Numerous Cowboys pass on optional workouts

By CALVIN WATKINS / The Dallas Morning News

Numerous Cowboys players have not attended organized team activities the last two weeks, according to multiple sources.

The OTAs, as their called around the NFL, are voluntary, although some teams request their players to attend.

Starting wide receivers Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn have attended just one each the last two weeks, including none this week. There is one OTA on Friday.

Also, starting running back Julius Jones, Pro Bowl strong safety Roy Williams, veteran cornerback Aaron Glenn, nose guard Jason Ferguson and outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware have also missed several OTAs.

Under previous coach Bill Parcells, players rarely missed OTAs unless it was for an injury. Glenn didn't miss any OTAs with Parcells as the coach.

New coach Wade Phillips was unavailable for comment, but he has stressed to his coaching staff that he didn't want to wear down players who are in their 30s, such as Owens, Glenn and Ferguson.

Two weeks ago, Phillips said he thought his team was in good shape physically. Jones, who led the team in rushing last season, has missed off-season workouts, but Phillips excused it because the running back was in shape.