What's The Scoop:
Cowboys head coach said he plans to give Terrell Owens "the benefit of the doubt" regarding the receiver's hamstring injury that has kept him out since last Wednesday.
Not only has Owens missed the last seven practices, but he all but declared himself out for Saturday's preseason opener in Seattle.
If that's not enough, Owens is planning to bring in his own personal trainers to help him rehab what he insists is the first hamstring injury of his career.
Parcells said he doesn't have a problem with Owens inviting his own trainers, even stating some of his former players have done that before.
"If that's what he wants to do . . ." Parcells said.
While Parcells admitted he would like to see Owens return to practice and work on his timing with quarterback Drew Bledsoe and the rest of his offensive teammates, the coach said Owens' injury has yet to become a major problem and probably won't until the regular season begins.
"I guess, the week we play Jacksonville," Parcells said when asked when he will start to worry about Owens. "I want to see him out here. We want to get him acclimated into the offense. That's important to us. But we can't do that right now."
Parcells then made it clear he wasn't going to be baited by the media into turning Owens' situation into a bigger story.
"I'm getting the sense that most of the media is just waiting for something to be controversial in that regard," Parcells said. "I'm here to tell you, it's not going to happen from me. So you need to get that in your head."
Quick Shots:
- Parcells said he expects wide receiver Terry Glenn and guard Stephen Peterman to return to practice Tuesday afternoon. Glenn missed both practices Monday with blisters on his feet. Peterman sprained his ankle last week and hasn't practiced since Aug. 3.
- Backup quarterback Tony Romo is expected to play a lot during the preseason, but could even start Saturday's opener in Seattle. Parcells there "is a chance" starter Drew Bledsoe won't play against the Seahawks. Parcells said it's a 50-50 chance but the coaching staff hasn't discussed the game plan against Seattle.
- Veteran linebacker Rocky Boiman got the worst end of the deal after blocking a punt in Monday's practice. Boiman suffered a broken right thumb that will likely keep him out for about 10 days. Parcells said he expects Boiman to wear a protective cast on his right hand for probably all of the preseason.
- Rookie safety Pat Watkins is one of several players Parcells said will get extensive looks during the preseason. The coach said he would name other players from the list as the preseason moves along.
- Look for the first-team offensive line to get some extended playing time in Saturday's preseason game. Not only will Julius Jones and Marion Barber play against Seattle, but Parcells said he also wants to see second-year back Tyson Thompson running behind the first-team line.
You Should've Seen:
Once again, rookie receiver Sam Hurd keeps making plays. Near the end of Monday's late afternoon practice, the rookie from Northern Illinois made a diving catch in a simulated fourth-down drill. Before the play, Parcells called out "fourth-and-eight, game on the line." Drew Bledsoe responded by firing a bullet to Hurd, who stretched out to haul in the pass for a 10-yard gain. Several offensive teammates, including Bledsoe hurried over to congratulate Hurd. The quarterback could be heard saying, "Good job, 1-7. Good job."
Who's Hot:
Outside linebacker Greg Ellis - yep, that's right, outside linebacker - is starting get more and more comfortable at his new position. Not only did he stand out in the controlled scrimmage on Saturday with two sacks and a pass deflection, he carried that into Monday's two practices as well. Ellis spent several plays in the offensive backfield during team drills, regularly beating right tackle Marc Colombo.
Who's Not:
First-year receiver Jamaica Rector had a good start to training camp, but he has certainly cooled off. Rector is not catching the ball as consistently here in the second week of camp. After one dropped pass on Monday, Parcells barked, "Start making some plays, Jamaica. Start making some plays now."
Injury Update:
LB Rocky Boiman, fractured right thumb (8/7)
WR Terry Glenn, foot blisters (8/7)
WR Terrell Owens, sore hamstring (8/3)
G Stephen Peterman, sprained ankle (8/3)
S Justin Beriault, mild concussion (7/31)
DE Marcus Spears, knee (meniscus) - had knee scoped (7/30)
Missed Practice:
WR Terry Glenn (foot)
WR Terrell Owens (hamstring)
G Stephen Peterman (ankle)
S Justin Beriault (concussion)
DE Marcus Spears (knee surgery)
Returned to Practice:
(None)
Transactions:
QB Matt Baker, signed (8/6)
LB Kai Parham, released (8/6)
QB Jeff Mroz, released (8/6)
DE Vontrell Jamison, released (8/2)
DE Jason Davis, signed (8/1)
LB J.J. Horne, released (7/31)
WR Ahmad Merritt, released (7/31)
CB Byron Parker, released (7/31)
TE Brett Pierce, placed on injured reserve (7/31)
T Flozell Adams moved from PUP to active roster (7/30)
LB Bobby Carpenter, signed (7/29)
T E.J. Whitley, placed on injured reserve (7/29)
T Flozell Adams, placed on active PUP (7/28)
S Darrell Brooks, released (7/28)
G Shannon Snell, released (7/28)
Top BILL-ing:
"It really wasn't that good. He got a sack. O.K., that's good. The interception just came to him. That was an accident, really. Now you do want to get players who can have those kinds of accidents." - Parcells when asked about DeMarcus Ware's preseason game last year in Seattle when he recorded a sack, an interception and forced two fumbles.
