DMN: Tank Johnson cleared to practice with Cowboys

[YosemiteSam]

LINK

NFL won't reduce suspension; DT eligible to play Nov. 11

03:31 PM CDT on Thursday, October 18, 2007


By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News
tarcher@***BANNED-URL***


IRVING - Tank Johnson is not exactly back, but he'll be allowed to practice with the Dallas Cowboys starting Friday.

The NFL did not reduce Johnson's eight-game suspension. However, the league cleared the defensive tackle to begin practicing. Johnson is eligible to return to game action Nov. 11 when the Cowboys play at the New York Giants.

Johnson officially applied for reinstatement last week.

The Cowboys signed Johnson to a two-year deal Sept. 18 after losing starting nose tackle Jason Ferguson for the season with a torn biceps. Johnson will earn a prorated portion of a $510,000 base salary this season and $605,000 next year. He can earn an extra $1 million in incentives in the second year.

Johnson has been able to work out at Valley Ranch for the last three weeks, but he has not had contact with coaches, per rules of his suspension.

The addition of Johnson will boost the Cowboys' defensive line. Starting nose tackle Jay Ratliff has played well, but there is concern the 298-pounder may wear down from playing so much. The inexperienced Remi Ayodele has served as Ratliff's backup.

In 46 games with Chicago, Johnson had 63 tackles and nine sacks, but he is not completely familiar with the Cowboys' 3-4 scheme. However, coach Wade Phillips has said he does not believe it will be hard for Johnson to pick up the scheme.

Johnson's ability has not been a question, but his off-field behavior has. But the Cowboys have been impressed with his work in the player development program under Bryan Wansley and Calvin Hill.

 

[YosemiteSam]

Sounds like more Cowboy hate to me. They had to do something, but didn't want to go all the way. Jerkholes.

 

[TRUTH87]

Good, looks like we'll have Tank @ NYFG. [11-11-07]

 

[trickblue]

At least he will get time to learn the new defense before he hits the field...

 

[YosemiteSam]

Good, looks like we'll have Tank @ NYFG. [11-11-07]

We were going to have him anyhow. At least he will several weeks of practice before playing.

 

[BigDFan5]

At least they cleared him to practice with the team, they didnt have to do that.

 

[WoodysGirl]

At least he will get time to learn the new defense before he hits the field...

Not just the new defense, but to get a feel for his teammates on the field, too.

I actually think this is a great compromise. He gets to practice w/the team; the team gets a two-week roster exemption for him; and they don't have to pay him.

 

[BehindEnemyLinez]

The practice time will serve him well as it gives him a chance to familiarize himself with the 3-4 alignment. He'll be back in time to prevent Brendan Jacobs' big *** from gashing us up the middle!

 

[Hostile]

At least he will get time to learn the new defense before he hits the field...

I agree. Now I hope he lives up to his expectations. No way he can live up to mine.

 

[joseephuss]

I don't see this as Cowboys hate. It is no surprise that his suspension was not reduced. After his incident that caused him to get in Chicago I knew he would get the full 8 games. He is fortunate that things worked out well enough for him in that incident that games weren't added to his suspension. Getting to practice with the team is a bonus in my opinion.

 

[WV Cowboy]

I agree. Now I hope he lives up to his expectations. No way he can live up to mine.

What are yours?

 

[Hostile]

What are yours?

Randy White and Bob Lilly. I'm spoiled.







I'm also joking. In case no one realizes it.

 

[joseephuss]

I agree. Now I hope he lives up to his expectations. No way he can live up to mine.

Whose expectations? Mine are not that high for him. New system, no training camp and even with practice will still have missed half of a season. I can't have too high of an expectation of any player facing that situation.

 

[dougonthebench]

At least they cleared him to practice with the team, they didnt have to do that.

very true!!!

 

[Hostile]

Whose expectations? Mine are not that high for him. New system, no training camp and even with practice will still have missed half of a season. I can't have too high of an expectation of any player facing that situation.

His. He set high goals. I hope he achieves them. be good for him and great for the team.

 

[dallasfaniac]

Hopefully they let Tank know he is cleared for football practice, not target practice.

 

[sacase]

I am happy. I still think Godell is a tool and need to be fired.

 

[Wimbo]

This is great news, IMO. He will get enough time to learn some of the Defense & improve his conditioning, while not being expected to play every week. That gives him several more "workout days" per week as opposed to someone who will be suiting up for games.

 

[badleelee]

What are yours?

He hopes that he takes TO's job,and scores 50 touchdowns.:laugh2: Just jokin for those to serious

 

[Hoofbite]

may as well have let him be cleared to play. Wade said he wouldn't have been ready to play this week anyway.

So he will miss 1 game against Philly this way as opposed to being let onto the field right away but will come back against the Giants with 3 weeks preparation.

I like the ruling. I think its a fair compromise.

Imagine rolling into New York with a complete secondary, Tank Johnson and possibly Terry Glenn suiting up.

Oh, and Greg Ellis. New York is going to see a completely different team.