NFL won't reduce suspension; DT eligible to play Nov. 11
By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News
tarcher@dallasnews.com
IRVING - Tank Johnson is not exactly back, but he'll be allowed to practice with the Dallas Cowboys starting Friday.
The NFL did not reduce Johnson's eight-game suspension. However, the league cleared the defensive tackle to begin practicing. Johnson is eligible to return to game action Nov. 11 when the Cowboys play at the New York Giants.
Johnson officially applied for reinstatement last week.
The Cowboys signed Johnson to a two-year deal Sept. 18 after losing starting nose tackle Jason Ferguson for the season with a torn biceps. Johnson will earn a prorated portion of a $510,000 base salary this season and $605,000 next year. He can earn an extra $1 million in incentives in the second year.
Johnson has been able to work out at Valley Ranch for the last three weeks, but he has not had contact with coaches, per rules of his suspension.
The addition of Johnson will boost the Cowboys' defensive line. Starting nose tackle Jay Ratliff has played well, but there is concern the 298-pounder may wear down from playing so much. The inexperienced Remi Ayodele has served as Ratliff's backup.
In 46 games with Chicago, Johnson had 63 tackles and nine sacks, but he is not completely familiar with the Cowboys' 3-4 scheme. However, coach Wade Phillips has said he does not believe it will be hard for Johnson to pick up the scheme.
Johnson's ability has not been a question, but his off-field behavior has. But the Cowboys have been impressed with his work in the player development program under Bryan Wansley and Calvin Hill.
tarcher@dallasnews.com
IRVING - Tank Johnson is not exactly back, but he'll be allowed to practice with the Dallas Cowboys starting Friday.
The NFL did not reduce Johnson's eight-game suspension. However, the league cleared the defensive tackle to begin practicing. Johnson is eligible to return to game action Nov. 11 when the Cowboys play at the New York Giants.
Johnson officially applied for reinstatement last week.
The Cowboys signed Johnson to a two-year deal Sept. 18 after losing starting nose tackle Jason Ferguson for the season with a torn biceps. Johnson will earn a prorated portion of a $510,000 base salary this season and $605,000 next year. He can earn an extra $1 million in incentives in the second year.
Johnson has been able to work out at Valley Ranch for the last three weeks, but he has not had contact with coaches, per rules of his suspension.
The addition of Johnson will boost the Cowboys' defensive line. Starting nose tackle Jay Ratliff has played well, but there is concern the 298-pounder may wear down from playing so much. The inexperienced Remi Ayodele has served as Ratliff's backup.
In 46 games with Chicago, Johnson had 63 tackles and nine sacks, but he is not completely familiar with the Cowboys' 3-4 scheme. However, coach Wade Phillips has said he does not believe it will be hard for Johnson to pick up the scheme.
Johnson's ability has not been a question, but his off-field behavior has. But the Cowboys have been impressed with his work in the player development program under Bryan Wansley and Calvin Hill.
posted by The Gryphon at 6:46 PM
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