DC: Terrell McClain’s Return From Injury Will Also Boost Defensive Line Rotation

[jobberone]

Terrell McClain’s Return From Injury Will Also Boost Defensive Line Rotation
Thursday, April 07, 2016 4:03 PM CDT

By Rob Phillips
@robphillips3

DALLAS – The Cowboys have taken steps to strengthen their defensive line this offseason by signing Cedric Thornton and Benson Mayowa in free agency, as well as re-signing Jack Crawford.

They’re also getting another addition: Terrell McClain’s return from injury.

The five-year veteran spent the final 14 games on injured reserve last season after suffering an injury to his toe in Week 2 that required surgery.

Linebacker Sean Lee had the same injury in 2012 and missed the final 10 games after surgery. He returned healthy for the start of 2013.

“It’s the same exact injury. It’s the same deal,” McClain said last week at the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas with WWE stars and fellow Cowboys teammates as part of Wrestlemania Week. “He told me about his surgery, what I was going to go through. Talking to him actually helped me through it.”

McClain is looking forward to getting back on the field with his teammates. The injury was certainly frustrating, and during the time off he focused on getting healthy with the athletic training staff.

In 15 games with the Cowboys since 2014, McClain has 19 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble. Thornton, who signed a four-year deal in March, could step in as a starting tackle next to Tyrone Crawford. McClain has the versatility to help out at both spots. He’s willing to pitch in wherever needed.

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[jobberone]

I see him as competition right now. He's not a lock.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

I don't hate him. He's just always on the IR.

 

[gmoney112]

I see him as competition right now. He's not a lock.

He's pretty good when he's healthy, but with his injury history and the depth of this draft, I'd definitely be looking to replace him.

 

[jobberone]

I don't hate him. He's just always on the IR.

Agreed. He has a chance to contribute but has to stay on the field. Not sure he makes it thru the final cut.

 

[Rogerthat12]

I don't hate him. He's just always on the IR.

Very true good use of front brain Fuzzy!

 

[Leadbelly]

He was never that good in Houston. Broaddus has really oversold this guy with the fan base. His 10 tackles is not worth waiting 2 years for.

Hoping we draft a 1tech that puts this guy deep in the rotation or on the curb.

 

[darthseinfeld]

He was never that good in Houston. Broaddus has really oversold this guy with the fan base. His 10 tackles is not worth waiting 2 years for.

Hoping we draft a 1tech that puts this guy deep in the rotation or on the curb.

we already signed one. I dont think we will have more then 2 on the roster. 1 Techs are the fullbacks of this defense

 

[MichaelWinicki]

He was never that good in Houston. Broaddus has really oversold this guy with the fan base. His 10 tackles is not worth waiting 2 years for.

Hoping we draft a 1tech that puts this guy deep in the rotation or on the curb.

Agreed.

If they do not take a QB in round 1, then take a DE and a DT in rounds 1 & 2.

Fix the defensive line.

 

[Leadbelly]

we already signed one. I dont think we will have more then 2 on the roster. 1 Techs are the fullbacks of this defense

Considering McClain is 50/50 on being IR'd by October I suspect we need more than we've got.

Also, Thornton is capable of playing 3 in certain packages.

 

[darthseinfeld]

Considering McClain is 50/50 on being IR'd by October I suspect we need more than we've got.

Also, Thornton is capable of playing 3 in certain packages.

Maybe in a jumbo package. They aren't gonna put a non pash rusher at 3 Tech. If we get a 1 Tech, it probably wont be until very late in the draft or a UDFA, considering the starting 1 Tech plays about 25% of the snaps. That player would probably have a very good shot at making McClain expendable

Now another 3 Tech. Thats a different story A 3 Tech would be in play in the first round if one was available. However outside of maybe Buckner they're really isnt a player you can project at 3 Tech. A good chance we spend our 2nd or 3rd rounder on one IMO

 

[TheCount]

This guy is still on the roster??

 

[jobberone]

I'd take a fantastic 3 if we trade down in R1 but I'd rather take an edge rusher and DE in R1 and R2 if we go DL there.

 

[PJTHEDOORS]

He's pretty good when he's healthy, but with his injury history and the depth of this draft, I'd definitely be looking to replace him.

Looking at all that to replace Hayden I hope.

 

[Jake0]

He was never that good in Houston. Broaddus has really oversold this guy with the fan base. His 10 tackles is not worth waiting 2 years for.

Hoping we draft a 1tech that puts this guy deep in the rotation or on the curb.

I think under the Dallas microscope he was just compared to Hayden and when he was in it was like we had an extra player out there so he seemed amazing for the 2 plays he was in.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Fix the defensive line.

What a concept.

 

[conner01]

Looking at all that to replace Hayden I hope.

If he can stay healthy you might get your wish. He is not a bad guy to have if he could just stay healthy

 

[Frosty]

I don't hate him. He's just always on the IR.

Forgot he was even on the roster....they might as well give him his injury settlement move him on out the door....He has been a complete bust since joining the Cowboys.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Very true good use of front brain Fuzzy!

Well the back brain had visions of him beating out Velcro and that didn't quite work out. I have a much better feeling about Thornton. If he is any good he'll likely unseat DLaw and become my favorite player on defense.

 

[Jack Burton]

I know injuries can happen to anyone, but at some point enough is enough. The Cowboys should be looking to replace the undependable guys like McClain.