IRVING, Texas – Defensive tackle Jay Ratliff said it was a good question when asked why he didn't rehab at the Cowboys' Valley Ranch facilities after sports hernia surgery. He just didn't provide the answer.
Ratliff, who rarely speaks with the media, kept things brief as he spoke Wednesday, a day after being placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list after groin and hamstring injuries this offseason.
"I'm not going to be here and be a distraction to anybody," Ratliff said. "They said just stay as professional as possible about the whole situation, but everybody involved knows what's going on."
He wouldn't provide any more detail, other than saying it's not a hamstring tweak. Coaches and executives have said his groin is more of an issue.
Ratliff was expected back on the field for the opener for much of the preseason, but that tune changed as the tackle was placed on the PUP list as the team made its cuts Tuesday down to 75. That will keep him out for at least six weeks.
"Absolutely I'm disappointed," Ratliff said, "but everyone knows what the issue was way beforehand."
Head coach Jason Garrett said the decision to place Ratliff on PUP was the best one for the roster and for his health, since he doesn't believe Ratliff will be ready to play in the next few weeks. [embedded_ad]
"It's a long season and a lot of football games to be played over the course of a long time," Garrett said. "We thought this was the best move for our team, the best move for him to get him healthy, and hopefully he can come back and help our football team."
Former safety Darren Woodson said Wednesday he'd like to see Jay Ratliff play sooner rather than later, since the strength of the 4-3 defense is right up the middle and pass rushers are crucial. Garrett said he's hopeful Ratliff won't be lost for the year, and in the meantime, injuries will provide opportunities for others to show what they can do.
"We know he's working very hard to come back, and our training staff and all our medical people are working hard with him," Garrett said. "He's got to take it one day at a time and do what he needs to do, but again, football seasons are long."
