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 Defensive Backs |
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May 27, 2008
As the Cowboys resume OTA practices on Tuesday, Pro Bowl safety Roy Williams is in attendance this week, after missing some of the workouts last week because of family business. Williams, sporting No. 38, the jersey he switched to in the off-season, is the only returning starter practicing, with Ken Hamlin still sitting out, having yet to sign his franchise tag tender. Last week, the Cowboys used Courtney Brown and Pat Watkins with the first unit on defense.
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May 4, 2008
Cowboys safety Roy Williams publicly told reporters last season that he planned to move to a new jersey number this season. But while he has yet to don his No. 38, the number he wore at Oklahoma, his old jersey has already been handed out. First-round draft pick Mike Jenkins, a cornerback from South Florida, sported No. 31 in the mini-camp this past weekend at Valley Ranch. Williams wore No. 31 for his first six seasons, but said it was time for a change.
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April 21, 2008
Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman was the celebrity honoree for the 24th annual Swinging Against Arthritis Golf Tournament held in nearby Trophy Club, Texas. Newman has helped lead this event for the last three years and brought several of his teammates to the event, including Terry Glenn, Andre Gurode, Akin Ayodele and Nick Folk. Held at the Trophy Club Country Club, the event was emceed by Cowboys radio announcer Brad Sham.
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March 27, 2008
Cowboys cornerback Alan Ball should have a better chance to compete for playing time this season, regardless what happens with the rest of free agency or the draft. Ball, a seventh-round pick in 2007, spent most of last year on the practice squad, playing in only the season finale against Washington. The Cowboys' hopes for Ball made it easier to let backups Jacques Reeves and Nate Jones, who signed free-agent deals with Houston and Miami, respectively.
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March 16, 2008
Cornerback Nate Jones became yet another player to migrate to Miami, signing a two-year contract with the Dolphins over the weekend. Jones, a seventh-round pick of the Cowboys in 2004, has been mostly a special teams player during his career, although he was the team's nickel back at times during the season when the Cowboys were without cornerbacks Terence Newman and Anthony Henry at various times because of injury. Jones knocked Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre out of the game on Nov. 29 when he hit Favre on a blitz, forcing an interception and a shoulder injury to Favre.
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March 13, 2008
Cornerback Nate Jones, fresh of a visit on Wednesday with the Vikings, met with the Dolphins on Thursday. Jones is the only remaining unrestricted free agent for the Cowboys, who have already lost Jacques Reeves, Julius Jones and Keith Davis to other clubs. Nate Jones, a seventh-round pick in 2004, has been mostly a special-teams contributor, although he was forced to play in some defensive packages this season with Terence Newman and Anthony Henry both saddled by injuries.
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March 10, 2008
Cowboys safety Keith Davis visited with the Miami Dolphins on Monday. Davis is one of two remaining unrestricted free agents, along with cornerback Nate Jones. Davis has been the Cowboys' special teams ace for the past four years, leading the team with 69 tackles. He is hoping to land a starting job at either free or strong safety, something the Cowboys likely won't be able to offer.
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January 22, 2008
Cowboys safety Keith Davis, one of six unrestricted free agents this off-season, underwent surgery Friday to repair the torn pectoral muscle that bothered him most of the season. Davis originally suffered the injury Week 3 against Chicago, forcing him to miss the next two games. Davis returned for the rest of the season and even started a game at strong safety for Roy Williams, who served a one-game suspension against Carolina on Dec. 22. Davis, the special teams captain, tied for third on the unit with 18 tackles.
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January 3, 2008
Cowboys safety Roy Williams became the 12th player named to the Pro Bowl on Thursday, when the NFL announced he will replace the late Sean Taylor's spot. Williams is the 20th player in team history with at least five Pro Bowls . . . Williams also said he will be moving to jersey No. 38 next season, after spending the first six years wearing No. 31. Williams wore No. 38 in college at the University of Oklahoma and has been wearing the number in practice all week.
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January 2, 2008
The Cowboys have taken a hit at the safety position the last few weeks, but it appears free safety Pat Watkins will be ready to go, despite an ankle injury that kept him out of the last two games. Watkins practiced on Wednesday, as did Keith Davis, who suffered a left knee injury against the Redskins. The Cowboys were also without starting strong safety Roy Williams, who was suspended for the Carolina game for his third offense of the "horse collar" tackle.
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December 31, 2007
Safety Keith Davis suffered a left knee injury in the third quarter Sunday in Washington. Although he had trouble leaving the field on his own power, Davis was re-evaluated on Monday and it appears he will be ready to play in the playoffs. Phillips said Davis was "banged up a little but came in (Monday) and was fine." Davis, the Cowboys' special teams captain, is arguably the team's best player on kick coverage. Davis was named a first-alternate in the Pro Bowl as a special teams player. He started at strong safety last week in Carolina while Roy Williams served a one-game suspension from the NFL.
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December 19, 2007
Terence Newman becomes the first Cowboys cornerback since Deion Sanders (1999) to make the Pro Bowl. The five-year veteran was selected as a reserve to the NFC squad for the first time in his career. Newman has four interceptions this season and is tied for the team lead with 14 pass deflections. Newman will play behind Green Bay's Al Harris and Seattle's Marcus Trufant.
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December 17, 2007
Cowboys rookie safety Courtney Brown is expected to have an increased role this week, especially if Pat Watkins is out with an ankle injury. Brown has played the last six weeks on special teams but Wade Phillips said he would replace Watkins on defense in the nickel and dime packages.
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December 12, 2007
Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman did not practice on Wednesday, ailing from toe and knee injuries suffered early in the Lions game last Sunday. Head coach Wade Phillips said he hopes Newman will be able to return to practice by Thursday. Newman spent the first part of Wednesday's practice on the stationary bike. He missed two games this year with a foot injury and was limited to the dime package the next game and part of another. Phillips said limiting Newman's role again is another possibility against Philadelphia.
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December 6, 2007
Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman has been in the news here recently, thanks to his comments about Detroit QB Jon Kitna, which caused a reaction letter from the NFL on Thursday. However, the fifth-year cornerback is also playing his football of the season, registering an interception in each of the last three games. Newman has four picks this year and needs just one in the final four games to set a new career high.
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November 19, 2007
Rookie safety Courtney Brown has received all sorts of praise from owner Jerry Jones to head coach Wade Phillips and even from wide receiver Terrell Owens, who applauded Brown for his special teams tackle on Redskins return specialist Antwaan Randle El on Sunday. Brown, one of the gunners on the punt team, tackled Randle El just as he fielded a punt with less than a minute to play in Cowboys' 28-23 win. It was the first special teams tackle of his career for Brown, who has only been active for the last two games.
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November 12, 2007
Cowboys safety Ken Hamlin recorded his third interception of the season Sunday against the Giants. But head coach Wade Phillips said Hamlin is doing more than just making plays. "It's him helping other people not just get lined up, but we if audible some things or alert some things. We have a good group overall, they study hard and he's the leader of that. . He's the defensive quarterback as far as the secondary is concerned."
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November 5, 2007
Cowboys CB Anthony Henry played for the first time Sunday since suffering the high ankle sprain Sept. 30 against the Rams. While he played only in the dime package, he did record another interception - his fifth of the season. Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips said Henry is not 100 percent and will continue to play him in a limited role until he is back to full strength. When that happens, it's likely Henry will move back to right cornerback and Terence Newman will slide over to the left side in the starting lineup. Hoewver, in the dime package, Jacques Reeves would then go to left cornerback - where he has started all eight games this year - and Newman will move into the slot.
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October 29, 2007
Cowboys cornerback Anthony Henry did participate with the team during Monday's walk-thru but said he will be cautious in his return this week. There is a chance Henry could play against the Eagles in the dime package, such as Terence Newman did for two games when he came back from foot and knee injuries. Wade Phillips said on Monday the team still needs to "see more" from Henry before clearing him to play.
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October 24, 2007
Cowboys cornerback Anthony Henry was limited in practice Wednesday, still working with the training staff to recover from his high-ankle sprain, but was in pads with the rest of the team for the first time since suffering the injury on Sept. 30 against the Rams. Henry has now missed the last three games after starting the year with four interceptions in three games to lead the NFL. If Henry returns for the Nov. 4 game in Philadelphia, he will return to right cornerback and the Cowboys will slide Terence Newman back to the left, with Jacques Reeves coming in on the dime package.
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October 19, 2007
For the third straight game, cornerback Anthony Henry will be inactive due to a high ankle sprain. But with the bye week arriving after Sunday's game with the Vikings, it's likely Henry will be ready to return for the Nov. 4 game in Philadelphia, more than a month after suffering the initial injury Sept. 30 against the Rams. With Henry still out, the Cowboys will continue to start Terence Newman at right cornerback, while Jacques Reeves starts his seventh consecutive game at left corner.
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October 17, 2007
After recording a team-high five special teams tackles in Sunday's loss to the Patriots, safety Patrick Watkins now leads the team with 12 stops in the kicking game. However, Watkins' game was overshadowed by a questionable pass interference call on New England's Randy Moss, that gave the Patriots the ball at the 1-yard line, setting up a go-ahead touchdown.
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October 7, 2007
Cowboys safety Keith Davis did not make the trip to Buffalo and will miss his second straight game with a right shoulder and pectoral injury that he suffered late in the Chicago game back on Sept. 23. Davis is one of three defensive backs who will be out for Monday's game, along with cornerback Anthony Henry (high ankle sprain) and safety Courtney Brown (biceps). The Cowboys will use cornerback Nate Jones as a backup safety, behind starters Roy Williams and Ken Hamlin, and dime back Pat Watkins.
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October 4, 2007
Cowboys safety Keith Davis was limited in practice Thursday with a shoulder injury that kept him out of last week's game with Rams. With the extra practice day because of the Monday night game, there is a chance Davis could be ready to play at Buffalo. Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said Davis has a "50-50" chance of playing against the Bills.
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October 1, 2007
Cornerback Anthony Henry will likely miss next Monday's game, according to head coach Wade Phillips. Henry suffered a high-ankle sprain against the Rams and while he might not be out for a month, Phillips said the chance of Henry playing against the Bills is "real iffy." . . . Cornerback Terence Newman would likely replace Henry on the right side and Jacques Reeves would remain as the starting left cornerback.
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September 26, 2007
With his chance to make his NFL debut this Sunday looking rather likely because of Keith Davis' injury, rookie safety Courtney Brown had to leave practice early on Wednesday with an arm injury. Wade Phillips said he was unsure of the severity of the injury. The rookie from Cal-Poly would likely replace Davis as the backup safety and on special teams. Brown, a seventh-round pick, moved from cornerback to safety at the start of training camp. He has been inactive for the first three games this year.
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September 25, 2007
Cowboys cornerback Anthony Henry was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in Sunday's 34-10 win over the Bears. For the second straight game, Henry had two interceptions, but also returned one for a 28-yard touchdown. Henry also had four pass deflections and four tackles against the Bears. The NFL's interception leader this year with four, Henry became just the second player in Cowboys history to record consecutive multiple-interception games, joining only Everson Walls, who had four in two games back in 1981.
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September 24, 2007
Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman played as the slot cornerback in the dime package Sunday night, and there is a chance he could be ready to make his first start of the season this week against the Rams. But Newman is also expected to resume his punt return duties, too. Head coach Wade Phillips said he thinks Newman, who has missed considerable time with a foot injury, will be able to handle punts. Last year, Newman returned a punt 56 yards for a touchdown in the season finale against Detroit.
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September 18, 2007
The Cowboys have released fourth-year pro Nate Jones, who has served as the team's dime cornerback in the slot for the last two games with Terence Newman out. The Cowboys needed the roster spot to sign defensive tackle Tank Johnson, who will be moved to the Reserve/Suspended list on Wednesday, freeing up the spot. The Cowboys will then have the option to either re-sign Jones if he clears waivers or another player. Bringing back Jones could depend on the status of Newman, who has missed the last two games with a partial tear in his plantar fascia of his right foot.
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September 17, 2007
Three of the four starters in the secondary received a game ball from head coach Wade Phillips on Monday for their efforts in the win over the Dolphins. Safeties Roy Williams and Ken Hamlin both picked up game balls. The safety duo had an interception each in the second half. Also, cornerback Anthony Henry had what Phillips described as a "monster game" with two interceptions and recovering an onside kick. The only starting defensive back not to get one of Phillips' six game balls was left cornerback Jacques Reeves, who received one last week against the Giants.
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September 16, 2007
Cowboys cornerback Anthony Henry was all over the football in Sunday's win over the Dolphins. Not only did he pick off two Trent Green passes, but recovered an onside kick later in the fourth, setting up another touchdown on the ensuing play. With cornerback Terence Newman still out with a foot injury, Henry certainly stepped up his play on Sunday. It was Henry's first multiple-interception game with the Cowboys and first since the 2004 season as a member of the Browns.
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September 10, 2007
Cowboys cornerback Jacques Reeves got a game ball from head coach Wade Phillips on Monday. While the coach gave four other game balls to offensive players Tony Romo, Andre Gurode, Terrell Owens and Jason Witten, Reeves was the only defensive player to get the honor. In just his second career start, and his first since his rookie season in 2004, Reeves recorded an interception and had three pass deflections, including one in the end zone. The fourth-year pro from Purdue got the start in place of veteran Terence Newman, who missed the first game of his career because of a partial tear in his plantar fascia in his right foot.
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September 4, 2007
The Cowboys have been looking for adequate help at free safety for three years now and are hoping they have found that in Ken Hamlin. The first true test will be Sunday night against the Giants in what will be the veteran's second game against New York. The Cowboys can only hope Hamlin will have the same success. As a member of the Seahawks last year, Hamlin recorded four tackles and picked off two passes against the Giants in a Seattle victory last September.
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August 18, 2007
Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman was held out of Saturday's win over the Broncos because of a right heel bruise. Head coach Wade Phillips said it was a precautionary move. Newman suffered the injury during Thursday's morning practice was also held out for the afternoon practice with the Broncos. Veteran Aaron Glenn started in place of Newman and tied for the team lead with four solo tackles.
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August 14, 2007
Cowboys starting free safety Ken Hamlin returned to practice this week at Valley Ranch and said he expects to play in Saturday's preseason game against the Denver Broncos after suffering a hit to the head in a training camp practice in San Antonio last week. As a precaution, the Cowboys held Hamlin out of practice last week and kept him inactive for last Thursday's preseason win over Indianapolis. Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips exercised similar caution with inside linebacker Kevin Burnett, who missed five days of practice in San Antonio after suffering a blow to the head.
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July 25, 2007
Although he was drafted as a cornerback, rookie Courtney Brown is getting some looks at free safety, head coach Wade Phillips said Wednesday. Brown, a seventh-round pick from Cal-Poly who signed officially signed his contract before the first team practice, had eight interceptions the last two years, including seven as a junior. The Cowboys have some depth at both positions, but cornerback seems more crowded with players such as Nate Jones, Jacques Reeves, Joey Thomas, Quincy Butler and rookie Alan Ball all battling for the final two or three roster spots. |
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July 12, 2007
With training camp less than two weeks away, the Cowboys made a few roster cuts on Thursday, waiving two rookie free agents - guard Steve Rissler and safety Jasper Johnson. Rissler started for Florida's national championship team, but was rather expendable after the team re-signed center Matt Tarullo and guard Steve Franklin in the last month. Johnson, a rookie from Central Arkansas, was a longshot even to make the practice squad. The Cowboys still have to release one player before the team reports to camp in San Antonio on July 24. |
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April 20, 2007
The Cowboys re-signed cornerback Jacques Reeves, the last of their restricted free agents this off-season. Reeves, a former seventh-round pick, received the original draft choice tender of $850,000. He had 13 special teams tackles and two tackles on defense as a reserve last season. Friday marked the NFL deadline for teams to sign a restricted free agent to an offer sheet. |
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April 17, 2007
The Cowboys signed safety Abram Elam to his exclusive rights contract on Tuesday worth $360,000. Elam, who won a roster position with an impressive training camp last summer, played in 15 games last season, mostly on special teams. Elam ranked fourth on the team with 15 special teams tackles, including a team-best 11 solo stops. The Cowboys also signed defensive tackle Montavious Stanley, a sixth-round draft pick last season, to his exclusive rights deal.
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April 13, 2007
The Cowboys re-signed cornerback Nate Jones, a restricted free agent who received the original draft choice tender of $850,000. Jones had three special teams tackles and eight tackles on defense last season. The Cowboys would have received a seventh-round pick as compensation had another team signed Jones to an offer sheet and the Cowboys decided not to match. |
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April 1, 2007
Cowboys safety Pat Watkins received $229,802 from the NFL's "Performance Based Pay" system last week, the 13th highest total for any player. The Performance Based Pay system was created as part of the 2002 Collective Bargaining Agreement extension. This system creates a fund used as a supplemental form of player compensation based on a comparison of playing time to salary. Baltimore safety Dawan Landry received the highest compensation of $366,017. |
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March 23, 2007
The Cowboys signed free-agent safety Ken Hamlin to a one-year contract. Hamlin's signing ensures the Cowboys will have at least one veteran to play free safety alongside strong safety Roy Williams, and most importantly a four-year veteran Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and new head coach Wade Phillips trust can get their defense lined up properly. But since the deal is only for one year, and a total package of just $2.5 million - that includes minimal signing bonus, base salary and incentives - the Cowboys have not backed themselves into a competitive corner. Hamlin's signing - at least his contract - does not preclude Patrick Watkins, last year's nine-game rookie starter, from competing to regain his starting job. |
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February 11, 2007
Cowboys punter Mat McBriar picked up right where he left off the season at the Pro Bowl this past weekend. McBriar, one of seven Cowboys in the game, certainly made the most of his Pro Bowl debut. Playing at his college stadium in Hawaii, McBriar averaged 51.0 yards on his four punts in the NFC's 31-28 loss to the AFC. McBriar led the NFL this past season with a 48.2 yard average, the highest for any punter in the NFL since 1963.
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January 31, 2007
While Roy Williams isn't sure where the Cowboys' head coach search is heading, he does have a definite opinion on who should replace Mike Zimmer as the team's defensive coordinator. That would be secondary coach Todd Bowles, expected to be the leading candidate to actually take over once a head coach is named. "I think Coach Bowles can take over the defense, so I think we should go in the direction of offense," Williams said Wednesday down at the Super Bowl in Miami. "He makes everything very simple. Last year I think we tried to do too much, put too much in."
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January 12, 2007
Cowboys cornerback Anthony Henry could get a look at free safety next season, team owner Jerry Jones said on Friday. The Cowboys have struggled to find consistency at the position since the retirement of Darren Woodson three years ago. Henry recorded 90 tackles this season, third-most on the defense and led the entire team with 84 solo stops. Henry's total tackles are the most in a season by a Cowboys cornerback in six years. Ryan McNeil had 101 tackles in 2000. Henry also led the team with 23 pass deflections and had two interceptions, along with one in the playoff loss to the Seahawks.
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January 2, 2007
Cowboys cornerback Jacques Reeves missed last week's games with an elbow injury but said he could've played if needed. Reeves said he's feeling much better and it's going to take a lot more than his current injury for him to miss his first career playoff game. "I don't care if I've got half an arm, I'm playing," he said. Reeves suffered the injury against the Falcons on Dec. 16 and missed home games against the Eagles and Lions, despite practicing all last week leading up to the Detroit game. Reeves finished the season sixth on the team with 13 special teams tackles.
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December 27, 2006
Third-year cornerback Jacques Reeves, who suffered a dislocated elbow against Atlanta and missed last week's game with the Eagles, was able to practice Wednesday at Valley Ranch. Reeves missed all three practices last week and then his first game of the season. Reeves, who plays mostly on special teams and the nickel, is tied for fifth on the team with 13 special teams tackles. With Reeves out, the Cowboys signed Quincy Butler, a rookie from TCU, to play last week.
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December 22, 2006
Bill Parcells said veteran corner Anthony Henry has been trying to play through a sore knee, which might be the reason why he's been having problems running with receivers on those deep patterns of late. Henry has some swelling on his knee due to a bursa sac problem. "Nothing structural," Parcells said. "I'm concerned a little about that, but he looked better this week." Henry has been wearing an elastic sleeve over his knee. Henry has leads all defensive backs in tackles with 80 and has a team-high 19 pass deflections.
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December 21, 2006
Cowboys rookie safety Pat Watkins had a game to forget against the Eagles in Philadelphia back on Oct. 8. The fifth-round draft pick was on the wrong end of three big plays for the Eagles, resulting in three touchdowns in Philly's 38-24 win over Dallas. While Watkins returned to the starting lineup in Atlanta last week for the first time in six games, Bill Parcells said he believes Watkins is better prepared this time around. "First of all just on the second time we play them he's more familiar with what we're doing," Parcells said.
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December 7, 2006
The Cowboys added some veteran help at safety on Thursday, signing Tony Parrish off waivers. Parrish, 31, was recently cut by the 49ers this week. The Cowboys have struggled to find some consistency at the safety position in the last few years, particularly at free safety, where the Cowboys have used three players at times this year. However, Parrish is considered more of a strong safety, having started all but two of his 121 career starts at strong safety. To make room on the 53-man roster, the Cowboys released rookie Skyler Green, a fourth-round draft pick who spent the first six weeks of the season on the practice squad before getting moved up to the active roster. In signing Parrish, the Cowboys will assume the remaining portion of Parrish's $1 million salary this season, around $236,000 for the final four games.
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November 29, 2006
Cowboys rookie safety Pat Watkins, who was benched midway through the season after starting the first six games, is expected to play more here in the final five weeks of the season, according to head coach Bill Parcells. While Keith Davis has started the last four games at free safety, Watkins has been playing quite a bit, especially in Thursday's win over Tampa Bay. And Parcells said on Wednesday that Watkins, a fifth-round pick from Florida State would have a bigger role in Sunday's game against the Giants. "He's going to play quite a bit in this game. I think he is doing better," Parcells said.
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November 28, 2006
Cowboys safety Roy Williams not only ranks second in the NFC with five interceptions this season, but has a chance to record the most by a Cowboy in a single-season in 11 years. The Cowboys have not had a player with more than five picks since both Larry Brown and Brock Marion had six each in the 1995 season. And you have to go back 10 more seasons to find a player with more than six, when Everson Walls had nine in 1985. Williams had five as a rookie in 2002.
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November 23, 2006
Cowboys safety Roy Williams recorded his fifth interception of the season, tying his single-season career-high (2002). He now has seven take-aways on the season (five interceptions, two fumble recoveries), tying him for the NFL lead. Williams, who now has 17 career interceptions, has three takeaways in five Thanksgiving Day games. |
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November 21, 2006
Cowboys safety Roy Williams has been involved in six of the team's 20 takeaways on defense this season, including a team-high four interceptions. Williams also has registered two fumble recoveries as well. Williams is one interception away from tying his own career-high of five interceptions he picked off as a rookie in 2002. Williams ranks fourth on the team with 49 tackles, and second in pass deflections with 11.
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November 20, 2006
Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells said despite taking a big hit that kept him out for two defensive series, Terence Newman is still likely to return punts. Newman was blasted just after fielding a punt in the first quarter Sunday against the Colts. He not only fumbled the ball out of bounds, but was slow to his feet. Newman was actually held out of action until the final Colts' possession of the first half. Parcells said Newman's big hit was "his own fault." In fact, Newman did attempt another punt return in the fourth quarter, but let the ball roll into the end zone for a touchback . . . "Call for a fair catch," Parcells said. "It's simple. They don't hit you then."
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November 17, 2006
Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells said he expects to start fourth-year pro Keith Davis at free safety Sunday against the Colts. Davis has started since the team benched rookie Pat Watkins after the first six games of the season. Parcells said Davis is also one of the team's best special teams players, one reason why Watkins will also get extended playing time on defense. The Cowboys have been able to somewhat limit the big plays the last three weeks, something that is a must if they plan to contain the high-powered Colts on Sunday. |
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October 28, 2006
While it appeared the Cowboys might start veteran Marcus Coleman at free safety, Keith Davis got the nod instead. Davis started 15 games last season at free safety. The Cowboys used rookie Pat Watkins for the first six games, but Watkins, who has given up several big plays already this season, is inactive after not even making the trip. Coleman is playing on the first-team nickel tonight. |
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October 27, 2006
Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells has said he might change his starting free safety this week, and veteran Marcus Coleman could get the nod in place of rookie Pat Watkins, who has started the first six games. Coleman, who played his first game for the Cowboys last week, served a four-game suspension by the NFL for violating the league's substance abuse policy. The Cowboys might also use fourth-year pro Keith Davis some at free safety. Davis missed last week's game with a sprained ankle but has practiced all week and is listed as "probable" on the injury report.
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October 26, 2006
Cowboys safety Keith Davis is not only improving from an ankle injury that sidelined from Monday's loss to the Giants, but head coach Bill Parcells said he is in the mix to possibly start Sunday at free safety. With rookie Pat Watkins struggling in the secondary, giving up five of the team's six big plays this year, according to Parcells, the Cowboys are exploring their options. Parcells said he might switch to veteran Marcus Coleman or Davis, if he decides to make a move.
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October 9, 2006
Cowboys safety Marcus Coleman is eligible to return to the team after serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. The Cowboys can use a roster exemption for Coleman this week, which would allow him to resume practicing with the team without counting against the Cowboys' 53-man roster. Coleman's possible return comes at an interesting time, considering the problems rookie safety Pat Watkins had in Sunday's loss to the Eagles. In fact, Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells said he replaced Watkins with Keith Davis in the fourth quarter because of Watkins' struggles, which included giving up two touchdown passes. |
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September 29, 2006
Last week's bye couldn't have come at a better time for safety Keith Davis. Davis, one of the team's best special teams players, got his arm stuck in the turf and hurt his shoulder while trying to tackle Redskins punt returner Antwaan Randle El in the Cowboys' 27-10 win in Week 2. But Davis said he'll be ready against Tennessee. "It (the bye) gave me a chance to heal up some and gave me a chance to be ready for this game," said Davis, tied for second on the team with three special teams tackles, one behind leader Akin Ayodele. |
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September 27, 2006
While Terrell Owens' status for Sunday's game at LP Field remains unclear, fellow starting receiver Terry Glenn should be ready to play against Tennessee (noon, CDT). Glenn practiced Tuesday and Wednesday without any problems after accidentally clipping his left thumb with scissors while attempting to cut his uniform on Monday. The cut required stitches but wasn't considered serious. "He's doing fine," Parcells said of Glenn, who doesn't appear on the Cowboys' injury report. |
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September 26, 2006
Rookie safety Pat Watkins has been warned to cut out the "block tackling" technique he has been using so far this season, Parcells said. "Well, we've spoken to him about it pretty strongly," Parcells said. "If he keeps it up he's going to go to the bench. It's as simple as that." Parcells said Watkins is diving down, head first, at the ball-carrier's legs instead of using his arms to make the tackle. The coach said he has seen too many head, neck and shoulder injuries from players trying to use that technique.
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September 20, 2006
Special teams ace Keith Davis suffered a slight separation of his right shoulder while making the tackle on Antwaan Randle El's punt return with 6:46 left in the second quarter at the Washington 28. Davis said there was no way he was coming out of the game, and that the shoulder slid back into place. Davis went into the locker room a few minutes before halftime, but came out in the second half to continue playing special teams and even spell rookie Pat Watkins some at free safety. |
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September 11, 2006
Cowboys rookie Pat Watkins was the first free safety to play Sunday, but he didn't officially get his first start. The Cowboys opened the game with three cornerbacks and one safety. But Watkins came in for the second play and finished his NFL debut with five tackles . . . Strong safety Roy Williams did have an interception and two pass deflections, but had just three tackles.
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September 3, 2006
The Cowboys will enter the season with a question mark at free safety, considering head coach Bill Parcells has yet to name a starter. Rookie fifth-round pick Pat Watkins has started at free safety the last three weeks and could supplant Keith Davis for the opening game. Either way, Davis will be counted on as one of the team's best special teams players. First-year pro Abram Elam was a camp-surprise and finished off the preseason with a solid performance Thursday night against the Vikings. The Cowboys also placed Marcus Coleman on the suspension list for four games. The club might have a tough decision to make when he returns . . . And for the third straight year, cornerbacks Nate Jones and Jacques Reeves made the final roster, helping provide depth at corner and even safety, along with contributing on special teams.
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August 29, 2006
The Cowboys officially released safety Justin Beriault, who is expected to retire because of a knee injury. Beriault missed all of last season after undergoing surgery in late August. He returned to practice for the first week of camp before suffering a concussion. But he was also battling the knee injury and it was decided he will not play for the Cowboys this season . . . The Cowboys also cut cornerback Lenny Williams, who has been with the team for the last two seasons, mostly on the practice squad. Williams spent the summer in NFL Europe, helping the Frankfurt Galaxy win the World Bowl this summer.
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August 26, 2006
Rookie fifth-round draft choice Pat Watkins started for the second straight game Saturday night against the 49ers. Keith Davis, who started 15 games last year, had surgery to remove a bullet lodged in his thigh on Friday and missed Saturday's game. |
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August 23, 2006
The Cowboys waived cornerback Quincy Butler, a rookie free agent from TCU on Wednesday.
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August 21, 2006
Rookie safety and training camp standout Pat Watkins started Monday night, a game-time decision that surprised him. "I thought I was going to play the second half like I did last week," Watkins said. "It caught me off guard." The starting defense was not on the field long during the first half, getting in only 19 plays. Watkins, a fifth-round draft choice from Florida State, said since his teammates were doing so well there really wasn't much left for the free safety to do.
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August 17, 2006
Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells said it won't be easy to cut cornerback Nate Jones this year. Although Jones has just one career start in his first two seasons, the former sixth-round pick (2004) from Rutgers gives the team versatility. Parcells said he can play Jones for 200 plays on special teams and as a backup in the nickel defense. He also can "finish a game" at cornerback, if needed, and play some at free safety.
"Nate is the same as he has been since he got here," Parcells said. "Very dependable guy. Very bright. A player that has to fight for his job every year. But every year it's more difficult to let him go."
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August 12, 2006
The safety position has been a hot topic of discussion all training camp and a few young players down on the depth chart did their best Saturday night to make a good impression. Abram Elam, a first-year player from Kent State, led the team with seven tackles . . . Rookie fifth-round pick Pat Watkins recorded two tackles on defense, and two more on special teams. |
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August 10, 2006
Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman has been rather limited in practice the last three days because of a minor ankle sprain. However, head coach Bill Parcells said he expects Newman to play Saturday night in the preseason opener in Seattle. Newman didn't participate in all team and individual drills, but was on the field with the nickel defense near the end of Thursday's practice. When Newman has rested, he has been replaced by veteran Aaron Glenn on the left side. Jacques Reeves then takes over for Glenn in the nickel packages without Newman.
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August 9, 2006
Parcells said he planned to talk with first-year safety Justin Beriault about his ongoing injury situation Wednesday, hinting Beriault could be released. Beriault has been sidelined with a concussion the last nine days, but he's also trying to return from dual season-ending knee surgeries last September to repair torn medial and lateral meniscus in his right knee.
Asked if Beriault's knee also is an issue, Parcells said, "I think we need to talk to the player first before I discuss that. But I would say yes, it's more than that." |
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August 2, 2006
The Cowboys have signed Pro Bowl safety Roy Williams to a four-year contract extension, giving him a new five-year, $25.2 million deal that includes $11.1 million in guaranteed money.
Williams has never missed a start (64 consecutive games) since joining the Cowboys as a first-round pick in 2002. Williams has made the Pro Bowl the past three years.
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August 1, 2006
Parcells is optimistic about the Cowboys' secondary this season. One of the biggest reasons is cornerback Terence Newman's development. Last year, Newman finished with 70 tackles and three interceptions and broke up a career-high 15 passes. Parcells calls the fourth-year veteran "one of our very, very, very best players". Parcells also has praised Newman as one of the Cowboys' strongest and best-conditioned athletes. Asked if Newman was robbed of a Pro Bowl bid last year, Parcells said, "Now for whatever reason, he didn't give up a touchdown pass last year during the season. Go find me another one that didn't do it."
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July 30, 2006
Cowboys safety Keith Davis is done talking about July 16, when he was shot once in the thigh and back of the head while driving on a Dallas freeway early in the morning. He wants to focus on the present, specifically football and his goal of retaining the starting free safety job in camp. "The incident is over," Davis said after working with the first team Saturday morning. "I'm in camp ready to play football." Davis wasn't sure if or when he would have surgery to remove the bullet lodged in his thigh. He said it didn't bother him at all in practice. |
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July 28, 2006
The Cowboys released rookie free-agent safety Darrell Brooks to make their 86-man roster limit by the start of training camp. |
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July 21, 2006
While Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he expects Keith Davis to accompany the team to training camp on Thursday, he wasn't as definite in Davis' availability, stating the safety has not been cleared yet by team doctors, but anticipates that happening this week. However, Davis, who was shot twice last Sunday, resulting in two days in the hospital, will have to pass a team-conducted physical before he participates in practice. Davis was shot in the head and the thigh, while driving home early Sunday morning on Interstate 635. He was immediately admitted to the hospital until he was discharged Tuesday morning.
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June 3, 2006
Last year at this time, safety Justin Beriault was fighting to get to 200 pounds, weighing in at 198 when the Cowboys wanted him at 208. Now, after rehabbing from last summer's knee surgery and working out so much, he's a robust 215, but Parcells wants him closer to 212. "This is kind of fun, first time in my life I've had to lose weight," Beriault said. |
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May 30, 2006
Cowboys cornerback Lenny Williams helped the Frankfurt Galaxy capture the World Bowl title last Sunday with a 22-7 win over Amsterdam. Williams started at cornerback and returned punts and kickoffs for the Galaxy. Williams originally went to Frankfurt with Cowboys wide receiver Tom Crowder, who suffered a broken jaw two weeks ago and went to Birmingham, Ala. for rehab. Williams, Crowder and quarterback Drew Henson (Rhein) all returned to Valley Ranch on Tuesday.
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May 8, 2006
The Cowboys agreed to terms with rookie-free agent cornerback Quincy Butler on Monday, the 6-1, 191-pound Horne will, at least for now, continue his playing career in the Metroplex after playing college ball at TCU. Apparently the Cowboys were impressed with Butler after the team's rookie mini-camp last weekend where the 24-year old participated on a workout contract. Butler will be one of four rookies competing for a roster spot in the defensive backfield. |
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May 2, 2006
Rookie safety Darrell Brooks signed with the Cowboys as an undrafted-free agent Monday, hoping to continue his football career on a team pressed for talent at the safety position. Brooks would seem to be at least a decent candidate, recording 93 tackles, one tackle for a loss, two interceptions, two passes broken up and two forced fumbles as a senior at Arizona. His junior season he was voted as a second-team All-PAC 10 safety. He will need to contribute on special teams to make the Cowboys. |
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April 30, 2006
The Cowboys traded up 12 spots in the fifth round to take Florida State safety Pat Watkins, a lanky 6-5, 212-pounder who the Cowboys would like to develop into a rangy, centerfielder-style free safety. To draft Watkins, the Cowboys traded their picks in the fifth (No. 150) and sixth rounds (No. 189) to the New York Jets for the 138th pick.
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April 18, 2006
Marcus Coleman, a 10-year NFL veteran, formerly of the Texans, signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys. Terms were not released. Coleman, who played three years under Bill Parcells with the Jets started 11 games last year at free safety for Houston. He made 46 tackles and one interception while appearing in 15 games, and will likely compete with Keith Davis for a starting job. |
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April 14, 2006
Dallas retained free safety Keith Davis, matching the restricted free agent offer sheet that the three-year veteran signed with the New Orleans Saints earlier this week. Dallas inherits the terms of the deal, including a roster bonus of $1.2 million this season and a 2006 base salary of $825,000. The base salary for 2007 is $925,000. While starting opposite Roy Williams, Davis was a key special teams contributor in 2005. To recoup his starting job, however, Davis will likely need to show improvement in pass coverage. |
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March 31, 2006
The Cowboys re-signed safety Willie Pile to a one-year contract worth $425,000 on Friday. Pile, who served as the team's nickel safety last season, was an exclusive-rights free agent. The Cowboys have not addressed the safety position this off-season in free agency, meaning Pile and Keith Davis could have a chance to compete for the starting job once again in training camp. However, expect the Cowboys to at least draft a safety, possibly in the first round. |
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March 20, 2006
The Cowboys signed exclusive rights free agent Jacques Reeves to a one-year deal worth $425,000, the going rate for exclusive rights free agents. Reeves played in all 16 games last year as a nickel and dime cornerback, and has played in 31 games in his first two seasons in the NFL. Reeves will be battling with several undrafted free agents for his spot this off-season.
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March 20, 2006
The Cowboys signed unrestricted free agent linebacker Rocky Boiman to a three-year, $3.5 million contract and a $1 million signing bonus. Boiman will likely play a prominent role on special teams and add depth to outside linebacker, a position weakened by the loss of Scott Fujita. |
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March 2, 2006
The Cowboys have released safety Derek Pagel, who spent the 2005 season on the Cowboys' injured reserve list after tearing his rotator cuff before the start of the season. The New York Jets' fifth-round pick in 2003, Pagel participated in 12 games over his first two seasons before being released. Pagel injured his rotator cuff last August, just six days after he was signed by the Cowboys. |
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February 12, 2006
Cowboys safety Roy Williams turned in one the keys plays of Sunday's Pro Bowl in Hawaii. Williams picked off Colts quarterback Peyton Manning late in the second quarter at the NFC 12-yard line before promptly pitching the ball back to Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall who retuned the ball 57 yards. Williams' interception helped lead to the NFC's only first-half touchdown in its 23-17 win over the AFC. Williams, who started for the NFC, has now played in three straight Pro Bowls during his four-year career.
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February 10, 2006
Safety Abram Elam was signed by the Cowboys to a one-year deal. Elam, a teammate of running back Julius Jones at Notre Dame, went to training camp with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted rookie free agent last season before being released. The Cowboys signed Elam with the hopes of upgrading a safety position that needs depth. |
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January 16, 2006
The Cowboys signed tight end Danny Young to a one-year deal. Young spent the first NFL off-season of his career with the San Diego Chargers, but was released before the start of the 2005 season. His abilities as a long snapper will give incumbent long snapper L.P. Ladouceur some competition heading into mini-camps and training camp. |
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January 16, 2006
The Cowboys signed cornerback Lenny Williams, a former seventh-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, to a one-year deal. Williams, who has yet to get regular-season playing time with the Cowboys, spent the 2004 season on the Cowboys' practice squad and was released following the Cowboys' 2005 training camp. He will be allocated to NFL Europe this spring. |
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January 10, 2006
The Cowboys signed former CFL cornerback Byron Parker to a one-year contract. Parker spent his 2005 season playing for the Toronto Argonauts after being signed out of college by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2004. Parker will be vying with the likes of current Cowboys cornerbacks Jacques Reeves and Nate Jones for the final spots at cornerback. |
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December 28, 2005
Cornerback Anthony Henry (groin) and safety Roy Williams are listed as probable for Sunday's game against St. Louis. Williams sprained his ankle after making an interception in the fourth quarter against Carolina. Henry was inactive against the Panthers, but Parcells said there's a "good chance" he will play Sunday.
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December 21, 2005
Fourth-year safety Roy Williams was selected to his third straight Pro Bowl on Wednesday. William ranks second on the team with 80 tackles and has 2½ sacks and two interceptions. Offensive guard Larry Allen was the only other Cowboys player selected. "I don't know if that's defining an established player, going to the Pro Bowl," Williams said. "It's an honor just to be able to cross the water and play with the top players in the league." |
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December 7, 2005
Cornerback Anthony Henry returned to practice Wednesday after missing three of the last four games with a groin injury. His recent replacement, Aaron Glenn, sat out with a sprained ankle suffered in last Sunday's 17-10 loss to the New York Giants. Glenn wore a walking boot and had an MRI on Monday. "I'm not worried about it. I think he's going to be OK," head coach Bill Parcells said. "We'll test it out here one of these days soon. I don't think it's a real serious injury."
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December 4, 2005
Despite his lack of size, it was clear who made the "biggest" plays in the game, as cornreback Aaron Glenn outplayed both Giants receivers Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer Sunday, single-handedly keeping the Cowboys in the game. After a Cowboys fumble in the second quarter, Glenn picked off Eli Manning in the end zone to prevent a score. Then, with the Cowboys trialing 17-3 midway through the third quarter, Glenn recorded yet another interception, this time jumping a short pass to Burress and nearly scoring before getting tackled at the Giants 7. The Cowboys scored on a pass to Terry Glenn on the ensuing play.
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November 25, 2005
Cowboys starting center Al Johnson is expected to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery this weekend, but still could be ready to play for the Dec. 4 game against the Giants, Parcells said on his weekly TV show, "Cowboys Huddle."
Parcells said Johnson suffered the injury in pre-game warm-ups of Thursday's Thanksgiving Day loss to the Broncos, but continued to play the entire game.
While the Cowboys are hoping Johnson can make a quick recovery, backup Andre Gurode, who has rotated this year with Johnson, would like assume starting duties at center if Johnson isn't ready for Sunday's game.
Johnson, a third-year pro from Wisconsin, has started all 11 games this year.
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November 22, 2005
Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells said he still hasn't decided whether cornerback Anthony Henry will return to the starting lineup this week against Denver. Henry remains "questionable" on the injury report. Last week, he played as the nickel corner with Aaron Glenn replacing him as the starting right cornerback. Henry leads the Cowboys with three interceptions, including a 58-yard touchdown return on Oct. 30 against the Cardinals.
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November 20, 2005
Aaron Glenn started his second game in place of Anthony Henry, who was active but only played on the nickel. Glenn played well against bigger receivers such as Roy Williams. Glenn, who played both left and right cornerback during the game, had only three tackles but didn't give up any big plays, though the Lions often threw in his direction. He also had an interception return for a touchdown called back when the Lions were flagged for false start, negating the play.
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November 20, 2005
Keith Davis had four tackles on defense, flying to the football early in the game. Davis also had three more tackles on special teams, and was blocked in the back on one punt, resulting in a Lions penalty.
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November 10, 2005
Cornerback Anthony Henry and safety Willie Pile missed portions of Thursday's practice with groin injuries, but Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells is optimistic that both players will return Friday. "We might have two full days (of practice) with them," Parcells said. "We'll see where we are tomorrow. I'll know a lot more after practice tomorrow."
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November 9, 2005
The Cowboys placed both cornerback Anthony Henry and safety Willie Pile on the injury report as "questionable" for Monday night's game with the Eagles. Both players suffered groin injuries in the Oct. 30 win over Arizona . . . The Cowboys had recently signed safeties Tony Dixon and Lynn Scott as insurance in case Pile couldn't play this week. But Pile might be getting close to returning, since the Cowboys decided to release Dixon on Wednesday, making room on the 53-man roster for veteran linebacker Quinton Caver. . . Henry leads the Cowboys with three interceptions and is tied for the team-lead with 42 tackles.
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November 1, 2005
The Cowboys re-signed a pair of former safeties in Tony Dixon and Lynn Scott, who teamed up to start all 16 games at strong safety a year ago. Both Dixon and Scott joined the Cowboys in 2001 and played four seasons each with the team. The Cowboys are obviously a bit concerned with the health status of Willie Pile, the team's nickel safety who suffered a groin injury in Sunday's win over the Cardinals. |
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October 27, 2005
Cowboys cornerback Anthony Henry is one of five players NFL writer Peter King features in this week's Sports Illustrated who have flourished with new teams this season. The other players include Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss, Titans defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, Bills quarterback Kelly Holcomb and Broncos punter Todd Sauerbrun. Henry, who left the Browns to sign a five-year deal with Dallas that included a $10 million bonus, has a team-high 10 pass breakups and is tied for the lead in tackles (35) and interceptions (2). |
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October 19, 2005
Cowboys cornerback Anthony Henry was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday, for his performance in last week's 16-13 win over the Giants. Henry led the team with seven tackles and four pass deflections, adding one interception and forcing a fumble, as the Cowboys held the Giants to their lowest scoring output of the season. Henry's third quarter interception was the first off New York quarterback Eli Manning since Sept. 11 and ended a Giants scoring threat at the Dallas 1-yard line. Henry forced a fumble later in the third quarter that was recovered by the Cowboys and led to a field goal attempt. The Dallas defense limited New York to 179 passing yards on the day. Henry becomes the second player to win an NFC award this season. Drew Bledsoe took the NFC Offensive Player of the Week award after the Cowboys defeated the Chargers in the season-opener.
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October 9, 2005
Quietly putting together a superb start to this season, Terence Newman had another strong performance Sunday. The third-year cornerback not only did a number on Terrell Owens, as did Anthony Henry and Aaron Glenn, but was active in the pass rush as well, recording his second career sack, dropping McNabb in the second quarter.
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September 29, 2005
Parcells said he expects to rotate his free safeties Sunday in Oakland in similar fashion to last week's game with the 49ers. While Keith Davis started for the third straight game, the Cowboys moved second-year pro Willie Pile onto the nickel defense, replacing Davis. But Parcells reiterates it's not a demotion for Davis, whom he considers one of his best special teams players. Pile joined the Cowboys just before the start of the regular season after he was released by the Chiefs.
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September 22, 2005
Head coach Bill Parcells said he would like to reduce Keith Davis' number of plays at free safety now that he is back on kickoff coverage and give more playing time to Willie Pile . . . Pile, who was signed Sept. 5 after being released by Kansas City, started five games for the Chiefs last season. He replaced Davis at free safety for two series against Washington.
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September 9, 2005
Second-year cornerback Bruce Thornton, released on Thursday to make room for the re-signing of Eric Ogbogu, cleared waivers on Friday. That means the Cowboys could decide to place Thornton on the team's practice squad, probably as early as Monday. When asked on Friday about the possibility of doing so, Parcells said the club had yet to decide. It would seem possible, though, since the Cowboys thought enough of Thornton to keep him as the sixth cornerback on the 53-man roster. Since Thornton was on the roster at the beginning of the week, he will collect a game check for Week 1. The Cowboys very well could sign him to the practice squad next week. Thornton, a fourth-round draft choice last year, missed the majority of his rookie season after tearing the ACL in his right knee Oct. 10 against the Giants in the only game he played. That makes him eligible for the practice squad. |
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September 4, 2005
As of Sunday night, the Cowboys have just two safeties on the roster in starters Roy Williams and Keith Davis. Among the final cuts, the Cowboys released both Lynn Scott, a nine-game starter last year, and veteran Rich Coady, along with Woody Dantzler. The Cowboys will likely add another safety to the roster before Sunday's season-opener in San Diego.
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August 30, 2005
Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells wouldn't outright name Keith Davis his starting free safety, but it seems to be a done deal. "I don't want to say that right now," Parcells said of Davis starting. "But he is improving every week. He has done a good a job. It's looks to be headed that way." Davis began camp behind Lynn Scott, who started nine games at safety alongside Roy Williams. But after a week into camp, Davis moved up with eh first team and hasn't looked back. The third-year pro from Sam Houston State has started all three preseason games, and has been impressive in delivering a few big hits on opposing receivers.
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August 25, 2005
Lance Frazier, who started eight games at right cornerback as a rookie last season, is being held out of practice while the Cowboys attempt to trade him, head coach Bill Parcells said Thursday. Nate Jones and Bruce Thornton are competing for the final cornerback spot, assuming the Cowboys keep only five. Frazier struggled as a stopgap starter last season, but appeared to be a strong candidate for the Cowboys' fourth corner spot when training camp began.
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August 19, 2005
The Cowboys bolstered their depth at cornerback this off-season by signing Anthony Henry and Aaron Glenn, but second-year veteran Jacques Reeves has emerged as the best fourth corner after an impressive camp. "He's gonna really have to drop off the cliff before he's not here," Parcells said. Parcells likes Reeves' versatility and has begun working him at safety on the nickel defense.
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August 10, 2005
Lynn Scott is getting most of the first-team reps at free safety, but Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells said Wednesday Keith Davis would start if the season began today. "He sure isn't going to play 30 special teams plays and 68 on defense," Parcells said of Davis, assuming he is named the starter. "There will be some kind of part of that. We will have to reduce it a little bit." . . . Derek Pagel, who was claimed off waivers by the Cowboys on Tuesday, practiced Wednesday wearing No. 37.
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August 9, 2005
The Cowboys claimed third-year safety Derek Pagel off waivers from the New York Jets on Tuesday. Pagel, a fifth-round pick in 2003, played in 19 games the last two seasons, recording 15 tackles with New York as a special-teams player. Head coach Bill Parcells has suggested he is unsure whether the team's eventual starting free safety is on the roster, so Pagel may have a chance to compete for the job here in camp. Pagel (6-1, 208) recorded 154 tackles and five interceptions in his four years at Iowa.
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August 9, 2005
While Jacob Rogers' shoulder injury does not appear as serious as first feared, his absence from the practice field Tuesday opened an opportunity for rookie left tackle Rob Petitti to work with the first team at right tackle. Petitti, a four-year starter on the left side in college at Pittsburgh, worked briefly at right tackle during the Cowboys' rookie mini-camp earlier this off-season. The fact the Cowboys preferred moving Petitti than using Torrin Tucker with the first team seems to be an ominous sign for Tucker, a 13-game starter last season. |
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August 6, 2005
Izell Reese worked with the second team at free safety during Saturday's scrimmage, moving up the depth chart because of an ankle injury to Lynn Scott. Scott, who played on a limited basis in the scrimmage and nearly made a diving interception on a pass thrown by quarterback Tony Romo, has been held out of many contact drills in practice the last few days after injuring his ankle on Aug. 3. Strong safety Justin Beriault practiced Friday but recently had fluid drained from his right knee and missed Saturday's scrimmage.
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August 1, 2005
Justin Beriault made the most of Monday morning's practice, drawing praise from both head coach Bill Parcells and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer after intercepting a pass and making several hard hits. But he still seems destined to back up Roy Williams on the strong side - unless, that is, if Parcells decides to move the rookie to free safety, where he would compete with Lynn Scott, Keith Davis and Izell Reese for the starting job. For the time being, though, it looks like Beriault will remain where he is. |
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July 31, 2005
Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells said he might use Terence Newman on punt returns now that the club has added cornerback depth with Anthony Henry and Aaron Glenn. Parcells has been hesitant to use Newman in the past for fear of losing his best corner, but Glenn gives the Cowboys a solid third corner.
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July 7, 2005
The Cowboys worked out veteran Damien Robinson again on Thursday and is considering signing the former Seattle Seahawk before the start of training camp later this month. Robinson spent most of last year on the Seattle injured list and has played eight seasons in the NFL. But Robinson not only has ties to former teammates Keyshawn Johnson, Aaron Glenn and Jason Ferguson, he also grew up in Dallas, having starred at Hillcrest High School.
This is the second time the Cowboys have worked out Robinson, but still have yet to offer him a contract. |
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June 8, 2005
The Cowboys signed veteran safety Izell Reese last Friday in a move that hopefully shores up the free safety position. The club was looking for some added depth to go along with Lynn Scott and Keith Davis. The Cowboys are also hoping rookie Justin Beriault can provide some help. Reese spent the last two years in Buffalo and the previous season in Denver, after four years with the Cowboys. Drafted in 1998, Reese started 12 games for the Cowboys at both safety positions. |
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April 29, 2005
The Cowboys added veteran cornerback Aaron Glenn, who played three seasons under Bill Parcells with the New York Jets. Glenn, who enters his 12th pro season, has 35 career interceptions and has made the Pro Bowl three times, including twice under Parcells. While Glenn said he expects to compete for a starting job, it's likely he will play more in the nickel defense, behind projected starters Anthony Henry and Terence Newman. |
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April 21, 2005
The Cowboys re-signed yet another restricted free agent on Thursday, signing cornerback Pete Hunter to a one-year tender offer of $656,000. Hunter, who missed the final 13 games of last season with a torn ACL in his left knee, underwent surgery to repair the torn ligaments, but is expected to be at full strength by the team's mini-camp in June, and certainly ready to go for training camp in Oxnard, Calif. at the end of July.
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February 25, 2005
The Cowboys re-signed cornerback Lance Frazier and guard Ben Noll to one-year contracts on Thursday. Both players were expected to be Exclusive Rights Free Agents, but instead of sending out a tender offer, the Cowboys just extended both players a one-year contract worth $305,000 in 2005. Frazier, who joined the Cowboys in mid-season from Baltimore, started eight of the last nine games at right cornerback, registering 33 tackles and two interceptions.
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December 29, 2004
Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells said he would like to give Keith Davis some game experience at safety next season, possibly this Sunday against New York. Davis has been a special teams standout this season, evidenced by his forced fumble late in fourth quarter against Washington. Davis forced Redskins punt returner Antonio Brown to cough up the ball with 2:33 left, giving the Cowboys possession at the Redskins 42-yard line.
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December 21, 2004
Head coach Bill Parcells was pleased with the performance of his secondary against the Eagles, and for good reason. Parcells said Terence Newman, who intercepted his third pass of the season and batted down two others, displayed much better technique in coverage. Safety Roy Williams also recorded an interception and had another one called back because of an illegal contact penalty on Dat Nguyen. |
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December 1, 2004
Cowboys safety Darren Woodson underwent surgery Tuesday to repair a tendon in his thumb, proof that the 35-year-old veteran was holding out hope for a potential return this season. Woodson, who will remain on the reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list, hasn't ruled out returning for a 14th season, but wants his body to heal before making a decision. Woodson has been inactive the entire season while recovering from off-season back surgery and sciatic nerve problem that affected the strength in his leg. Woodson's salary - he is scheduled to earn $3.5 million next season - might also factor into the Cowboys' decision to bring back their veteran safety. |
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November 22, 2004
Darren Woodson, the Cowboys' all-time leading tackler (1,350) and elder statesman at safety, will not practice this week as the window for his potential return from off-season back surgery continues to narrow. The Cowboys technically reinstated Woodson for practice Nov. 8 after the veteran safety spent the first six weeks of the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list while he recovered from July surgery to repair a herniated disk. Since the Cowboys declared him eligible to practice, they were given a three-week roster exemption, which expires Nov. 30. By then the Cowboys must either activate Woodson or place him on injured reserve for the season. Woodson has not been physically ready to return to the field since he became eligible for practice on Oct. 18. The surgery caused a problem in his sciatic nerve, the longest single nerve in the body that connects the spinal cord with the leg and foot muscles.
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November 13, 2004
The Cowboys placed Tyrone Williams on a waived/injured list Saturday, and will put the ninth-year pro on injured reserve if he clears waivers. With the extra roster spot, the Cowboys could call up one of their two cornerbacks from the practice squad in Lenny Williams or Jeff Sanchez, but if neither would be active against the Eagles Monday night, the club might wait to fill the 53rd roster spot. Williams was not expected to play Monday night against Philadelphia, after missing all week with a strained hamstring. In fact, since signing with the club more than six weeks ago, Williams had played only two full games, and just one series of a third game. Against the Lions on Oct. 31, Williams suffered the hamstring injury on the first possession of the game and never returned. |
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November 10, 2004
Tyrone Williams, who was inactive for last Sunday's 26-3 loss to Cincinnati, is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Eagles. Williams, who took over as the Cowboys' starting right cornerback shortly after signing with Dallas in late September, has been bothered by a strained hamstring he suffered in the first quarter of Dallas's 26-10 victory over Detroit . . . Rookie corner Lance Frazier earned his first career start against Cincinnati and recorded eight tackles. The Cowboys also rotated seventh-round pick Jacques Reeves with Frazier at right corner and used fellow rookie Nate Jones in the slot position on the nickel defense. |
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November 7, 2004
Safety Keith Davis, arguably the team's top special teams performer, suffered a hip flexor injury on the game's opening kickoff and could be out a while. Davis said he felt a pop and wasn't able to fully push off after the injury. He missed the final three quarters. The second-year safety said he will undergo an MRI Monday. "I don't know how long it's going to be," Davis said. "The trainers said it could be two or three weeks. I don't know. Man, I really want to get back out there."
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November 3, 2004
Cowboys rookie cornerbacks Lance Frazier and Nate Jones made surprise contributions in place of injured starter Tyrone Williams (hamstring) in last week's 31-21 victory over the Lions. Frazier, Jones, and seventh-round pick Jacques Reeves likely will get significant playing time again this week against Cincinnati, given the questionable status of Williams, who did not practice Wednesday . . . Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells said Frazier and Reeves would probably battle for the starting right cornerback spot if Williams is unable to play, while Jones would concentrate on working in the slot of the nickel defense. |
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October 27, 2004
Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells said safety Darren Woodson, who came off the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list Oct. 18, still isn't ready to begin practicing. The Cowboys have until Nov. 8 to allow Woodson back on the practice field, but once he returns, the team has an additional two weeks to decide whether to activate him or place him on injured reserve for the rest of the season. So technically, they can give Woodson another four weeks to get ready without impacting their 53-man roster. Woodson had surgery in July to repair a herniated disk and has been inactive the first six games.
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October 18, 2004
Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells said safety Darren Woodson, whose six-week period on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list ended Monday, is "absolutely not ready" to practice this week. Woodson missed the first six weeks of the season after undergoing off-season surgery to repair a bulging disk in his back. Woodson said he had targeted Sunday's game against Green Bay for his return . . . And although his second-year cornerback struggled against the Steelers, Parcells said he has not lost confidence in Terence Newman, who gave up several catches to the Steelers wide receivers Sunday.
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October 4, 2004
The Cowboys signed 31-year-old cornerback Tyrone Williams last week to bolster a thin secondary following Pete Hunter's season-ending knee injury against Washington. Williams, nine-year veteran, won a Super Bowl with Green Bay his rookie year (1996) and played 111 of 112 possible games in his seven years with the Packers. In six years as the Packers' starting right corner, Williams totaled 445 tackles and 19 interceptions. After being released by Atlanta in June - just one season after signing a five-year, $13 contract - Williams was not signed by another team and did not attend an NFL training camp . . . The injury to Pete Hunter had left Parcells with three rookies - fourth-round pick Bruce Thornton and seventh-round picks Jacques Reeves and Nate Jones - playing alongside second-year corner Terence Newman.
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September 28, 2004
Starting right cornerback Pete Hunter, coming off one of his best games of his career last week with a crucial second-half interception against Cleveland, is likely done for the season after suffering a knee injury early in Monday's win over Washington. Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said Hunter apparently tore an anterior cruciate knee ligament while making a cut trying to defend a pass, and appears lost for the remainder of the season. Jones said doctors were "90 percent sure" Hunter suffered an ACL tear, but they wanted to confirm their suspicions with an MRI on Tuesday . . . With Hunter out, the Cowboys are left with two seventh-round picks, rookies Jacques Reeves and Nate Jones, at the right cornerback and nickel back spots. |
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September 14, 2004
Stopping the Minnesota Vikings is something the Cowboys haven't done in quite some time, especially since Randy Moss has entered the equation. And Sunday was no different, as the Cowboys secondary struggled all afternoon to keep them in check. While Moss caught only four passes for 27 yards, two went for touchdowns. And the focus they put on him, left them vulnerable for the rest of Minnesota's arsenal . . . Third-year pro Pete Hunter gave up two touchdowns, while safety Tony Dixon, starting for an injured Darren Woodson (back surgery), gave up a 42-yard pass interference penalty trying to cover Moss . . . Even second-year pro Terence Newman struggled at times, giving up a pair of touchdowns to Moss on the goal line . . . Both Hunter and Dixon did record a sack. |
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September 5, 2004
The Cowboys placed Darren Woodson on PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) Friday, meaning the veteran safety will miss at least the first six weeks of the season, which will only be five games if Woodson returns for the Oct. 24 game in Green Bay. Woodson had back surgery on July 27 to repair a herniated disk in his lower back and the Cowboys just couldn't a definite answer on his return. For now, Tony Dixon will assume the starting duties, with Keith Davis and Lynn Scott as backups . . . The Cowboys kept six cornerbacks, including all three rookie draft picks -- Bruce Thornton, Nate Jones and Jacques Reeves . . . Parcells said Friday he expects Pete Hunter to start this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. |
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August 30, 2004
Cowboys tight end Tony Curtis all but locked up the third spot on the depth chart with yet another solid performance Thursday night in Minnesota. Curtis caught five passes for a team-high 44yards, including four balls on one scoring drive, that ended with his 5-yard touchdown pass from rookie Matt Moore. Curtis, who played in NFL Europa this summer, has distanced himself from the pack of Adam Bergen and Rodney Hannah and will likely fit as the third tight end behind Jason Witten and Anthony Fasano.
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August 22, 2004
The Cowboys gave up some big plays in the passing game, including an 89-yard touchdown pass from Kerry Collins to rookie Doug Gabriel, who had beaten cornerback Jemeel Powell early in the third quarter. Powell started the game ahead of Pete Hunter . . . Parcells said he wanted to see more of rookie Jacques Reeves, who did have three tackles, but gave up a 33-yard pass to Alvis Whitted . . . Both Hunter and Terence Newman were tested often on the deep ball, but both were in position and nearly came up with interceptions. |
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August 19, 2004
Cowboys safety Darren Woodson did some light jogging for the first time since his back surgery (July 27) to repair a herniated disk. Woodson ran on the practice fields before the afternoon practice, under the watchful eye of all three team trainers and a team doctor. Even head coach Bill Parcells, who was in the middle of his daily press conference, couldn't keep his eyes of his veteran safety. The Cowboys are still hoping Woodson will only miss one or two regular season games. |
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August 15, 2004
Cornerback Pete Hunter didn't get tested too often by the Texans Saturday night in the passing game. Hunter did have four tackles, including one big hit in the open field, forcing a fumble on Houston running back Tony Hollings. But the question if he can hold his own against the pass remains uncertain . . . Fourth-round pick Bruce Thornton was flagged for pass interference in the fourth quarter, resulting in 33 yards. But the rookie from Georgia made a nice play later in the game, deflecting a pass near the sideline . . . Rookie safety Steve Cargile, an undrafted free agent from Columbia, tied for the team lead with four tackles. |
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August 7, 2004
Darren Woodson was back with the Cowboys Saturday. The safety, who had back surgery about two weeks ago, showed up at training camp to begin his rehabilitation. He spent the morning practice mostly talking with head coach Bill Parcells and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer as his teammates went through a light practice. Woodson is expected to miss all of preseason and possibly the first regular-season game against Minnesota. Fourth-year safety Tony Dixon has been working in Woodson's place on the first team.
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August 3, 2004
With Darren Woodson out for all of training camp and possibly the first regular season game, the Cowboys are giving fourth-year safety Tony Dixon every opportunity to prove himself as a viable replacement. Not only is Dixon trying to ease the Cowboys' concern at safety, but also audition for himself, considering this is the final year of his contract.
Dixon is taking all of the first-team reps, while Keith Davis and Lynn Scott have both been working with the second-team . . . . . . At cornerback, Pete Hunter is also taking all of the first-team reps on the right side. Hunter, a third-year pro, has the size and speed, but just needs to play more, which is why the Cowboys are giving him plenty of reps. The only news about left cornerback Terence Newman is that he may be getting a look at wide receiver. The second-year corner has run routes with the receivers all summer, and ran some fly routes with the receivers at the end of Monday's practice. Head coach Bill Parcells didn't give a definite answer when asked about the move, which only legitimized the possibility. |
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July 27, 2004
Just one day after showing up late to training camp because of a brief contract holdout, outside linebacker Anthony Spencer found himself working with the first-team defense. With Greg Ellis still sitting out to rest his sore Achilles, Spencer worked as a strong-side linebacker, opposite of Pro Bowler DeMarcus Ware. Spencer said he was a little surprised to jump straight to the first-team, but the Cowboys are rather thin at that position behind Ellis and Spencer. Rookie free agent Alex Obomese and Junior Glymph have split time with the first unit when Ellis and Spencer were both out.
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July 26, 2004
Safety Darren Woodson will not be with the team for the opening day of camp for the first time since 1999. The 12-year veteran will undergo back surgery Tuesday, a procedure that quite possibly will sideline the five-time Pro Bowler through the season opener (Sept. 12 at Minnesota). And for now, Jones dismissed the idea of signing another safety.Woodson's absence would run through the season opener if out the full eight weeks. Therefore, the Cowboys might try to get through training camp with just Tony Dixon or Keith Davis, or possibly fourth-year pro Lynn Scott manning his safety position. Additionally, this injury creates an opportunity for Roy Williams, the other starting Safety from 2003, to assume a leadership role among a secondary that is very young. The Cowboys are hoping Woodson can recover in time to return to the starting lineup for the start of the season.
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June 16, 2004
Not since the days of Deion Sanders and Kevin Smith, has there been a year when the Cowboys have gone into training camp without some kind of question at cornerback. So don't expect defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer to be overly concerned about who ends up starting at right cornerback, a spot left open when Mario Edwards signed with Tampa Bay.
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| Cornerback |
| 20 |
Ball, Alan |
6-1 |
188 |
2 |
| 21 |
Jenkins, Mike |
5-10 |
198 |
2 |
| 29 |
Love, Jamar |
6-0 |
191 |
R |
| 41 |
Newman, Terence |
5-11 |
191 |
7 |
| 27 |
Rossum, Allen |
5-8 |
178 |
12 |
| 32 |
Scandrick, Orlando |
5-10 |
193 |
2 |
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| Safety |
| 26 |
Hamlin, Ken |
6-2 |
209 |
7 |
| 36 |
Hamlin, Michael |
6-2 |
213 |
R |
| 43 |
Sensabaugh, Gerald |
6-0 |
210 |
6 |
| 25 |
Watkins, Patrick |
6-5 |
218 |
4 |
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| Recent Reports |
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Offensive Line: June 25, 2008 |
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Offensive Line: June 19, 2008 |
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Defensive Line: June 17, 2008 |
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Defensive Line: June 11, 2008 |
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Quarterbacks: June 5, 2008 |
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Linebackers: June 4, 2008 |
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Defensive Backs: May 27, 2008 |
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Linebackers: May 23, 2008 |
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Offensive Line: May 14, 2008 |
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Defensive Backs: May 4, 2008 |
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