Ratliff injures his knee-questionable for sunday *Merged*

[theogt]

Or Bowen would play first team LDE. I wonder if Bowen could play backup NT as Spears either doesn't do it well or doesn't want to do it.

I think Spears doesn't mind it and would be more than adequate at the position. That he's always the go-to guy when we need a 3rd NT is a sign the staff thinks he could do it, though obviously they'd rather have him starting at LDE.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

I got money on Ratliff playing...

 

[cowboyjoe]

More on Jay Ratliff's knee injury
2:58 PM Fri, Oct 30, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Todd Archer/Reporter Bio | E-mail | News tips


Jay Ratliff bruised his right knee in Thursday's practice but he does not have any ligament damage.

He was receiving treatment today and will continue to do so tomorrow in hopes of playing. He last missed a game because of injury in the 2007 season finale when the coaches rested him at Washington with a knee injury and homefield advantage wrapped up.

Ratliff did not practice and is listed as questionable to play against Seattle.

If Ratliff cannot play, then Junior Siavii would make the first start of his career and Marcus Spears would serve as the backup. Jason Hatcher would take over Ratliff's role in the nickel and dime defenses.

"We think it will get well but how quickly it will get well we don't know for sure," coach Wade Phillips said.

Ratliff leads the Cowboys defensive line with 31 tackles. He also has two sacks, five tackles for loss and 10 quarterback pressures. He has also blocked a field goal attempt.

"He's a Pro Bowl caliber player and he's playing at that level this year again," Phillips said. "He's not out yet but if he weren't to play that certainly sets you back some."

 

[jobberone]

Bowen has tried NT before but it wasn't very good results. I've heard Wade mention before that Olshansky could also play some NT.

Ok. I like that idea better anyway and I do remember Wade saying that.

 

[jobberone]

I think Spears doesn't mind it and would be more than adequate at the position. That he's always the go-to guy when we need a 3rd NT is a sign the staff thinks he could do it, though obviously they'd rather have him starting at LDE.

As Speedkilz stated, Igor can also fill in. I'd like to see Bowen get more snaps. He could fill in at either DE. He's playing better than Hatcher right now. I'd like to see Dixon get some snaps, too.

 

[THUMPER]

I wonder if we will see some 4-3 alignments this weekend. Moving Spears and Olshansky inside to DT with Hatcher and Bowen at DE. That would be a HUGE D-Line as all 4 are listed as 300+. They could also slide Spencer and Ware to DE on passing downs.

Just thinking of possibilities so don't anyone get their shorts in an uproar.

 

[BAT]

I don't have much faith in Jason Hatcher. He is the weak link in the depth chart IMO. Moreso than Siavii.

 

[zeroburrito]

our best defensive player. that hurts.

 

[EPL0c0]

Hadn't Dallas been working Spears in there at DT recently?

 

[dallascowboyfanboy]

uh oh-spaghetti-o's. Rat should sit out Seahawks game. Hope Rat doesnt feel pressured to play.

 

[A.B.N.]

uh oh-spaghetti-o's. Rat should sit out Seahawks game. Hope Rat doesnt feel pressured to play.

I think he should sit out too if he feels he's not ready but hopefully coach/gm jerry jones wont pressure him like he did marion barber last year.

 

[DallasDomination]

Oh come on man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:bang2: :bang2: :bang2: :bang2: :bang2:

 

[newlander]

god darnit: just when things were looking up......that's about the worst news we could've had: that gives seattle a chance IMO.

 

[Nav22]

We can beat Seattle without Ratliff. As long as he only misses this game, I'm not sweating it.

And from the sounds of things, he's not in danger of missing multiple games.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Please let the injury be as non-serious as they're claiming... ray:

I'm with most of you guys: Just sit him this week and don't take a chance. We need him healthy for the Eagles.

 

[Nav22]

http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/news/story?id=4609353

Nose tackle listed as questionable

By Tim MacMahon
ESPNDallas.com
Archive

Pro Bowl nose tackle Jay Ratliff suffered a bruised right knee during Thursday's practice and is listed as questionable for the Dallas Cowboys' game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

"There is slight swelling," coach Wade Phillips said. "We did an MRI. We think it's something that will get better. How quickly is the question."

Ratliff, who did not practice Friday, underwent treatment after practice. He has two sacks and a team-leading five tackles for loss among his 31 tackles this season. He also is fourth on the team with 10 quarterback pressures.

A team source told ESPN's Matt Mosley he would be "shocked" if Ratliff didn't start.

Junior Siavii (6-5, 320), who has been effective playing about 15 snaps per game, will start if Ratliff is unable to play. Coaches have credited Siavii with 15 tackles this season, including seven on 16 plays in last week's win over the Atlanta Falcons.

"He's improved as we played each game," Phillips said of Siavii, who had been out of football the previous three seasons. "I think he's ready to play."

DE Marcus Spears has worked at nose tackle the last two days and would split time with Siavii. Jason Hatcher would replace Ratliff in the nickel and dime packages.

 

[juck]

http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/news/story?id=4609353

Nose tackle listed as questionable

By Tim MacMahon
ESPNDallas.com
Archive

Pro Bowl nose tackle Jay Ratliff suffered a bruised right knee during Thursday's practice and is listed as questionable for the Dallas Cowboys' game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

"There is slight swelling," coach Wade Phillips said. "We did an MRI. We think it's something that will get better. How quickly is the question."

Ratliff, who did not practice Friday, underwent treatment after practice. He has two sacks and a team-leading five tackles for loss among his 31 tackles this season. He also is fourth on the team with 10 quarterback pressures.

A team source told ESPN's Matt Mosley he would be "shocked" if Ratliff didn't start.

Junior Siavii (6-5, 320), who has been effective playing about 15 snaps per game, will start if Ratliff is unable to play. Coaches have credited Siavii with 15 tackles this season, including seven on 16 plays in last week's win over the Atlanta Falcons.

"He's improved as we played each game," Phillips said of Siavii, who had been out of football the previous three seasons. "I think he's ready to play."

DE Marcus Spears has worked at nose tackle the last two days and would split time with Siavii. Jason Hatcher would replace Ratliff in the nickel and dime packages.

NUFF SAID,CLOSE THREAD

 

[TD-33]

Bummer. BUT - Let Siavii show if he can step up and be a guy the Cowboys can count on. This is a great opportunity and that's how guys like Romo, Choice, Miles, Rat etc become stars.

 

[Hostile]

I wouldn't play him this week. I'd use Siavii and Bowen at NT with Spears getting a little PT there if needed.

Ratliff is one we cannot afford to lose.

 

[casmith07]

He'll play. It's Friday. If he wasn't going to play, we'd know.