What's The Scoop: With Pro Bowler Marion Barber and first-round selection Felix Jones taking the majority of the reps at a crowded running back position, it's easy to lose sight of what Tashard Choice has done so far at this year's training camp in Oxnard, Calif. The fourth-rounder has quietly had one of the better camps, showing the versatility to be a bruiser, a slasher and a receiver all in one.
But Choice doesn't mind the lack of publicity; he's just patiently waiting for his opportunity.
"I just play," Choice said after Monday morning's practice. "I can't worry about anybody else and what position they're in. Marion's a great running back and Felix was great in college and he's going be a great running back too. But whenever I get my chance I just show them what I can do and show them what kind of running back I am."
If Sunday's lone practice was any indication of what kind of running back Choice is, then the Cowboys may have found themselves a draft-day steal. The rookie had one of his best practices to date, breaking lose for several long runs and scoring a couple touchdowns. He even caught a few balls, showing what he can do in space.
But a practice like that is just another brick in the wall for Choice, though, who knows it will take many more to become the complete running back he wants to be.
"In practice you always have some ups," Choice said. "But there's always some things you can improve on. So that might be a thing to make sure of is that I have a good practice in whole in everything I do."
Quick Shots:
Wide receiver Terrell Owens and left tackle Flozell Adams got Monday morning's practice off, strictly for precautionary reasons again. The missed practice was Owens' second straight and Adams second in the past three days.
Cornerback Alan Ball returned from his lateral ankle sprain and immediately stepped back into his role in the slot in the nickel package. Ball rotated with cornerback Evan Oglseby, who had been working in the slot in Ball's absence.
Cornerback Terence Newman maintained a fast-paced jog from end zone to end zone during Monday morning's practice. It was the first visible time since he started his rehabilitation process from the strained groin he was able to run straight ahead at a speed quicker than a light trot.
Outside linebacker Greg Ellis was able to participate in team drills for the first time since hurting his back last Friday. Ellis blamed his new hotel bed for his recent back troubles and said he tried everything to fix the problem, including sleeping on the floor.
Linebacker Justin Rogers changed positions yet again during 11-on-11 drills, this time working back at his original outside linebacker spot.
You Should've Seen: While Monday's first practice was another mini-camp-like workout (strictly in shorts and helmets, and at half speed), safety Ken Hamlin made the most interesting play of the day. Hamlin reached back with one hand to intercept a Tony Romo pass that bounced off tight end Tony Curtis' hands for what would have been a 40-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Who's Hot: Doug Free. The left tackle has made the most of starter Flozell Adams' days off, working with the first unit in Adams' stead. Free has looked impressive in his 1-on-1s, standing up both defensive end Chris Canty and outside linebacker Erik Walden in consecutive attempts in Sunday's lone practice.
Who's Not: Quincy Butler. After injuring his hamstring on the third day of training camp, Butler appears to have taken himself right out of the cornerback competition. He's missed every practice since July 27, allowing corners Evan Oglesby and Orlando Scandrick to take advantage of the increased reps at their position.
Injury Update: CB Terence Newman, groin - out three weeks (7/28)
CB Quincy Butler, hamstring - day-to-day (7/27)
Transactions: WR Todd Lowber, signed (7/27)
WR Terry Glenn, waived (7/25)
QB Jeff Terrell, signed (7/25)
LB Khari Long, waived (7/24)
Wade's Best: "If you ask a guy to run into a wall every day, and they do it for you and they prove they're going to do it, well then you don't have to ask them all the time to do that."- When talking about resting some of his players.
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