By Charean Williams
cjwilliams@star-telegram.com
IRVING —
Rolando McClain remains a no-show at the Cowboys’ organized team activities. Coach Jason Garrett said McClain continues to deal with a family situation in Alabama.
“We want all of our players here,” coach Jason Garrett said. “Sometimes situations come up where they have to deal with things. In each of those cases, it’s family situations. So we have to be respectful of that. We certainly want our players here. We believe in OTAs. We believe in the offseason program. It’s not a mandatory time, though. It’s a voluntary time. We try to be respectful of the situations they’re dealing with.”
Last week, Garrett had said he expected the starting middle linebacker back to Valley Ranch this week. On Wednesday, Garrett said the Cowboys are “hopeful” McClain returns next week.
McClain’s absence isn’t surprising considering his history.
He retired from football after three seasons in Oakland. After missing the 2013 season, McClain was traded from Baltimore to Dallas and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones talked McClain into returning. McClain missed most of the offseason program in 2015 after knee surgery, rehabbing in Alabama.
The former first-round pick missed the first four games of last season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
The Cowboys are hoping McClain returns next week.
“Every day in this league is precious to get,” Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli said Wednesday. “It’s precious. So much has been cut down, so every day is meaningful.”
McClain signed a one-year deal worth up to $5 million to return to the Cowboys. But the Cowboys drafted Jaylon Smith in the second round, with plans for him to take over the starting job next season.
cjwilliams@star-telegram.com
IRVING —
Rolando McClain remains a no-show at the Cowboys’ organized team activities. Coach Jason Garrett said McClain continues to deal with a family situation in Alabama.
“We want all of our players here,” coach Jason Garrett said. “Sometimes situations come up where they have to deal with things. In each of those cases, it’s family situations. So we have to be respectful of that. We certainly want our players here. We believe in OTAs. We believe in the offseason program. It’s not a mandatory time, though. It’s a voluntary time. We try to be respectful of the situations they’re dealing with.”
Last week, Garrett had said he expected the starting middle linebacker back to Valley Ranch this week. On Wednesday, Garrett said the Cowboys are “hopeful” McClain returns next week.
McClain’s absence isn’t surprising considering his history.
He retired from football after three seasons in Oakland. After missing the 2013 season, McClain was traded from Baltimore to Dallas and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones talked McClain into returning. McClain missed most of the offseason program in 2015 after knee surgery, rehabbing in Alabama.
The former first-round pick missed the first four games of last season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
The Cowboys are hoping McClain returns next week.
“Every day in this league is precious to get,” Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli said Wednesday. “It’s precious. So much has been cut down, so every day is meaningful.”
McClain signed a one-year deal worth up to $5 million to return to the Cowboys. But the Cowboys drafted Jaylon Smith in the second round, with plans for him to take over the starting job next season.
