Witten's status will be game-time decision
November, 24, 2009
Nov 24
4:41
PM CT
IRVING, Texas -- Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten could miss Thursday’s game against the Oakland Raiders because of a sprained left foot.
Coach Wade Phillips said Witten’s status would be a game-time decision. Witten, who leads the Cowboys with 54 receptions, suffered the injury in the second quarter of Sunday’s win over the Washington Redskins and did not miss any snaps.
“It’s a situation where if it’s not well enough he could hurt it more,” Phillips said. “That’s a concern.”
Witten, who played in the last five Pro Bowls, has missed not missed a game since his rookie season in 2003. He missed only one game after undergoing surgery to have three plates inserted in his broken jaw. He played last season with a fractured rib and sprained shoulder.
Quarterback Tony Romo (bruised lower back) was also limited during Tuesday’s practice. However, Phillips said he expects Romo to play against the Raiders.
Cornerback Mike Jenkins, who has a bruised biceps and suffered a concussion Sunday, participated fully in the practice and is expected to play Thursday.
Coach Wade Phillips said Witten’s status would be a game-time decision. Witten, who leads the Cowboys with 54 receptions, suffered the injury in the second quarter of Sunday’s win over the Washington Redskins and did not miss any snaps.
“It’s a situation where if it’s not well enough he could hurt it more,” Phillips said. “That’s a concern.”
Witten, who played in the last five Pro Bowls, has missed not missed a game since his rookie season in 2003. He missed only one game after undergoing surgery to have three plates inserted in his broken jaw. He played last season with a fractured rib and sprained shoulder.
Quarterback Tony Romo (bruised lower back) was also limited during Tuesday’s practice. However, Phillips said he expects Romo to play against the Raiders.
Cornerback Mike Jenkins, who has a bruised biceps and suffered a concussion Sunday, participated fully in the practice and is expected to play Thursday.
Dave Campo and Terence Newman appear to be OK.
The two were laughing during the stretching portion of practice on Tuesday. Before practice, Newman said he has no problem with Campo and the two should become the co-feature of a big fight.
But on Sunday there was a problem with Newman and Campo. The two had to be separated after Campo grabbed Newman when coming off the field in the first quarter of the Cowboys-Redskins game.
Newman took offense to that and some other things Campo said, but that’s just part of what happens when guys are emotional.
Jimmy Johnson has coached with Campo in the pros, the Cowboys and in College, University of Miami, and he’s seen his share of sideline disagreements.
“I’m sure there were words [in the past], I don’t recall many of them,” Johnson said. “But I got a kick out of it the other day, watching my old coach, Camps, back from my Miami days and Cowboys days. He’s still feisty even at 62.”
Johnson and Campo shared a laugh before practice on Tuesday.
The two were laughing during the stretching portion of practice on Tuesday. Before practice, Newman said he has no problem with Campo and the two should become the co-feature of a big fight.
But on Sunday there was a problem with Newman and Campo. The two had to be separated after Campo grabbed Newman when coming off the field in the first quarter of the Cowboys-Redskins game.
Newman took offense to that and some other things Campo said, but that’s just part of what happens when guys are emotional.
Jimmy Johnson has coached with Campo in the pros, the Cowboys and in College, University of Miami, and he’s seen his share of sideline disagreements.
“I’m sure there were words [in the past], I don’t recall many of them,” Johnson said. “But I got a kick out of it the other day, watching my old coach, Camps, back from my Miami days and Cowboys days. He’s still feisty even at 62.”
Johnson and Campo shared a laugh before practice on Tuesday.
So just what is the problem between Roy Williams and Tony Romo?
Former Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson says it takes time for a wide receiver to develop chemistry with a quarterback.
“Receivers in some ways are a little like a golfer, they get in streaks,” Johnson said. “I remember Michael Irvin’s second year, we had a training camp where he was dropping everything and so it was a matter of us pulling back and saying let’s work on the things that he does well and gradually expand it some of the other routes.”
Johnson talked about former receiver Alvin Harper couldn’t run the same routes as Irvin, who could run any route. The Cowboys at that time worked toward Harper’s strengths which were deep comeback routes and curls.
It seems Williams just isn’t on the same page with Romo and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. The numbers say so.
“Say in your mind, you’re dropping a crossing route, time after time,” Johnson said. “Well, let’s stop throwing the crossing route, because in his mind, he’s saying, ‘Oh no, I’m going to drop it, I’m going to drop it.’ Don’t drop it, don’t drop it. That seeds planted, don’t drop it. Well the seeds planted to don’t drop it, so what do you do? You drop it. And so let’s just pull away from that. Let’s start throwing that comeback where he knows he’s going to catch it, he catches it every time. Catch it, catch it, catch it and then occasionally sprinkle in a crossing route so where he’s had some success to build that confidence back up.”
Former Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson says it takes time for a wide receiver to develop chemistry with a quarterback.
“Receivers in some ways are a little like a golfer, they get in streaks,” Johnson said. “I remember Michael Irvin’s second year, we had a training camp where he was dropping everything and so it was a matter of us pulling back and saying let’s work on the things that he does well and gradually expand it some of the other routes.”
Johnson talked about former receiver Alvin Harper couldn’t run the same routes as Irvin, who could run any route. The Cowboys at that time worked toward Harper’s strengths which were deep comeback routes and curls.
It seems Williams just isn’t on the same page with Romo and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. The numbers say so.
“Say in your mind, you’re dropping a crossing route, time after time,” Johnson said. “Well, let’s stop throwing the crossing route, because in his mind, he’s saying, ‘Oh no, I’m going to drop it, I’m going to drop it.’ Don’t drop it, don’t drop it. That seeds planted, don’t drop it. Well the seeds planted to don’t drop it, so what do you do? You drop it. And so let’s just pull away from that. Let’s start throwing that comeback where he knows he’s going to catch it, he catches it every time. Catch it, catch it, catch it and then occasionally sprinkle in a crossing route so where he’s had some success to build that confidence back up.”
Former Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson attended practice on Tuesday and to promote the Crown Royal Safe Rides Home’ designated driver program in the Dallas area.
On Wednesday, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Crown Royal will have former Cowboys tight end Jay Novacek drive a SUV from the northeast corner of McKinney Ave. and Boll St. taking people from the bars and restaurants in that area home.
Consumers can signup for the program throughout the night at a special Crown royal taxi sand. Consumers must be at least 21 or over and live within a 15-mile radius of the signup location.
On Wednesday, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Crown Royal will have former Cowboys tight end Jay Novacek drive a SUV from the northeast corner of McKinney Ave. and Boll St. taking people from the bars and restaurants in that area home.
Consumers can signup for the program throughout the night at a special Crown royal taxi sand. Consumers must be at least 21 or over and live within a 15-mile radius of the signup location.
Ellis expects Free to get a lot of help
November, 24, 2009
Nov 24
3:33
PM CT
IRVING, Texas -- Oakland Raiders defensive end Greg Ellis insists that he'll have no extra motivation when he faces his former team on Thanksgiving.
But Ellis does believe he'll get a lot of extra attention from the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys gave first-time starter Doug Free a lot of help against Washington Redskins pass-rushers Andre Carter and Brian Orakpo last week. Ellis, who had 77 sacks in 11 seasons with the Cowboys and five more this season, expects to have to beat double-teams to get to Tony Romo.
"They’re not going to allow a lot of one-on-one situations between Doug and myself," Ellis said. "That’d be great. I like playing that kind of football. It brings the best out of people. But if it turns into a passing game, I anticipate they’re going to do a lot of chipping, sliding the protection and that kind of thing."
But Ellis does believe he'll get a lot of extra attention from the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys gave first-time starter Doug Free a lot of help against Washington Redskins pass-rushers Andre Carter and Brian Orakpo last week. Ellis, who had 77 sacks in 11 seasons with the Cowboys and five more this season, expects to have to beat double-teams to get to Tony Romo.
"They’re not going to allow a lot of one-on-one situations between Doug and myself," Ellis said. "That’d be great. I like playing that kind of football. It brings the best out of people. But if it turns into a passing game, I anticipate they’re going to do a lot of chipping, sliding the protection and that kind of thing."
IRVING -- It was such a wonderful day at Valley Ranch.
Not a cloud in the sky and it seems several players who missed Monday's walkthrough are back for Tuesday's practice such as TE Jason Witten (sprained foot) and CB Mike Jenkins (concussion and elbow).
There were a few guests at Tuesday's practice: Former Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson watched a few plays and hugged Jerry Jones. Russell Maryland, the former defensive tackle, visited practice with his son.
Not a cloud in the sky and it seems several players who missed Monday's walkthrough are back for Tuesday's practice such as TE Jason Witten (sprained foot) and CB Mike Jenkins (concussion and elbow).
There were a few guests at Tuesday's practice: Former Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson watched a few plays and hugged Jerry Jones. Russell Maryland, the former defensive tackle, visited practice with his son.
Roy Williams responds to LaRon Landry
November, 24, 2009
Nov 24
1:13
PM CT
IRVING -- Following Sunday's Cowboys-Redskins game, Redskins safety LaRon Landry said Cowboys wide receiver Roy Williams played scared.
Well, Williams responded to those comments before Cowboys' practice on Wednesday.
"You get frustrated with yourself and your team and the way things are going and you envy others who are on winning ballclubs and are doing things they're supposed to do," Williams said. "So, I'm just going to continue to do my job. God bless the young man, him and his family and his football team. I don't buy into the comments, I don't do anything, just going to continue to play our game."
That seems to be a problem for the Cowboys of late. Coach Wade Phillips was questioned about Williams' playing status on Monday and dismissed any notion he would bench the wide receiver.
But Williams had zero catches on Sunday and for the most part has played inconsistent since the Cowboys traded for him last season.
"I was a little upset with the way [the passes] was coming to me a little bit," Williams said. "I did my best to stretch out, lean and fall and do all kinds of things to catch a ball, but you're going to have those types of games. I've never had a zero reception game where I've played the whole game, but we came out with the win, and that's what I told my teammates."
Williams said his ribs are fine and that he's not worried about going over the middle to catch a pass. There is this perception that Williams won't stretch out over the middle of the field to catch a pass. On Sunday against the Redskins, Williams failed to make three high balls, two of which with defenders near him.
"If that was the case, I'd have alligator arms going across the middle twice," Williams said regarding his bruised ribs. "But I'm not like that. I'm a guy that goes across the middle and catches the ball if I can, you know, and the one that they're giving me a drop on because it hit both my hands, it hit my fingertipes, but Im barely hanging onto the ball, that would have been a tough catch if I would have caught it."
Well, Williams responded to those comments before Cowboys' practice on Wednesday.
"You get frustrated with yourself and your team and the way things are going and you envy others who are on winning ballclubs and are doing things they're supposed to do," Williams said. "So, I'm just going to continue to do my job. God bless the young man, him and his family and his football team. I don't buy into the comments, I don't do anything, just going to continue to play our game."
That seems to be a problem for the Cowboys of late. Coach Wade Phillips was questioned about Williams' playing status on Monday and dismissed any notion he would bench the wide receiver.
But Williams had zero catches on Sunday and for the most part has played inconsistent since the Cowboys traded for him last season.
"I was a little upset with the way [the passes] was coming to me a little bit," Williams said. "I did my best to stretch out, lean and fall and do all kinds of things to catch a ball, but you're going to have those types of games. I've never had a zero reception game where I've played the whole game, but we came out with the win, and that's what I told my teammates."
Williams said his ribs are fine and that he's not worried about going over the middle to catch a pass. There is this perception that Williams won't stretch out over the middle of the field to catch a pass. On Sunday against the Redskins, Williams failed to make three high balls, two of which with defenders near him.
"If that was the case, I'd have alligator arms going across the middle twice," Williams said regarding his bruised ribs. "But I'm not like that. I'm a guy that goes across the middle and catches the ball if I can, you know, and the one that they're giving me a drop on because it hit both my hands, it hit my fingertipes, but Im barely hanging onto the ball, that would have been a tough catch if I would have caught it."
NFL, Cowboys serious about head injuries
November, 24, 2009
Nov 24
12:54
PM CT
IRVING -- The Cowboys are in the process of getting in compliance with a new NFL rule that wants its teams to have independent doctors evaluate head injuries for its players.
Cowboys officials said they've used independent doctors to evaluate player concussions in the past so this wouldn't be a problem for them.
Cornerback Mike Jenkins suffered a head injury toward the end of the Cowboys' victory over the Redskins on Sunday. Jenkins said he's fine and expects to practice today. He said his biggest problem isn't the concussion but his bruised biceps.
The NFL Players Association medical director, Dr. Thom Mayer, told The Associated Press "the quality of people brought forward has been first rate."
On Sunday, the league said all teams have to find outside experts in neurology to aid medical staffs in determining the severity of a head injury.
Cowboys officials said they've used independent doctors to evaluate player concussions in the past so this wouldn't be a problem for them.
Cornerback Mike Jenkins suffered a head injury toward the end of the Cowboys' victory over the Redskins on Sunday. Jenkins said he's fine and expects to practice today. He said his biggest problem isn't the concussion but his bruised biceps.
The NFL Players Association medical director, Dr. Thom Mayer, told The Associated Press "the quality of people brought forward has been first rate."
On Sunday, the league said all teams have to find outside experts in neurology to aid medical staffs in determining the severity of a head injury.
IRVING, Texas -- Dallas Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman had his dukes up and tongue in cheek when he finally offered an explanation for the sideline confrontation with secondary coach Dave Campo.
Campo got in Newman’s face after a series in the first half of Sunday’s win over the Washington Redskins. Newman responded by shoving Campo, and more heated words were exchanged as Cowboys separated the coach and player.
Newman said Tuesday that it was part of promoting a fight that would be on the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather undercard.
“It’s going down,” Newman said. “It’s going to happen in Vegas. It’s going down. We’ve got Don King promoting. You know? Actually, Jerry Jones is taking over. We’re going to have Jerry. I’m kicking Don out. We’ll have Jerry promoting. We might have to move this whole thing to Cowboys Stadium. It’ll be Pacquiao-Mayweather and Campo-Newman. We’re going to make it happen.”
Replied Campo: “Sounds good. Everything’s good.”
Jones, who really is trying to bring the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight to his new $1.2 billion stadium, said after the game that he enjoyed the confrontation between Campo and Newman.
“I loved it,” Jones said. “We were pumping our fists, pounding it. I love Dave. I love the energy and excitement.”
In a more serious moment without the television cameras around, Newman said he had no problem with Campo but didn’t appreciate the way he was approached on the sideline. Newman doesn’t think the brief skirmish will have any impact as the Cowboys continue their season.
“We’re all in a fight if you look at it,” Newman said. “It really doesn’t matter. It’s in the same spirit. We’re fighting to get to the playoffs.”
Campo got in Newman’s face after a series in the first half of Sunday’s win over the Washington Redskins. Newman responded by shoving Campo, and more heated words were exchanged as Cowboys separated the coach and player.
Newman said Tuesday that it was part of promoting a fight that would be on the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather undercard.
“It’s going down,” Newman said. “It’s going to happen in Vegas. It’s going down. We’ve got Don King promoting. You know? Actually, Jerry Jones is taking over. We’re going to have Jerry. I’m kicking Don out. We’ll have Jerry promoting. We might have to move this whole thing to Cowboys Stadium. It’ll be Pacquiao-Mayweather and Campo-Newman. We’re going to make it happen.”
Replied Campo: “Sounds good. Everything’s good.”
Jones, who really is trying to bring the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight to his new $1.2 billion stadium, said after the game that he enjoyed the confrontation between Campo and Newman.
“I loved it,” Jones said. “We were pumping our fists, pounding it. I love Dave. I love the energy and excitement.”
In a more serious moment without the television cameras around, Newman said he had no problem with Campo but didn’t appreciate the way he was approached on the sideline. Newman doesn’t think the brief skirmish will have any impact as the Cowboys continue their season.
“We’re all in a fight if you look at it,” Newman said. “It really doesn’t matter. It’s in the same spirit. We’re fighting to get to the playoffs.”
IRVING -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed quarterback Rudy Carpenter from the Cowboys' practice squad. The Bucs needed another quarterback because Byron Leftwich went on injured reserve.
Also, former Cowboys cornerback Mike Mickens was cut by the Bucs. Mickens was signed to the Cowboys practice squad on Sept. 6 but Tampa Bay picked him up on Nov. 2.
The Cowboys have no plans to replace Carpenter on their practice squad roster this week.
In case you forgot, here's the practice squad: G Travis Bright, TE Scott Chandler, DE Marcus Dixon, WR Jesse Holley, WR Manuel Johnson, CB Jamar Love and RB Chauncey Washington.
Also, former Cowboys cornerback Mike Mickens was cut by the Bucs. Mickens was signed to the Cowboys practice squad on Sept. 6 but Tampa Bay picked him up on Nov. 2.
The Cowboys have no plans to replace Carpenter on their practice squad roster this week.
In case you forgot, here's the practice squad: G Travis Bright, TE Scott Chandler, DE Marcus Dixon, WR Jesse Holley, WR Manuel Johnson, CB Jamar Love and RB Chauncey Washington.