Jason Witten won't use injury, hits as excuse

September, 17, 2012
9/17/12
9:00
AM CT
SEATTLE – With four catches Sunday at Seattle, Jason Witten became the second player in Cowboys history to record 700 career receptions and the third tight end to do so in league history.

Not that he’ll look back at the game fondly.

Witten had three drops in the 27-7 loss to the Seahawks, but he would not use two big hits or the spleen injury that kept him out of action for three weeks earlier in the summer as excuses.

“I just didn’t catch the ball,” Witten said. “Opportunities were there, just didn’t do it. That had nothing to do with it.”

Witten caught four passes for 58 yards, giving him 702 receptions for his career. Michael Irvin is the franchise leader with 750. The only other tight ends with more than 700 catches are Tony Gonzalez (1,149) and Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe (815).

Witten reached 700 catches in 145 games, the quickest among tight ends. It took Gonzalez 154 games to reach 700.

“He’s battling back obviously from the spleen issue, so he hasn’t been able to practice and be as normal over the past few weeks as he has been through most of his career,” coach Jason Garrett said. “Those things happen. He’s human too. We’ll make sure we correct that going forward. I know he’ll be focusing on that.”
Todd Archer joined ESPNDallas.com in November 2010. He's covered the NFL since 1997 and the Cowboys since 2003. He covered the Bengals and Dolphins before arriving in Dallas. A Massachusetts native, Archer lives in the Dallas area with his wife and two children.

SPONSORED HEADLINES

ESPN Conversations


You must be signed in to post a comment

Already have an account?

103.3 FM ESPN PODCASTS

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Ed Werder

ESPN NFL Insider Ed Werder joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss Jerry Jones' recent comments, Cowboys OTAs, Dez Bryant and more.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Todd Archer

Todd Archer joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the latest Tony Romo news and what he will be watching for in OTAs.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Nate Newton

Nate Newton joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss his comments on how Jason Garrett should handle being on the hot seat and not let Jerry Jones get in the way.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Barry Church

Cowboys safety Barry Church joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the new defensive scheme and the impact it will have on him, how much more intense he expects practice to be with Monte Kiffin and his expectations.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Ed Werder

ESPN Insider Ed Werder joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the latest Cowboys news, including Jason Garrett downplaying Tony Romo's involvement in offensive planning and play calling.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: John Lynch

John Lynch joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss playing for Monte Kiffin and Rod Marinelli, why Cowboys fans should be excited about the new defensive staff, why Valley Ranch will no longer resemble a country club and his thoughts on the Cowboys' roster.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Herm Edwards

Herm Edwards joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the latest Cowboys news and give his take on what new face will make the biggest impact for Dallas.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Nate Newton

Nate Newton joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss what he saw at the Cowboys' rookie minicamp and how he helped Rod Marinelli on the defensive side of the ball.

DALLAS CALENDAR

  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.