Dallas Cowboys have concerns at safety
By CALVIN WATKINS / The Dallas Morning News
cwatkins@dallasnews.com
IRVING – There is more concern for the Cowboys at safety.
When Pro Bowler Roy Williams went out with a fractured right forearm in the Week 2 victory over Philadelphia, the Cowboys gave the starting job to Patrick Watkins.
But Watkins' health, his inability to recognize a coverage that led to a Redskins touchdown, and getting penalized as the 12th man on the field in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game could put his starting job in jeopardy.
"Anytime you lose a starter and a Pro Bowler player, you will lose some plays," coach Wade Phillips said.
The Cowboys were trailing when the defense stopped the Redskins on third down with 6:58 to play in the fourth quarter. But the defense was penalized for having 12 men on the field, which extended the drive for the Redskins. Watkins was not supposed to be on the field at the time. After the penalty, safety Courtney Brown took Watkins' place.
And Watkins is playing with a shoulder problem that could hamper him the rest of the season.
"Yeah, I am concerned," Phillips said. "We're checking on it. We're going to look at that this week and see how he is."
Watkins also made a critical mistake on the Redskins' first touchdown when he failed to pick up receiver James Thrash.
"No, we didn't make that play," Phillips said. "We could have made a different adjustment."
Williams is on target to return in two weeks, but if the Cowboys make another change they could go with Keith Davis or Brown.
As of now, Watkins remains the starter.
Jefferson suspended: Practice squad receiver Mike Jefferson was suspended four games by the NFL for violating the league's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances.
Jefferson will lose four weeks pay. He was called up to the active roster for the season opener at Cleveland and didn't play before he was cut and re-signed to the practice squad Sept. 10.
Jefferson had six catches for 69 yards in the preseason. A second failed test would lead to an eight-game suspension; a third violation results in a 12-month suspension.
Briefly: Several players, including Cory Procter, Tony Curtis and Julius Crosslin, attended a special screening with area children of the upcoming movie The Express, which chronicles Syracuse running back Ernie Davis, who became the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. ... The Cowboys were one of 27 teams taking part in NFL Day at the Movies, which ended Tuesday.
cwatkins@dallasnews.com
IRVING – There is more concern for the Cowboys at safety.
When Pro Bowler Roy Williams went out with a fractured right forearm in the Week 2 victory over Philadelphia, the Cowboys gave the starting job to Patrick Watkins.
But Watkins' health, his inability to recognize a coverage that led to a Redskins touchdown, and getting penalized as the 12th man on the field in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game could put his starting job in jeopardy.
"Anytime you lose a starter and a Pro Bowler player, you will lose some plays," coach Wade Phillips said.
The Cowboys were trailing when the defense stopped the Redskins on third down with 6:58 to play in the fourth quarter. But the defense was penalized for having 12 men on the field, which extended the drive for the Redskins. Watkins was not supposed to be on the field at the time. After the penalty, safety Courtney Brown took Watkins' place.
And Watkins is playing with a shoulder problem that could hamper him the rest of the season.
"Yeah, I am concerned," Phillips said. "We're checking on it. We're going to look at that this week and see how he is."
Watkins also made a critical mistake on the Redskins' first touchdown when he failed to pick up receiver James Thrash.
"No, we didn't make that play," Phillips said. "We could have made a different adjustment."
Williams is on target to return in two weeks, but if the Cowboys make another change they could go with Keith Davis or Brown.
As of now, Watkins remains the starter.
Jefferson suspended: Practice squad receiver Mike Jefferson was suspended four games by the NFL for violating the league's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances.
Jefferson will lose four weeks pay. He was called up to the active roster for the season opener at Cleveland and didn't play before he was cut and re-signed to the practice squad Sept. 10.
Jefferson had six catches for 69 yards in the preseason. A second failed test would lead to an eight-game suspension; a third violation results in a 12-month suspension.
Briefly: Several players, including Cory Procter, Tony Curtis and Julius Crosslin, attended a special screening with area children of the upcoming movie The Express, which chronicles Syracuse running back Ernie Davis, who became the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. ... The Cowboys were one of 27 teams taking part in NFL Day at the Movies, which ended Tuesday.
posted by The Gryphon at 7:33 AM
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