Marc Colombo's return more likely for playoffs with some cowboy notes

[cowboyjoe]

Marc Colombo's return more likely for playoffs
5:06 PM Mon, Dec 28, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
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While Wade Phillips last week expressed hope in right tackle Marc Colombo's return from ankle surgery for Sunday's season finale against Philadelphia, the likely return is for the wild-card round of the playoffs.

Colombo had surgery six weeks ago to repair torn ligaments in his ankle and the fractured fibula has healed. Last week he was able to begin some on-field rehab work with position specific drills. He said last week the issue of when he will return will not be pain tolerance but strength.

As much as Colombo has worked, the Cowboys don't need to rush him back just yet. Maybe if Sunday's game was a win-or-else game it would be different, but the coaches like what they have seen from Doug Free in Colombo's absence.

Make no mistake - the job is Colombo's when he returns. And maybe that will help on some of the short-yardage issues.

Elsewhere on the injury front, safety Pat Watkins sounded like he needed another week to return from a sprained PCL in his knee. He has missed the last two games. He was scheduled to do some jogging for the first time Monday.

Wide receiver Miles Austin said his left thumb was feeling better. X-rays after the game were negative.

 

[gimmesix]

Make no mistake - the job is Colombo's when he returns. And maybe that will help on some of the short-yardage issues.

That's a good point. While I like what I've seen from Free (who doesn't?), he is not a power player like Colombo. We like to run to the right side, and Colombo and Davis are a big reason for that.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

Colombo should be a welcomed back addition.

 

[RealCowboyfan]

^what He Said

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

^what He Said

Free has proven himself but in short yardage he's not getting it done consistently.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

That's a good point. While I like what I've seen from Free (who doesn't?), he is not a power player like Colombo. We like to run to the right side, and Colombo and Davis are a big reason for that.

Free's played well.

I don't attribute all the short-yardage issues to the failure of Doug Free or the injury to Colombo. It's a drastic oversimplification.

 

[Don Corleone]

Free has proven himself but in short yardage he's not getting it done consistently.

If you're referring to the short yardage issues with Barber, I attribute those problems to Barber himself. He hesitates and sidesteps too much in the backfield instead of being decisive and hitting the hole.

The problems are in Barber's skull, not with Free.

Even if a hole isn't there, he should be able to power his way for a yard or less.

 

[CowboyMcCoy]

Free's played well.

I don't attribute all the short-yardage issues to the failure of Doug Free or the injury to Colombo. It's a drastic oversimplification.

No doubt. And I think the Columbo return is a moronic move by the staff. Free is playing fine.