behind Barber and Jones will be tough, but the coaches like his potential. He's also a natural leader, which is something to keep an eye own down the road. Granted it was without pads, but he showed good vision and burst in the OTAs and mini-camp.

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/07/tashard-choice-breakdown.html

Steven Jones is working overtime getting these draft picks signed. Three down, three draft picks are left to get signed. Jenkins and Jones have the same agent, and will probably get signed within minutes when their deals get done. Deven Hester who is now holding out for a new deal in Chicago also has the same agent as Jenkins and Jones, so our first round picks might take alittle more time to get deals done as their agent is busy with Hester and the Bears.

 

I suspect Bennett, our second round pick will get signed sometime later tonight.

UPDATE

They are very close to a four-year agreement with their second-round pick, former Texas A&M tight end Martellus Bennett as well. He’s expected to sign a contract sometime Thursday morning.

http://www.star-telegram.com/332/story/780037.html

Orlando Scandrick, the cowboys fith round draft choice is the third draft pick to sign on the dotted line. The contract appears to be a four year deal. I really like his potential, the kid has blazing speed and is a player that will benefit from the depth on the roster and wont be rushed giving him time to develop. Scandrick was rated as a late second round pick, he's a steal being drafted in the fifth round.

 

two draft picks signed, four more to come, I suspect another to sign today, with the two first round picks getting signed tomorrow.

The Cowboys have a four-year agreement in place with linebacker Erik Waldem the team's fourth-round pick.

Roster spot: Do the Cowboys keep four outside linebackers? Well, we know the first three - DeMarcus Ware, Greg Ellis, Anthony Spencer. Justin Rogers was a solid waiver pickup from New England and developed into a good special teamer. Plus, there's always the chance Bobby Carpenter could see some time at outside linebacker. Walden will be in competition with Rogers and Tearrius George for one of the last LB slots. If he proves he can rush the passer, his chances improve. Teams don't let pass rushers go.

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/07/walden-agrees-to-terms.html

Walden was actually a six round pick, Glad to see even Todd Archer makes mistakes. Draft picks Signings should start to come fast and furious.... two down, four to go..

I hope he doesn't pull something. Roy williams is jumping for Joy as one of the guys he is suppose to cover has been traded out of the division. The New York Giants have traded Jeremy Shockey to the Saints for a second and fifth round pick. Now if in some way Chris Cooley and L.J Smith were traded from their prospective teams out of the NFC east, Roy Williams might pass himself off as a probowler!!!!

I always thought Shockey was over-rated as a tighend, too much of a mouth piece and questionable hands. When he was lost for the season, the whole dynamics of the Giants offense changed. Eli Manning was a different Quarterback, not having to listen to the constant complaining from Shockey and his antics in the huddle of not getting the ball thrown to him enough. Eli became the voice in the huddle and the leader of that team down the stretch and in the playoffs when Shockey was lost for the season. Kevin Boss stepped in and the Giants never missed a beat on offense.