Cbz40
The Grand Poobah
- Messages
- 31,387
- Reaction score
- 39
Injuries taking a toll
10:24 AM Sun, Aug 24, 2008 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Todd Archer
The good news on the injury front is cornerback Terence Newman could return to practice this week after missing three weeks with a groin injury.
The bad news: Kyle Kosier, Miles Austin, Anthony Spencer, Isaiah Stanback and maybe Kevin Burnett will/could miss the season opener or more, although I suspect Burnett will be back to play at Cleveland.
Cowboys owner and GM Jerry Jones praised his team's depth early in camp. We'll see how good it is.
Kosier's injury is big. Real big. I'm hoping Calvin was joking and/or trying to get people riled up when he said Stanback's injury hurt the Cowboys more. Kosier is solid. He makes few mistakes. He knows what he isn't, which is almost as important as knowing what you are.
I didn't put Pat McQuistan's name in today's story as a possible replacement for Kosier at left guard. Maybe I should have, but none of the backup linemen have been particularly strong. Joe Berger, who should get the first crack at Kosier's spot, has been OK and earned praise early in camp, but I can't shake a play in which he and center Cory Procter collided in Denver out of my mind. Berger was with Hudson Houck in Miami for a brief spell, so the familiarity should help.
As for Stanback, he has to make a decision on whether he wants to deal with a shoulder popping out all year - even if he wears a harness - or having surgery that could end his season. His absence could give Felix Jones time as a kick returner even if the coaches don't want that to happen.
With Stanback and Austin out, then Mike Jefferson, Danny Amendola, Mark Bradford or Todd Lowber have a shot Thursday to make the team. Jefferson hurt himself some vs. Houston with a drop and not being able to find a deep ball from Brad Johnson. Amendola's chances increase because he worked as a kick returner, punt returner and caught a 35-yarder from Johnson. For those wondering, I don't see the Cowboys getting a receiver - star or otherwise - before the season even with the injuries.
Finally, on to special teams. Losing Burnett, Spencer, Stanback and Austin hurts. Burnett is a core special teamer. Spencer has to be a core guy but is still learning. Stanback showed spark as a returner. Austin can return and cover.
10:24 AM Sun, Aug 24, 2008 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Todd Archer
The good news on the injury front is cornerback Terence Newman could return to practice this week after missing three weeks with a groin injury.
The bad news: Kyle Kosier, Miles Austin, Anthony Spencer, Isaiah Stanback and maybe Kevin Burnett will/could miss the season opener or more, although I suspect Burnett will be back to play at Cleveland.
Cowboys owner and GM Jerry Jones praised his team's depth early in camp. We'll see how good it is.
Kosier's injury is big. Real big. I'm hoping Calvin was joking and/or trying to get people riled up when he said Stanback's injury hurt the Cowboys more. Kosier is solid. He makes few mistakes. He knows what he isn't, which is almost as important as knowing what you are.
I didn't put Pat McQuistan's name in today's story as a possible replacement for Kosier at left guard. Maybe I should have, but none of the backup linemen have been particularly strong. Joe Berger, who should get the first crack at Kosier's spot, has been OK and earned praise early in camp, but I can't shake a play in which he and center Cory Procter collided in Denver out of my mind. Berger was with Hudson Houck in Miami for a brief spell, so the familiarity should help.
As for Stanback, he has to make a decision on whether he wants to deal with a shoulder popping out all year - even if he wears a harness - or having surgery that could end his season. His absence could give Felix Jones time as a kick returner even if the coaches don't want that to happen.
With Stanback and Austin out, then Mike Jefferson, Danny Amendola, Mark Bradford or Todd Lowber have a shot Thursday to make the team. Jefferson hurt himself some vs. Houston with a drop and not being able to find a deep ball from Brad Johnson. Amendola's chances increase because he worked as a kick returner, punt returner and caught a 35-yarder from Johnson. For those wondering, I don't see the Cowboys getting a receiver - star or otherwise - before the season even with the injuries.
Finally, on to special teams. Losing Burnett, Spencer, Stanback and Austin hurts. Burnett is a core special teamer. Spencer has to be a core guy but is still learning. Stanback showed spark as a returner. Austin can return and cover.
