What's The Scoop:
The Cowboys completed contract negotations with their final two draft picks on Thursday.
You Should've Seen:
After practice Thursday morning the veteran defensive backs left their shoulder pads and helmets on the ground for the rookies to carry into the locker room. Safety Roy Williams was the first to strip down before signing autographs and the other vets followed suit, leaving the chore for newbies Alan Ball and Courtney Brown. Second-year safety Pat Watkins was glad to be rid of the responsibility, saying, "I'm gonna kind of miss it." Really? "No, not at all."
Who's Hot:
With the pads finally on, new right guard Leonard Davis can really shine. And as the biggest player on the field, Davis was ready to throw his 6-6, 354-pound frame around, mauling defenders going head-up against him all morning. On one play pulling right, Davis simply pushed at Bobby Carpenter, but that was enough force to knock the second-year linebacker on his back
Who's Not:
With Spencer now signed, Greg Ellis needs to get right and soon. Phillips said the MRI showed bursitis, so Ellis could be out for several more days, but all the time he misses gives Spencer an edge, and while Phillips keeps saying Ellis is the starter, that's not giving the veteran any comfort. Ellis said Wednesday because of Spencer's draft status, he thinks the rookie is already the starter at their position.
Injury Update:
LB Greg Ellis, Achilles tendon - could miss several more days (7/25).
LT Flozell Adams, knee scope - should return in next few days.
RT Marc Colombo, knee scope - out 1-2 weeks.
RB Alonzo Coleman, ankle - day-to-day.
WR Isaiah Stanback, foot/shin splints - could practice in next few days.
Missed Practice:
LB Greg Ellis (Achilles tendon)
LT Flozell Adams (knee scope)
RT Marc Colombo (knee scope)
RB Alonzo Coleman (ankle)
WR Isaiah Stanback (foot, shin splints)
LB Anthony Spencer (travel)
OT James Marten (had yet to agree to terms)
Returned to Practice:
(None)
Transactions:
OT James Marten, agrees to terms (7/26)
LB Anthony Spencer, agrees to terms (7/26)
LT Flozell Adams, placed on active PUP (7/25)
RT Marc Colombo, placed on active PUP (7/25)
RB Alonzo Coleman, placed on active PUP (7/25)
WR Isaiah Stanback, placed on active/non-football injury (7/25)
WR Isaiah Stanback, signed (7/25)
G Doug Free, signed (7/25)
K Nick Folk, signed (7/25)
FB Deon Anderson, signed (7/25)
DB Courtney Ball, signed (7/25)
DB Alan Ball, signed (7/25)
Wade's Best:
"We had one guy that it was his first time in five years not to get fined for coming in overweight. Now I'm not naming names. It wasn't me, wasn't the head coach." And when asked if he was susceptible to weight fines, Phillips quipped, "Well, Bill (Parcells) wasn't fined so I'm not going to be." - Phillips on the team's conditioning and whether he would fine himself for being overweight.
