NewsBot
New Member
- Messages
- 111,281
- Reaction score
- 2,947
As anticipated for several days, the league and the NFLPA have reached a new agreement on drug testing, and several suspensions are ending early.
The NFL announced the new drug policy today, clearing the way for Orlando Scandrick's return to the field.
Orlando Scandrick has been cleared to rejoin the Cowboys.
Scandrick served two games of a four-game suspension before the NFL overturned its old drug policy in a joint announcement with the NFL Players Association on Wednesday morning. The NFLPA voted for the new policy on Friday night, but the league didn't rule on it until this week.
To move Scandrick onto the active roster, the Cowboys will place offensive tackle Darrion Weems on season-ending injured reserve.
Scandrick was suspended under the old performance-enhancing drugs policy. Under the new policy, Scandrick's first-time positive test for amphetamines in the offseason counts under the substance abuse policy, and he wouldn't get an automatic four-game suspension.
The return of Scandrick is expected to be a boost for the Dallas Cowboys defense, but the team actually did better than many had anticipated in the two games without him. He now gives the team the kind of problem they like after Sterling Moore played quite well in Scandrick's absence. In some minds, Moore played well enough stay on the field. Bryan Broaddus looked at a couple of options for him at DallasCowboys.com.
Claiborne did play better but when Scandrick does come back this week you will see him as the starter. With that being said I would strongly consider putting Moore on the field outside and letting Scandrick still continue to play inside thus Claiborne would be off. Another change that they might consider is putting Moore on the field for Wilcox at safety and allow him to work in coverage single high or over the tight end with Church deep. They have some options going forward in my mind.
With players like Henry Melton, Rolando McClain, and Terrell McClain all coming back from injury or inactivity, the Cowboys defense already was showing signs of getting stronger as time went on. Getting Scandrick back just speeds things up. He should be available for Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams, and should be more than ready for the next game when the Cowboys host the New Orleans Saints.
Follow me @TomRyleBTB
Continue reading...