IRVING, Texas -- As the Cowboys prepare to leave for training camp in August, they got some news that's bound to affect them in October.
The NFL announced Tuesday afternoon that it has upheld the four-game suspension for New England quarterback Tom Brady for his role in the oft-discussed "DeflateGate" scandal this past January.
That might not seem pertinent to the Dallas Cowboys on the surface, but it could have a big impact on their 2015 season. The Cowboys and Patriots play each other in Week 5 this year, and since New England has a Week 4 bye week, that tilt at AT&T Stadium will be just the fourth game of the Patriots' season. As it stands now, the ruling would sideline the All-Pro against the Cowboys.
Coincidentally enough, that game should also see the Cowboys add to their roster. Week 5 against the Patriots will be the first week of eligibility for both Greg Hardy and Rolando McClain, who are set to serve four-game suspensions for violations of the league's personal conduct policy and substance abuse policy, respectively.
Of course, it's entirely possible the story isn't over. Brady -- and Hardy, for that matter -- still have the option to take their suspensions to court in order to seek an earlier return to the field. Those are issues that will likely play out in the coming month.
For the time being, though, the Cowboys are set to face Jimmy Garoppolo, not Tom Brady, when the reigning NFL a champions arrive at AT&T Stadium this fall.
