IRVING, Texas – The Cowboys have some issues at the punter position after veteran Brian Moorman injured his groin before Wednesday's practice. Chris Jones is still ailing with a left knee injury and is questionable to play this week.
It left the Cowboys scrambling for practice on Wednesday with place-kicker Dan Bailey having to serve as the fill-in punter. Don't forget Bailey had to punt twice last year with a 39.5 yard average when Mat McBriar went down.
Obviously against the Ravens in a game where field position will be vital, the Cowboys would like to have an experienced punter – and a healthy one, too.
It's likely Moorman won't be able to play this week, but the Cowboys are holding out hope for Jones, who suffered the injury against the Bucs on Sept. 23 when he was roughed by a Tampa Bay defender. The week before, he was hit by the Seahawks, who blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown.
Jones injury prompted the club to sign Moorman, who had a stellar debut against the Bears on Oct. 1, when he had two downed inside the 10-yard line. The 10-year veteran of the Bills was released two weeks ago and the Cowboys promptly signed him after realizing the nature of Jones' injury.
The injuries to both punters have also affected Bailey in the kicking game. Both Jones and Moorman have held for Bailey on place-kicks. So in practice this week, the Cowboys will have to work either Tony Romo or Kyle Orton. Romo has more experience in holding, and has served as the Cowboys' holder on three occasions during his career, including last year for Bailey.
