CARROLLTON, Texas - Many fans remember Oct. 12 as the turning point in the Cowboys' 2008 season. Quarterback Tony Romo fractured his finger in an overtime loss to Arizona and the club never really found its rhythm again, finishing 9-7 without a playoff berth.
At least Romo was able to return three games later. Mat McBriar didn't.
The veteran punter suffered season-ending multiple fractures on the game-ending blocked punt Arizona recovered in the end zone. Just as Romo's temporary absence affected the offense, McBriar's injury significantly hampered field position.
Now, after months of rehab with the Cowboys' trainers, that powerful right foot looks stronger than ever in the mini-camp practices at Standridge Stadium. The Cowboys are working extensively on punt coverage and returns this week under new special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis, and McBriar drilled several deep punts on Monday.
"Mat's starting to boom 'em again," Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips said, smiling.
McBriar didn't resume punting until March, first aiming for targets merely feet away and slowly progressing into a normal routine. He said he still feels a bit "rusty" but admits he's never pleased with his consistency at this point in the off-season.
"I hadn't been kicking every day like I'm going to be for the next three days," he said. "So there's a little bit of soreness associated with just doing it without any rest."
The Cowboys have signed former Oklahoma State standout Matt Fodge to a tryout this week, which takes some pressure of McBriar's leg. But he hasn't experienced any setbacks in his recovery.
That's good news for a special teams unit that was less effective without him. His replacement, Sam Paulescu, had a net average of just 35.2 yards.
"Field position is the name of the game," Phillips said. "The more you have them backed up, the less chances they have and the better you are the less chances they have. Percentage-wise, if you've got a punter or a kickoff (guy) that can get you in better field position that's going to help you."
McBriar eventually expects to reach his own standards. In the meantime, he's simply grateful for his health.
"I'm not sort of thinking I'm going to come in (this week) and set the world on fire," he said, "but my foot feels good.
"It's good to be back involved. I remember when I first came in I was really excited about things and I kind of feel like I've gotten a little more excitement back."
Hodge, Wilson Have Surgery
Rookie linebacker Stephen Hodge and wide receiver Travis Wilson each had arthroscopic left knee surgery Tuesday to remove loose cartilage. Both players are expected to be ready when training camp begins in late July.
Hodge, a sixth-round pick, is transitioning from college safety to inside linebacker in the Cowboys' 3-4 scheme and also is expected to contribute on special teams.
Wilson, a practice squad player last year, is trying to secure one of the final receiver spots. The Cowboys have four other injured receivers - Miles Austin (hamstring), Sam Hurd (quad), Isaiah Stanback (knee) and Kevin Ogletree (knee) - and signed Willie Reid for depth on Monday.
Felix Sits; Other Injuries
Running back Felix Jones missed his second consecutive practice with the quadriceps contusion he suffered in Monday's morning practice. The injury isn't serious, but Jones is sore and the Cowboys naturally are exercising caution with their second-year back.
Other players sitting out included defensive end Igor Olshansky (back); kicker Nick Folk (hip); guard Kyle Kosier (foot); tight end Rodney Hannah (finger) and linebacker Justin Rogers.
Jefferson Easing Back In
It's been a long road back for wide receiver Mike Jefferson, but injuries at the position have him ahead of where he was before being released last season. With five receivers missing practice Tuesday, Jefferson was taking his turns as the third receiver when the first-team offense ran the two-minute drill.
While the primetime reps might just be temporary, assuming Miles Austin, Sam Hurd and Isaiah Stanback can return by training camp, the fact is they represent a kind of moonshot for Jefferson. After being on the roster for Game 1 last year but not dressing and then spending 20 days on the practice squad, Jefferson was suspended a month for a positive test in violation of the NFL's performance enhancing drugs policy. The one-year veteran was released Oct. 28, and spent the rest of the year out of football.
"I'm just trying to get back in there and get a feel for the offense again," Jefferson, who was re-signed May 28, said. "It's easier than having to learn a whole new offense. There's a few new things here and there, but for the most part it's stuff I already know. So I can just hop right in and give some help when we need it."
Not only does it help the Cowboys to have a receiver who can work with the first unit on short notice and not be in over his head, but the familiarity the Cowboys offer is a good situation for the 26-year-old as well.
"Obviously going to another team you've got to get acquainted with everybody and meet new people and learn a whole new system," Jefferson said. "That's kind of hard, and getting reps is kind of hard when you're trying to learn, and go full speed at the same time. Here I can just be plugged in, go full speed and try to make plays."
-Josh Ellis
2-Minute Warming
While the defense has dominated much of this mini-camp and the OTAs over the last month, the Cowboys first- and second-team offenses appeared to be heating up at the conclusion of Tuesday morning's practice.
Working against the second defense, Tony Romo and the starting offense converted a big gain on the first play of the series with a throw to Martellus Bennett down the seam.
Three plays later Romo found Bennett at the front of the end zone for an easy score. The two-minute drill touchdown felt good to Bennett, who showed off a little shoulder shimmy dance to celebrate.
"It's always the hardest at the end of practice after we do so much, to get out there and do two minutes," Bennett said. "It's just a chance for us to work another part of our offense. I think it went well. There's always room for improvement, but I think it went very well."
Wade Phillips called off practice in the middle of the second-team offense's impressive drive against his starting defense. Jon Kitna had hit seventh-round draft pick Manuel Johnson for three completions against second-year cornerback Mike Jenkins, eliciting some whoops of approval from the offensive sideline, which seemed frustrated to have the drill put to a stop before the backups could finish.
-Josh Ellis
Short Shots
The players and their families toured Cowboys Stadium after Tuesday's morning practice. The club has two more practices scheduled Wednesday before breaking camp . . . The Cowboys' corners were active yet again Tuesday. Rookie Mike Mickens broke up a Tony Romo pass, and Orlando Scandrick dropped a would-be interception. Scandrick and Jenkins again split first-team reps.
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Rob Phillips - 
