By Drew Davison
ddavison@star-telegram.com
IRVING
The Dallas Cowboys’ defense is getting reinforcements next week.
Linebacker Rolando McClain and defensive end Greg Hardy will each be eligible to return Monday following their four-game suspensions to start the season. The Cowboys are expected to activate both, although they do not have to immediately.
“We anticipate those guys being back and ready to go,” coach Jason Garrett said on Friday. “You certainly have a plan for those guys to the extent that you can have a plan given what their circumstances are.”
Can’t wait for him to get back. He looks great. He’s a natural.
Sean Lee on fellow linebacker Rolando McClain, who returns from suspension next week.
The Cowboys face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, and then will have a stiff test against the New England Patriots in Week 5. Getting McClain and Hardy back in the mix will certainly help fortify a defense that started strong before struggling last week against Atlanta.
McClain, suspended for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, is a difference-making linebacker. He provided a physical presence for the unit last season, becoming arguably their best run stopper.
Garrett has been pleased with how Anthony Hitchens has filled McClain’s spot in the middle, but McClain has the ability to make a greater impact. McClain has been able to take part in meetings and work out at the Cowboys facility during his suspension.
“Can’t wait for him to get back,” linebacker Sean Lee said. “He looks great. He’s a natural. By next week, he’ll be ready to practice and be ready to go.”
Hardy hasn’t been able to take part in meetings or work out at the facility after being suspended four games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. Still, he is considered among the top defensive ends in the game.
Getting Rolando McClain and Greg Hardy back in the mix will certainly help fortify a defense that started strong before struggling last week against Atlanta.
Hardy played only the season opener last season for Carolina before being placed on the commissioner’s exempt list for a domestic violence incident in May 2014.
Hardy spent training camp and played in every preseason game for the Cowboys, though, and they have high hopes that he can return to his Pro Bowl level.
The coaching staff cannot have contact with Hardy, however, the medical staff is allowed to interact with Hardy.
Michael ready
Christine Michael insists he’s ready for whatever the Cowboys ask of him. That might include carrying the football Sunday.
Michael has worked with the starters in practice this week for the first time since the Cowboys acquired him in a trade with Seattle on Sept. 6.
“He’s done well. He’s working hard,” Garrett said. “I think he’s working hard mentally, but also technically on the practice field. There are a lot of things to like about him, and the biggest thing for a player coming in in the middle of the season is that he doesn’t have the background with us in the off-season and in training camp, so it takes them a little bit of time as we’re game planning for new opponents.
4 The last time the Cowboys carried four running backs on their 53-player roster, in 2013, they had four active on game day only six times.
“He doesn’t have that foundation. But he’s worked hard to get himself acclimated as quickly as he can.”
Although Joseph Randle finished with a career-high 87 rushing yards last week, 85 of them came on his first three carries in the first half. The Cowboys had minus-4 rushing yards in the second half.
Michael, who at 221 pounds, has a more physical style than the other backs on the roster, played in only 14 games with Seattle. He has 52 carries for 254 yards in his career.
The tricky part is getting four running backs and a fullback on the 46-player game-day roster. The last time the Cowboys carried four running backs on their 53-player roster, in 2013, they had four active on game day only six times.
Michael has never played special teams, though he has worked with the scout team unit since arriving in Dallas.
Briefly
▪ Saints coach Sean Payton said Friday that he expects Drew Brees to start against the Cowboys on Sunday night. The Cowboys were not surprised.
▪ Defensive end Jeremy Mincey (concussion) and left guard Ronald Leary (groin) were listed as probable. They are expected to play Sunday. Defensive end Randy Gregory (high ankle sprain) and wide receiver Dez Bryant (broken foot) are out.
▪ Tony Romo (broken collarbone) and Bryant are expected to make the trip to New Orleans with the team.
Read more here: McClain, Hardy preparing for return to Cowboys next week | The Star-Telegram
ddavison@star-telegram.com
IRVING
The Dallas Cowboys’ defense is getting reinforcements next week.
Linebacker Rolando McClain and defensive end Greg Hardy will each be eligible to return Monday following their four-game suspensions to start the season. The Cowboys are expected to activate both, although they do not have to immediately.
“We anticipate those guys being back and ready to go,” coach Jason Garrett said on Friday. “You certainly have a plan for those guys to the extent that you can have a plan given what their circumstances are.”
Can’t wait for him to get back. He looks great. He’s a natural.
Sean Lee on fellow linebacker Rolando McClain, who returns from suspension next week.
The Cowboys face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, and then will have a stiff test against the New England Patriots in Week 5. Getting McClain and Hardy back in the mix will certainly help fortify a defense that started strong before struggling last week against Atlanta.
McClain, suspended for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, is a difference-making linebacker. He provided a physical presence for the unit last season, becoming arguably their best run stopper.
Garrett has been pleased with how Anthony Hitchens has filled McClain’s spot in the middle, but McClain has the ability to make a greater impact. McClain has been able to take part in meetings and work out at the Cowboys facility during his suspension.
“Can’t wait for him to get back,” linebacker Sean Lee said. “He looks great. He’s a natural. By next week, he’ll be ready to practice and be ready to go.”
Hardy hasn’t been able to take part in meetings or work out at the facility after being suspended four games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. Still, he is considered among the top defensive ends in the game.
Getting Rolando McClain and Greg Hardy back in the mix will certainly help fortify a defense that started strong before struggling last week against Atlanta.
Hardy played only the season opener last season for Carolina before being placed on the commissioner’s exempt list for a domestic violence incident in May 2014.
Hardy spent training camp and played in every preseason game for the Cowboys, though, and they have high hopes that he can return to his Pro Bowl level.
The coaching staff cannot have contact with Hardy, however, the medical staff is allowed to interact with Hardy.
Michael ready
Christine Michael insists he’s ready for whatever the Cowboys ask of him. That might include carrying the football Sunday.
Michael has worked with the starters in practice this week for the first time since the Cowboys acquired him in a trade with Seattle on Sept. 6.
“He’s done well. He’s working hard,” Garrett said. “I think he’s working hard mentally, but also technically on the practice field. There are a lot of things to like about him, and the biggest thing for a player coming in in the middle of the season is that he doesn’t have the background with us in the off-season and in training camp, so it takes them a little bit of time as we’re game planning for new opponents.
4 The last time the Cowboys carried four running backs on their 53-player roster, in 2013, they had four active on game day only six times.
“He doesn’t have that foundation. But he’s worked hard to get himself acclimated as quickly as he can.”
Although Joseph Randle finished with a career-high 87 rushing yards last week, 85 of them came on his first three carries in the first half. The Cowboys had minus-4 rushing yards in the second half.
Michael, who at 221 pounds, has a more physical style than the other backs on the roster, played in only 14 games with Seattle. He has 52 carries for 254 yards in his career.
The tricky part is getting four running backs and a fullback on the 46-player game-day roster. The last time the Cowboys carried four running backs on their 53-player roster, in 2013, they had four active on game day only six times.
Michael has never played special teams, though he has worked with the scout team unit since arriving in Dallas.
Briefly
▪ Saints coach Sean Payton said Friday that he expects Drew Brees to start against the Cowboys on Sunday night. The Cowboys were not surprised.
▪ Defensive end Jeremy Mincey (concussion) and left guard Ronald Leary (groin) were listed as probable. They are expected to play Sunday. Defensive end Randy Gregory (high ankle sprain) and wide receiver Dez Bryant (broken foot) are out.
▪ Tony Romo (broken collarbone) and Bryant are expected to make the trip to New Orleans with the team.
Read more here: McClain, Hardy preparing for return to Cowboys next week | The Star-Telegram
