Concerning the Practice Squad

[Manster68]

After watching the game last Thursday evening, there have been various thoughts over the boards concerning a number of Cowboy players. After only one preseason game, many are jumping to conclusions.

However, there is something we need to keep in mind when it comes to the Practice Squad. Teams will need to put their desired players on waivers for 24 hours before they are able to place them on the Practice Squad.

During that time, the players are FAIR GAME to the other 31 teams. Therefore, it is not that easy to place a player on the Practice Squad. You kind of have to "Run the Gauntlet" so to speak.

I believe a couple of years ago, Parcells signed a lineman named Ben Noll from the Rams (in which they were not happy at all losing).

Parcells also had to keep inexperienced young players on the 53-man roster to protect them from being snatched up. Pat McQuisitan clearly comes to mind here last year. If I remember correctly, the same was done for Jay Ratliff. I am forgetting who Dallas cut to keep them on the roster, but I do remember many fans being a bit surprised....and some angry.

That is the way it is in today's NFL.

At this time, it is looking like there might be a couple of players Dallas might be forced to keep on their 53-man roster to prevent losing them after they place them on waivers. Of course, this is all my opinion. I have been wrong many times before.

The most controversial player is Isaiah Stanback. So many people were furious when Dallas selected him with the 5th overall pick in the 4th round last April. Many people are still angry now about it as he just had his first practice today.

There is one thing I have the highest confidence in...

...THERE IS NO WAY IN HADES HE MAKES IT THROUGH THE GAUNTLET AND ONTO THE PRACTICE SQUAD!

He will be snatched up faster than a mouse in a rattlesnake pit.

There are two other players I do not think will make it through waivers either. They are Nick Folk and Matt Moore.

I have no idea what Dallas is going to do with their kicker situation. Actually, it is quite relieving to have two kickers perform so promising at this point in camp. Cowboys have not had this much promise from a kicker since Rafeal Septien (yes, I know, the molester).

So before we go down the kicker debate, think about this: Would you rather have Cortez? Vanderjaqt? Suisham? Cundiff?

As for Moore, the young man, despite being greener than grass, certainly did raise an eyebrow or two.

Also remember that after a player is on a practice squad, he can still be snatched up if a team suffers a major injury to one of its players.

Placing players on the Practice Squad just isn't as easy as you think.

 

[5mics]

We could just go ahead an place Stanback on IR and develop him as a WR for the rest of the year. He's way behind in the his development recovering from his injury and probably won't contribute much this year as a WR anyway. With a year of development, he should be more than ready by next TC. Placing Stanback on IR would protect him from other teams and allow us to keep a player who will contribute this season....

 

[CaptainQuint]

Brad Johnson isn't worth a roster spot. If Romo can't play, our chances are better with Matt Moore(who may be better than Romo, anyway).
Gramatica's kickoffs are too low. Our coverage team will be stressed.
But, if Stanback can be protected and saved on injured reserve, with shin splints, could Bartel(for example) be put on IR for tennis elbow, or for blisters on his throwing thumb? How strictly are injuries scrutinized?

 

[Achozen]

I'm all for putting Stanback on IR. I want to see what Hurd and Austin can do in regular season action.

 

[Achozen]

Brad Johnson isn't worth a roster spot. If Romo can't play, our chances are better with Matt Moore(who may be better than Romo, anyway).
Gramatica's kickoffs are too low. Our coverage team will be stressed.
But, if Stanback can be protected and saved on injured reserve, with shin splints, could Bartel(for example) be put on IR for tennis elbow, or for blisters on his throwing thumb? How strictly are injuries scrutinized?

:bang2:

 

[CaptainQuint]

:bang2:

Concerned am I about Brad Johnson...too old is the boy, to begin his training...

 

[arglebargle]

Gonna be interesting this year come cut down time. With the new rules, teams will be able to carry a ton of players til the last week before the regular season. Then nearly 20 players per team will be cut. That is going to take some serious wading through for GMs and personnel guys.

Doesn't matter which way they jump, the Cowboys are going to be letting some talent go. The possibility is there for trades for low end picks, especially to teams that are high up in the 'waiver lottery'. Maybe more 7th round picks from the Saints....

 

[Achozen]

Concerned am I about Brad Johnson...too old is the boy, to begin his training...

It wasn't that. I too, like Moore over Brad Johnson. The comment about Moore being better than Romo was what caused my unfavorable reaction.

 

[sago1]

You can't put a player on IR and then continue to develop him. Don't know specifics but once he's on IR, he can only work on Cowboy facilities rehabbing his injury. He can't participate in team meetings, workout drills which have nothing to do with his rehabbing, etc. The rules are quite specific on what the player can do while on IR but also full medical disclosure must also be provided to the NFL re the player's condition.

 

[tomson75]

Brad Johnson isn't worth a roster spot. If Romo can't play, our chances are better with Matt Moore(who may be better than Romo, anyway).
Gramatica's kickoffs are too low. Our coverage team will be stressed.
But, if Stanback can be protected and saved on injured reserve, with shin splints, could Bartel(for example) be put on IR for tennis elbow, or for blisters on his throwing thumb? How strictly are injuries scrutinized?

Ummmm.....what? You need to go directly to the ER and get yourself checked out.

 

[big dog cowboy]

If Romo can't play, our chances are better with Matt Moore(who may be better than Romo, anyway).

Oh my eyes!!!!!!

 

[joseephuss]

Matt Moore may have the potential to be better than Romo, just not right now.

 

[Hostile]

I have no idea what Dallas is going to do with their kicker situation. Actually, it is quite relieving to have two kickers perform so promising at this point in camp. Cowboys have not had this much promise from a kicker since Rafeal Septien (yes, I know, the molester).

The Commanders need a kicker and still have a #1 pick. I'd be glad to send them Grammatica for that 1st rounder. They'd get more out of him than they did for TJ Duckett and he cost them a 3rd and a 4th round pick.

:

 

[Stash]

I'd take the chance with Moore before I would with either Folk or Stanback (like you said, no chance getting him through waivers).

I think the team keeps only one FB (Hoyte) and tries to put Anderson on the practice squad and if they are able to get Moore to the practice squad as well, that would free up two roster spaces for the luxury of keeping Folk and Stanback on the active roster.

In a perfect world anyway....

 

[big dog cowboy]

The Commanders need a kicker and still have a #1 pick. I'd be glad to send them Grammatica for that 1st rounder. They'd get more out of him than they did for TJ Duckett and he cost them a 3rd and a 4th round pick.

:

Please please please!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Angus]

Of course, injuries may provide answers to some of these questions, but if Dallas is unable to trade one or two players before the final cut down, I believe they will go with the rookie kicker and let Gramatica go. I don't think they will chance Folk, Moore, or Stanback with a practice squad try. If any draft picks are waivered, it will probably be the two defensive backfield players. If Urban is eligible, him too. If not, cut. No room.

 

[AbeBeta]

People. You all need to face this. Stanback made the 53-man roster the second he was drafted. He's not going on IR either.