IRVING, Texas – As the Cowboys continued their first week of OTA's (organized team activities) on Wednesday, head coach Jason Garrett confirmed that veteran guard Ronald Leary has yet to participate in this year's voluntary offseason program.

"That's a contract situation that he and his agent feel it's best for him to stay away," Garrett said. "We have spoken to him, and at this point none of the offseason program is mandatory. The only mandatory part of the offseason is the minicamp at the end of the offseason program.

"Right now, he's choosing to stay away. We don't think it's good for him, we don't think it's good for our team. But that's how they're handling the situation right now."

Leary, who lost his starting job to La'el Collins last season, is signed through 2016. He currently projects as the primary backup to Collins and Zack Martin.

Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said last month that the Cowboys received trade calls about Leary, but they're apparently not inclined to trade him unless perhaps the right deal came along.

"Obviously, he'd like to start somewhere, and I don't blame him for that," Jones said last month. "I think he's a starting-caliber offensive guard in this league.

"We think the world of Ron. If we got what we thought was fair, and Ron thought he was getting a chance to be a starter – which, I think he is a starting-caliber guard. If it worked out for both of us, we'd like to help him out – and help us out."

McClain's OTA Status

Veteran middle linebacker Rolando McClain also did not participate in Wednesday's voluntary OTA workout due to a family matter, Garrett said.

Garrett said he anticipated McClain returning to the team next week. Anthony Hitchens worked at first-team middle linebacker on Wednesday.

McClain missed all of last year's OTA's following a knee scope that sidelined him for the majority of training camp and preseason. He served a four-game NFL suspension to start the 2015 season, then started 11 of the remaining 12 games at middle linebacker and finished third on defense with 97 tackles (9 for loss). He added 10 quarterback pressures and 2 sacks.

Also absent Wednesday was defensive lineman Jack Crawford, who is taking care of his visa, and rookie tight end Rico Gathers, who is finishing up academic work.

Injury Updates

Players who did not participate Wednesday included cornerback Orlando Scandrick and running back Lance Dunbar, who continue to recover from 2015 knee surgery; linebacker Sean Lee, who had arthroscopic knee surgery in April; and tight end Gavin Escobar, who had surgery for a torn Achilles in December. Safety Barry Church (arm) and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (back) were limited.

Wide receiver Dez Bryant did some individual receiving work but was held out of team drills as he continues to recover from January surgery on his foot and ankle.