FWST Blog: TCU's Hodge falling behind

[WoodysGirl]

Rookie linebacker Stephen Hodge did not practice Monday as he continues to sit out some sessions as part of his recovery from knee surgery prior to training camp.

Coach Wade Phillips said Hodge could play Saturday against San Francisco. At this point, Hodge needs all the snaps he can get. He is not a lock to make the 53-man roster and he needs to show what he's got on the field.

"Any player that’s out, it hurts you some obviously not being able to practice," Phillips said. "That hurts you some not being able to do your assignment, especially technique-wise. Now, he’s done a good job of in the classroom knowing what to do, and that’s the first part. You need to know what to do. But the technique part comes with the practices, and so certainly he’s behind some there. But I still think he’ll be able to play some this week and play a lot in the last game (at Minnesota on Sept. 4)."

When Hodge will be able to participate in all practices remains uncertain.

"That’s up in the air. They say they don’t know for sure, so it’s hard for me to know for sure," Phillips said. "They say it may just come along and heal, he’ll get better and better and be fine. Or it may be a chronic deal throughout the year we have to keep watching him. I don’t have an answer for that."

If the latter holds true, that would be a tough break for Hodge.

Jeff Caplan



Posted at 05:18 PM in Dallas Cowboys | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

 

[theogt]

Seems like a perfect fit for the PS. Nobody would pick him up on waivers. He's a project that wouldn't make any impact on the roster this year.

 

[TheSport78]

Dang I liked Hodge when we drafted him. There's really no one behind him except Matt Stewart. I guess Stewart's chances of making the team just got greater.

 

[Chief]

I think he'll be fine. Sounds like he'll play the next two games.

 

[LeonDixson]

I think he'll be fine. Sounds like he'll play the next two games.

Let's hope his classroom success translates to the field. I'm rooting for him.

 

[NorthTexan95]

Seemed like Hodge was all over the special teams last week. Hope he gets well soon.

 

[Big Dakota]

PS city for this boy.

 

[DBOY3141]

I think he will become the 3rd member of the 2009 draft class to hit IR.

 

[big dog cowboy]

I think he'll be fine. Sounds like he'll play the next two games.

I hope you are right Chief. I'm really pulling for him big time.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

I don't want him to hit the PS... I want him to make the team if only for special teams.

But if it's questionable, IRing him would be better than losing him to another team.

 

[gimmesix]

Hodge would be gobbled up like Eric Walden if we tried to put him on the practice squad.

I think Manuel Johnson is the only drafted player who is a lock to clear waivers, although we might could get Mike Mickens through based on his play.

 

[starfrombirth]

Hodge would be gobbled up like Eric Walden if we tried to put him on the practice squad.

I think Manuel Johnson is the only drafted player who is a lock to clear waivers, although we might could get Mike Mickens through based on his play.

Kinda like the safety we let go last year that ended up starting all year for the Jets (I think)?

 

[WoodysGirl]

Kinda like the safety we let go last year that ended up starting all year for the Jets (I think)?

Abram Elam....who's since been traded to Cleveland, I think.

 

[Big Dakota]

Hodge would be gobbled up like Eric Walden if we tried to put him on the practice squad.

I think Manuel Johnson is the only drafted player who is a lock to clear waivers, although we might could get Mike Mickens through based on his play.

meh, he's a 52-53, so be it.

 

[gimmesix]

Kinda like the safety we let go last year that ended up starting all year for the Jets (I think)?

Well, I was thinking more of rookies who haven't shown much in the preseason but would get claimed based on potential (like Walden).

We could have some veterans we cut end up on other teams, but I can't really think of any that will end up starting like Elam did ... maybe Crosslin (even though he's still a young player).

 

[gimmesix]

meh, he's a 52-53, so be it.

Who? Walden? Hodge? Johnson? Mickens?

 

[Big Dakota]

Who? Walden? Hodge? Johnson? Mickens?

well the thread is about Hodge.

 

[gimmesix]

well the thread is about Hodge.

But my post mentioned three other players, and you responded to that one.

I disagree on Hodge. When he has practiced, he has been impressive against the pass and in blitzing. He could be the future at nickel linebacker after Carpenter is gone.

 

[Big Dakota]

But my post mentioned three other players, and you responded to that one.

I disagree on Hodge. When he has practiced, he has been impressive against the pass and in blitzing. He could be the future at nickel linebacker after Carpenter is gone.

He better hurry or he'll be LUCKY to be on the PS.

 

[gimmesix]

He better hurry or he'll be LUCKY to be on the PS.

All he has to do right now is stand out on special teams. Dallas will worry about the rest "coming together" later.