IRVING, Texas – The new injured reserve rules will not play a part in the Cowboys decision regarding safety Matt Johnson.

“I don’t think it affects our team in that particular situation,” coach Jason Garrett said. “I think it’s a real specific rule for a real specific kind of player. He probably won’t fall into that category.”

Johnson, one of the Cowboys’ two fourth-round picks, missed most of training camp because of a hamstring strain and then injured his other hamstring in the third preseason game vs. St. Louis after one snap. He did not play vs. Miami on Wednesday.

Here is the rule straight from the NFL:

* Only players with a “major injury” who are placed on Reserve/Injured after 4:00 p.m., New York time, on Tuesday, September 4, or thereafter during the season, will be eligible to be reactivated at a later time.

* A “major injury” is defined as an injury that renders the player unable to practice or play football for at least six weeks (42 calendar days) from the date of injury.

* Each team may reactivate only one player placed on Reserve/Injured after 4:00 p.m., New York time, on Tuesday, September 4. That player must be “designated for return” at the time the club places him on Reserve/Injured, and such designation shall appear on that day’s Personnel Notice.

* Such player is eligible to return to practice if he has been on Reserve/Injured for at least six weeks from the date he is placed on Reserve. He is eligible to return to the Active List if he has been on Reserve/Injured for at least eight weeks from the date he is placed on Reserve.