Cowboys hope Newman plays in opener
By TODD ARCHER
The Dallas Morning News
IRVING – Terence Newman's preseason is over, but Cowboys coach Wade Phillips expects the starting cornerback to be fine for the Sept. 9 regular-season opener against the New York Giants.
Newman has been bothered for the last two weeks by plantar fasciitis in his right foot and did not play last week vs. Denver. Veteran Aaron Glenn will replace Newman in the starting lineup Saturday at Houston.
"It's a little worse than we thought it was," Phillips said.
Newman was originally diagnosed with a bruised right heel, but after attempting to practice Tuesday, he was re-examined and it was determined he has plantar fasciitis.
"It is something he needs to stay off of," Phillips said, "so that's what we're going to do."
Newman is one of three regulars expected to miss the last two preseason games, joining receiver Terry Glenn (knee) and linebacker Greg Ellis (Achilles). The injury could also keep Newman from returning punts against the Giants and affect how many cornerbacks the Cowboys will keep on their 53-man roster.
Phillips said backups such as Jacques Reeves, Joey Thomas, Nate Jones and Alan Ball will see more time against the Texans and in the preseason finale against Minnesota.
"It just gives the other guys a chance to play and see who should be on the team, really, and who we could count on playing if we have somebody out, whether it's [Newman] or another corner," Phillips said. "We have some competition. I think it's real close between a lot of guys at cornerback. We can play those other guys against good competition."
Playing time: The bulk of the starters should play into the third quarter Saturday, but Phillips might hold back receiver Terrell Owens. However, Phillips wants tackles Flozell Adams and Marc Colombo, who only played two series vs. Denver, to play more.
"There is a certain amount of work for certain veterans that can play," Phillips said. "They know what to do. They've shown they know what to do, [so] you have to be careful to a certain extent. You can't overplay them. Each guy is an individual. You talk about Flo or Colombo, now they haven't played very much."
Kickoff coverage: In the preseason opener vs. Indianapolis, the Cowboys gave up an average of 29 yards per kickoff return. Against Denver, they allowed 22 yards per return.
The Cowboys are continuing to look at combinations on the different units before the final cuts, but special teams ace Keith Davis wants whoever is covering kicks to take it seriously.
"We've lost some guys, like [Ryan] Fowler from last year, but we've got a lot of guys back," Davis said. "Abe Elam, Miles Austin, Sam Hurd, we've got guys who can cover. We want to keep them under 20 yards on every kick."
Briefly: Fullback Oliver Hoyte (stinger) was to undergo a test after Thursday's practice to determine his availability for the Texans game, although Phillips does not believe Hoyte will play Saturday. Tight end Anthony Fasano, who re-injured his right shoulder vs. the Broncos, might also sit out, but he has practiced all week. ... Newly signed running back Arliss Beach is unlikely to play, but with Jackie Battle out with an ankle injury, Beach could see plenty of work Aug. 30 vs. Minnesota.
Silver and Blue are True!!!
The Dallas Morning News
IRVING – Terence Newman's preseason is over, but Cowboys coach Wade Phillips expects the starting cornerback to be fine for the Sept. 9 regular-season opener against the New York Giants.
Newman has been bothered for the last two weeks by plantar fasciitis in his right foot and did not play last week vs. Denver. Veteran Aaron Glenn will replace Newman in the starting lineup Saturday at Houston.
"It's a little worse than we thought it was," Phillips said.
Newman was originally diagnosed with a bruised right heel, but after attempting to practice Tuesday, he was re-examined and it was determined he has plantar fasciitis.
"It is something he needs to stay off of," Phillips said, "so that's what we're going to do."
Newman is one of three regulars expected to miss the last two preseason games, joining receiver Terry Glenn (knee) and linebacker Greg Ellis (Achilles). The injury could also keep Newman from returning punts against the Giants and affect how many cornerbacks the Cowboys will keep on their 53-man roster.
Phillips said backups such as Jacques Reeves, Joey Thomas, Nate Jones and Alan Ball will see more time against the Texans and in the preseason finale against Minnesota.
"It just gives the other guys a chance to play and see who should be on the team, really, and who we could count on playing if we have somebody out, whether it's [Newman] or another corner," Phillips said. "We have some competition. I think it's real close between a lot of guys at cornerback. We can play those other guys against good competition."
Playing time: The bulk of the starters should play into the third quarter Saturday, but Phillips might hold back receiver Terrell Owens. However, Phillips wants tackles Flozell Adams and Marc Colombo, who only played two series vs. Denver, to play more.
"There is a certain amount of work for certain veterans that can play," Phillips said. "They know what to do. They've shown they know what to do, [so] you have to be careful to a certain extent. You can't overplay them. Each guy is an individual. You talk about Flo or Colombo, now they haven't played very much."
Kickoff coverage: In the preseason opener vs. Indianapolis, the Cowboys gave up an average of 29 yards per kickoff return. Against Denver, they allowed 22 yards per return.
The Cowboys are continuing to look at combinations on the different units before the final cuts, but special teams ace Keith Davis wants whoever is covering kicks to take it seriously.
"We've lost some guys, like [Ryan] Fowler from last year, but we've got a lot of guys back," Davis said. "Abe Elam, Miles Austin, Sam Hurd, we've got guys who can cover. We want to keep them under 20 yards on every kick."
Briefly: Fullback Oliver Hoyte (stinger) was to undergo a test after Thursday's practice to determine his availability for the Texans game, although Phillips does not believe Hoyte will play Saturday. Tight end Anthony Fasano, who re-injured his right shoulder vs. the Broncos, might also sit out, but he has practiced all week. ... Newly signed running back Arliss Beach is unlikely to play, but with Jackie Battle out with an ankle injury, Beach could see plenty of work Aug. 30 vs. Minnesota.
Silver and Blue are True!!!
posted by The Gryphon at 9:28 AM
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