What's The Scoop:
Tuesday's morning practice featured no change at the wide receiver position, with the Cowboys' top three wideouts all sidelined by injuries once again.
Head coach Bill Parcells answered one question about Terrell Owens following practice, likely a training-camp low for any news conference here in camp.
"I really don't have much to say," Parcells said. "This subject is getting a little redundant."
That's because Parcells has nothing new to report on the status of Owens' injury. Owens, who has not practiced since Aug. 2 because of a sore left hamstring, says he is feeling much better but will not rush his return to the practice field. The receiver said Monday night he is not sure if he will play next Monday against the Saints in Shreveport, La.
"Again, it's going to be day-to-day, and I'm going to go with the advice of the trainers," Owens said. "Like I said, this is definitely an improvement from last week. Obviously, I'm getting better with the treatment that I'm getting. It's all encouraging signs."
As for the other two receivers, Parcells said he doesn't expect Terry Glenn to "miss much more" practice time. Glenn, who has sat out the last two practices with blisters on his feet, did most of the listening in a conversation with Parcells before Monday's practice.
On Tuesday, Parcells playfully downplayed the discussion.
Asked what he spoke to Glenn about, Parcells said, "Well, how nice the weather is here in California and how he's doing. And what kind of car he's driving."
If missing Glenn and Owens from practice isn't enough, Patrick Crayton likely will be out longer than both. Crayton is wearing a protective cast on his right leg to help decrease the swelling of his sprained right ankle. While the team has not announced a timetable for his return, Crayton is expected to miss at least a week.
The third-year receiver said Monday he believes there's a chance he could play in the final preseason game against Minnesota on Aug. 31.
With the Cowboys' top three receivers out, Sam Hurd, Jamaica Rector and Terrance Copper are getting work with the first-team offense.
Quick Shots:
- While Parcells continues to state that Al Johnson will perform better at center once the Cowboys start playing the 4-3 defenses, Andre Gurode has remained with the first team at center for now. "I wouldn't say it's anybody's job right now. But Andre is playing better than Al," Parcells said.
- Parcells said he plans to play Marc Colombo and Jason Fabini at right tackle next Monday night against New Orleans. Parcells has moved to Rob Petitti to the left side, though he could become the "swing" tackle capable of playing both sides.
- Defensive end Marcus Spears worked with the third-team defense in team drills Tuesday, his second day back to practice after undergoing a knee scope two weeks ago. Parcells said Spears is "doing well" but still has plenty of work to do.
- Linebackers Bobby Carpenter (foot) and Ryan Fowler (groin) missed Tuesday's morning practice but could return for the afternoon session, Parcells said.
- A couple of offensive players came up with one-handed grabs during Tuesday's morning session. Tight end Jason Witten beat safety Keith Davis deep on a post and stretched his right arm out to tip the pass to himself for the catch. A few plays later in 7-on-7, fullback Lousaka Polite reached up with his right arm to snatch a Tony Romo pass near the sideline for a big gain.
- Parcells said he likes third-round pick Jason Hatcher's ability to rush the passer, adding that he's ready to "play the pass" right now. But against the run, Parcells said the third-round pick from Grambling is not as polished.
- Former Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith will be among 20 contestants in ABC's Dancing With the Stars, which airs next month.
You Should've Seen:
Some big-time hitting broke out Tuesday morning in what was supposed to be a light-contact practice. In a goal-line drill near the end of practice, Drew Bledsoe lofted a pass right into the hands of rookie tight end Anthony Fasano, who appeared to come down with a touchdown grab. But just as his feet hit the ground, safety Roy Williams blasted the rookie, jarring the ball loose. While Fasano was slow to get up, a few of his offensive teammates were quick to run to the end zone with a few words for Williams. Bledsoe and Marco Rivera had something to say, as did defensive tackle Jason Ferguson, who was quick to defend Williams' hit.
Who's Hot:
Abram Elam is starting to put himself in serious contention to make the 53-man roster. The first-year safety from Kent State not only led the team in tackles Saturday night with seven stops, but he's also running with the first-team kickoff return group alongside Skyler Green. Elam had another solid practice Tuesday morning, picking off a pass in team drills, stripping the ball from running back Julius Jones on another play and then deflecting a pass near the goal line in a 7-on-7 drill.
Who's Not:
Cowboys left tackle Flozell Adams has made huge strides in recovering from last year's season-ending knee injury. The Cowboys moved Adams to the third-team offense just for the morning practice. Parcells said Adams' knee was a little sore, so he wanted to give his left tackle less reps. Adams, who started last Saturday's game with the Seahawks, could be back with the first unit again for the afternoon practice.
Injury Update:
S Justin Beriault, knee, expected to retire (8/14)
WR Patrick Crayton, sprained ankle (8/14)
LB Bobby Carpenter, bruised foot (8/14)
LB Ryan Fowler, groin (8/10)
WR Terrell Owens, sore hamstring (8/3)
Missed Practice:
WR Patrick Crayton (ankle)
WR Terrell Owens (hamstring)
WR Terry Glenn (foot)
LB Bobby Carpenter (foot)
LB Ryan Fowler (groin)
Returned to Practice:
LB Rocky Boiman (8/14)
DE Marcus Spears (8/14)
Transactions:
S Justin Beriault, to be designated (8/14)
DE Jason Davis, released (8/14)
TE Erik Jensen, signed (8/9)
WR LaShaun Ward, signed (8/9)
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:
"Jason Ferguson - my approach with him is like my approach with an old car. I try to keep it on the road, running. I don't want it to park - ever. That would be like a '48 Packard. If you park cars like that, the fenders come off, the wheels come off. They're stripped down to nothing. - Parcells when asked about his starting nose tackle Jason Ferguson.
