OXNARD, Calif. – The Cowboys returned to the training camp grind late Sunday following an almost two day recovery from the Oakland game.
Cowboys coach Jason Garrett held a late press conference Sunday afternoon prior to a 5:15 p.m. team practice. Here are some highlights from the media session, from Raiders game reactions to injury issues ahead of the final week in Oxnard.
- Garrett led the press conference with an all-encompassing update on the health of his squad going into the week. Wide receiver Terrance Williams will practice Sunday after missing a week with a concussion. Cornerback Morris Claiborne will return to practice this week, as well. Garrett said offensive tackles Jermey Parnell and Demetress Bell will ease their way into practice at some point this week.
- Wide receiver Cole Beasley will be "probably be out for a week or so" after injuring his foot in the loss to Oakland.
- Safety Matt Johnson is still listed as day-to-day, and Garrett is unsure when the second-year player will return to the practice field.
- Garrett said he was pleased with the offensive line's pass protection against the Raiders, though the running game was not as successful as in the win against Miami.
- Garrett said he thought defensive tackle Nick Hayden "deserved" to get the start for the Cowboys against Oakland, but he said there's an ongoing competition between Hayden and Sean Lissemore for the defensive tackle spot during Jay Ratliff's absence.
- Penalties – especially those committed in the red zone – were a major talking point during the press conference .QUOTE. Garrett said the Cowboys must commit to eliminating the sloppiness. [embedded_ad]
- Asked about DeMarcus Ware's impeccable performance during training camp, Garrett praised the defensive end's work ethic to get himself healthy after last year's hobbled season. "He brought that same intensity to the game – he played four snaps in the game and showed up on three of them."
- Having watched the tape from the loss to Oakland, Garrett said one of the main things the Cowboys' need to work on is the angles younger defenders take in their pursuit on tackles. Garrett said several Raiders' gains went much longer than they should have because of poor angles.
