Eatman Blog
Nick Eatman's Personal Cowboys Blog
In the middle of an already-hectic Wednesday morning at Valley Ranch that included a schedule change, moving practice to the Carrollton’s Standridge Stadium because of the heavy rain in the area, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones held an impromptu press conference to discuss a variety of topics.
Here are some of the highlights:
· When asked what bothers him about the team, Jones pointed out depth on the offensive line, something he hopes remains a non-factor. And without singling out Ken Hamlin directly, Jones did say the Cowboys need more plays from the safety position. He later stressed the importance of missing Gerald Sensabaugh for the last game and a half.
· While he wouldn’t name the player or inquiring team, Jones did confirm that the Cowboys fielded a considerable offer Tuesday before the trade deadlines for one of their younger players. Jones said it was not a running back, but a player he felt the Cowboys needed to keep “right now.”
· Jones wouldn’t go as far to say Sunday’s win over Atlanta was a “must-win,” he did stress the importance of beating a good Falcons squad in front of the home crowd. “If we can prepare the way we should be prepared after (the bye) we should be prepared and we need to win.
· On a healthy front, the owner said Roy Williams will play against the Falcons and said Felix Jones looks “ready.” Jones said Felix has “had a lot of good movement out there Monday and didn’t get sore (Tuesday), so we feel really good about him.”
· One year later from the Roy Williams trade, Jones said the only disappointing aspect was last year, when Williams struggled to get in the flow of the offense and suffered a foot injury. But having a receiver “in his prime” and locked up for a years, is something that still excites Jones, especially if he Miles Austin continues to emerge like he hopes. But as for regrets on making the trade for Williams, Jones says he has none.
· Speaking of Austin, Jones would not confirm that Patrick Crayton has been replaced by Austin in the starting lineup. Frankly, he said the coaching staff or the team simply doesn’t have to make that announcement, so they won’t.
· With the team practicing at a local high school stadium yet again, Jones was asked if there are plans to build a new indoor facitly at Valley Ranch. He said there have been talks, but nothing definitive.
· He did confirm the club has continued its talks with DeMarcus Ware and his agent about a long-term contract. Jones said he still hopes to get a deal completed before the end of the regular season.
· And back to Sunday’s game with the Falcons – the first daytime game at Cowboys Stadium – Jones said it will be a Sunday morning decision whether to keep the roof open or close it off for the dome atmosphere. Jones said he sees positives in both scenarios.
Just a heads up on the note about Felx that I have bolded in Eatmans's article. Felix said that his knee felt much better but that there was still pain in there.
Felix Jones continues to practice, continues to improve, but stops short of saying he'll definitley be able to play Sunday against Atlanta.
"It's still there (pain in knee) a little bit, but if feels a lot better,'' Jones said after Wednesday's practice. "One day at a time is all I can do.''
Jones hasn't played since Week 3 against Carolina. If he does go against the Falcons, he said the brace he's wearing on his knee won't be a problem. How close is he to 100 percent?
"I'm getting there,'' Jones said. "That's all I can go by right now.''