Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray sidelined with hamstring injury during first OTA

Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray: ‘I’m going to play all 16’

A sprained left foot forced him to the sideline for six games last season. A fractured right ankle ended the Dallas Cowboys running backs rookie campaign prematurely. Now, Murray is bothered by a tweaked hamstring that forced him to miss the Cowboys first organized team activity Tuesday. We dont want to put any of those guys in a situation where theyre going to take a backwards step, head coach Jason Garrett said. Obviously you want them all out there, going 100 miles an hour. But you have to understand it is May 21, this is OTA 1, and we have a long way to go. So well take a conservative approach. Garrett then added, We anticipate to see him in the next few practices. Murray worked off to the side as did Joseph Randle, the rookie running back who was drafted in the fifth round last month and recently had surgery on his right thumb. Hamstring problems arent anything new for Murray. Before his first-ever NFL training camp, he suffered a similar type of injury that kept him out of commission for much of the preseason.

Cowboys’ DeMarco Murray calms injury fears: ‘I’m going to play all 16’

“That’s something I can’t control. I can’t control if anything happens,” Murray said. “All I can do is go out there, play hard, play fast, play physical. Once I’m out there, I don’t think there’s any question about anything.” Murray produces when he’s on the field, the problem for Dallas is that he’s not on the field that often. The third-year back ran for 663 yards in 10 games last season, a number that projects out to 1,061 yards over a 16-game season. Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant has no problem with Murray sitting out an OTA or two, “The thing about it is, we’re in OTA’s and we don’t want to get him out there when he’s not ready and something come’s up,” Bryant said. “We need him throughout the whole year.” Tight end Jason Witten seems to feel the same way, “I think it’ll be huge for us,” Witten said about having Murray available. “He’s a guy that plays hard and runs hard. He’s a dynamic back who can create a lot of things for you.

Spin Doctors: DeMarco Murray vs. Darren McFadden

Sports DeMarco Murray healed, ready to roll for Cowboys By Brad Biggs | National Football Post Thu, Jun 13, 2013 9:10 AM EDT Tweet 0 DeMarco Murray had durability questions coming out of Oklahoma in 2011 and hes missed nine games in the first two years of his NFL career. So, when a hamstring issue sidelined him earlier this offseason during OTAs, it was troubling for the Dallas Cowboys , at least on the outside looking in. But Murray pronounced himself fully healed in time for the teams mandatory veteran minicamp this week. I definitely feel like Im back to where I need to be , Murray said, according to Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News. But its still early. Im excited to continue to work hard and get to training camp. Thats good news for the Cowboys as Murray should be full go when the team opens training camp next month. He said he cant worry about being injured. I cant go out there thinking too much and getting a couple of the same things drilled in my head, Murray said. Ive got to go out there and make plays. Thats it. Hes also got to prove he can stay on the field. Follow me on Twitter: @ BradBiggs Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

According to Pro Football Focus RB metrics, he was the worst back in the league registering a -19.2 rating, nearly ten ticks below next lowest Chris Johnson. Puke. However, despite his sorrowful 2012 and oft-injured reputation, McFadden is primed for a McFabulous revival. Under the direction of newly installed offensive coordinator Greg Olson and finely mustachioed O-line coach Tony Sparano, the Raiders are scrapping last years zone-blocking system, reverting to a similar power gap set they followed two seasons ago. Recall McFadden racked his finest numbers three years ago in an identical system. That year over 13 games, DMC bulled his way to 1,664 total yards (5.2 ypc) and 10 touchdowns. He also notched the best breakaway percentage in the game (45.7) logging 17 runs of 15-plus yards while forcing 42 total missed tackles. His subsequent 17.3 fantasy points per game ranked top-five. With a decent offensive line in place, an output in range of that this year isnt farfetched. Also keep in mind, the 26-year-0ld, whose career has reached a fork in the road, is in a contract year.

DeMarco Murray healed, ready to roll for Cowboys

Murray said Tuesday after practice that he plans to get back on the field for the Cowboys on Wednesday and “do a little bit.” Murray wasn’t specific when asked when he injured his hamstring, saying, “Not too long ago.” “I just kind of tweaked it a little bit so I’m just trying to be smart about it,” Murray said. “I’m taking it slow and not trying to push it. We don’t have a game this weekend, so I’m trying to make sure I’m smart and let this thing heal up.” A TV news reporter then asked Murray how concerned he was with his injury history, saying that he knows he’s injury-prone. Murray has missed nine games in his first two seasons with the Cowboys because of injuries. “I’m not concerned at all. I wouldn’t say I’m injury-prone, not at all,” Murray said. “Things just happen. This isn’t something I’m worried about. I’m just trying to be smart about it. There’s not a game this weekend, so I’m just slowly but surely making sure I’m doing the right things to stay on the field and it came up. Do a little bit and move on from it.” Though he’s rolled his eyes in the past when the subject has come up, Murray said he’s not bothered when people say he’s injury-prone.

DeMarco Murray vows to play all 16 games for Cowboys

If he can put together a full season for Dallas, it should be a big boost for the Cowboys offense. 22 Responses to DeMarco Murray vows to play all 16 games forCowboys commonsensedude says: May 29, 2013 12:52 AM Thats cool that he already knows that they are only going to play in 16 games this year. petezjunior says: May 29, 2013 12:57 AM Dont say that and jynx your team. Just get out on the field and do your job. bennyb82 says: May 29, 2013 1:12 AM This is funnyonly because he thinks there are only 16 games to be played. Give him credit thoughat least he did not guarantee a super bowl. May 29, 2013 1:20 AM 16 is right, no playoffs for the cowboys May 29, 2013 1:33 AM 16 games? Guess the boys know theyre not going to the playoffs May 29, 2013 2:16 AM Better see if you can practice without getting injured first, DeMarco! hurricane73 says: May 29, 2013 3:03 AM I bet DeMarcos vision of this would be much higher than Vegas odds of it actually happening! May 29, 2013 3:58 AM Yes sir.

DeMarco Murray excited to welcome Joseph Randle into the Dallas Cowboys family

Is Murray going to take it easy Demarco Murray Jersey Sale on the rookie and not give him a hard time about attending a rival school? Well push it to the side for now, Murray said. But Im sure once that game comes around well talk a little bit and hopefully well make a friendly wager, so well see what happens. Randle, a fifth-round selection, is the front-runner for the spot behind Murray but hell have competition from Lance Dunbar and Phillip Tanner, two backs who competed behind Murray and Felix Jones last season. With Jones out of the picture, the Cowboys have a lot of carries up for grabs. Im excited for the new kid, Murray said. Im excited for Lance Dunbar and Phillip Tanner, two great running backs. Those guys have definitely worked hard and have definitely earned themselves a shot at playing time next year. So, Im excited to see what Garrett and our offense does this year. Murray, who has missed nine games over his first two seasons with the Cowboys because of injuries, added that hes not concerned with the number of carries hell receive during the upcoming season. Murray says hes more focused on just getting on the field. Getting carries or catches doesnt matter to me, Murray said.

Cowboys change mind on Long

Dallas Cowboys News & Notes: Sapp Endorses DeMarcus Ware, Red Zone Woes, More

NEED SOME? GET SOME Feed your NFL addiction! Come feast on all the news in our updating blog . The signing of Long on Tuesday came five days after Dallas released defensive end Anthony Hargrove, one of the players suspended in the New Orleans bounty scandal. Long was a seventh-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs last year and spent most of the season on their practice squad. Jacksonville signed Long before the season finale in 2012, but he didn’t play. The Jaguars released him in April, and he was on Dallas’ tryout roster for rookie minicamp. Long had 163 tackles and nine sacks in four seasons at San Diego State.

Patriots’ Tim Tebow: Growing up, I ‘loved’ the Dallas Cowboys and Emmitt Smith was ‘one of my heroes’

Free safety between Will Allen, Matt Johnson and J.J. Wilcox. This one is wide open. Allen is the experienced veteran brought in for insurance because he is a career backup. Johnson was injured as a rookie last year and remains unknown and unproven. Wilcox is a 2013 third-round pick who has been quite impressive in OTAs and minicamp, but is very raw as he played just one season of safety in college after moving over from receiver. FRANCHISE PLAYER: LB Anthony Spencer (tendered at $10.627 million; signed tender March 12). TRANSITION PLAYER: None. UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers) –CB Michael Coe (not tendered as UFA).

The guy’s so dominant he could get to the quarterback four times in a game, but his team still could get beat 34-7.” 2012 Red Zone Performance: Quarterbacks – ColtsAuthority.com If you woke up today with a bounce in your step; if you’ve stopped to smell the flowers today; if you’ve patted a dog, helped a grandma across the street or if you are so happy you just started clapping your hands or stomping your feet, then read this article. You’ll be your old grumpy self again in no time once you’ve seen the numbers about the Cowboys’ red zone troubles. And there are many … Coaches Faith In D-Line Even More Evident Now – Rowan Kavner, DallasCowboys.com After the Cowboys passed on Floyd in the draft and now passed on signing Israel Idonije (signed by the Lions), Kavner deduces that the coaches have a lot of faith in the current defensive line personnel. And Monte Kiffin seems to agree: Theres a lot of competition, no doubt about it there is, and theres no doubt thats probably where our depth is right now, is with our defensive line, Kiffin said. What recent history says about Cowboys’ 11-win optimism – Mike Fisher, FoxsportsSouthwest.com Fisher looks at Bryan Broaddus’ prediction of an 11-win season and argues that the 11-win mark may be particularly hard to reach in the NFC East, where not a single team has achieved that feat in the last three years. But he offers some hope as well: “Cowboys fans, you want some optimism to buoy you, to allow you to join Witten and Broaddus in their feel-good outlooks? Four years ago, an NFC East team actually won the division with those almost-impossible-to-get 11 wins. That team? Your Dallas Cowboys.” Fact: People have wanted to punch Jim Harbaugh for nearly five decades – Sacramento Bee So it’s not just me …

Cowboys position series: Tight ends

Wide receiver Dez Bryant or running back DeMarco Murray ? Both of them picked Murray, and I think I agree. As you know if you read me regularly, I think Bryant is coming into his own as an absolute monster and will continue to develop as one of the top wide receivers in the NFL. I think he’ll continue to be Tony Romo ‘s favorite target and put up huge numbers in the Cowboys’ passing game. But as Tim and Darren both assert in the clip there, a healthy and productive Murray would help everyone else on the offense. He’d help the offensive line. He’d help Romo. He’d probably help Bryant be even more fantastic than he was over the second half of last season. Can the Cowboys score points if Murray is in and out of the lineup again due to injury?

More important Cowboy: Dez or DeMarco?

I love the Gators. I love Emmitt Smith, and Emmitt Smith went on to be Cowboy so I always followed the Cowboys. I loved him. I loved watching him play. I never got to meet him. I always looked up to him, and I always loved the Cowboys and we were playing in my junior year in the national championship in Miami and we had just gone on a 13-play drive and I had probably ran the ball eight or nine times on this drive as hard as I possibly could so I was exhausted and after we scored, I was in the end zone going crazy, getting the crowd hyped so I come over jogging to the sideline and I was so excited and I got on a knee. I really wasnt Tebowing, I just couldnt breathe. I got on a knee and kind of set my helmet down, and it rolled away so I kind of leaned over to grab my helmet and all of a sudden, I see this blinged out cuff link grab my helmet so I started to lean back, and I see Emmitt Smith with my helmet, and he sticks it my chest and says go get them. Youve got 20 more minutes. Finish this thing. I was like whats up Emmitt Smith. Its like two plays later, Ahmad Black got an interception, and Im jogging back on the field, and Im like Percy (Harvin) did you see that?

Dallas Cowboys Rhythm & Blue Dancers 2013-14 roster announced

Camp competition: Escobar isnt just going to be given the No. 2 tight end role. Hell have to beat out Hanna, and thats far from a guarantee. Late free-agent addition Dante Rosario and fullback Lawrence Vickers, who missed offseason workouts after undergoing back surgery, are probably competing for a roster spot. The Cowboys are seriously considering phasing out the fullback position, although theyd have to figure out a way to fill the lead-blocker role in short-yardage situations. Fullback has been a part-time position, with Vickers averaging less than 20 snaps per game last season. Rosario has an edge over Vickers for two reasons not related to the Valley Ranch tight-end craze. First, Rosario has proven himself capable of being a special teams contributor while playing for new special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia the past two seasons in San Diego. Rosario had five tackles, a fumble recovery and a blocked punt on special teams for the Chargers last season.

Team Report – DALLAS COWBOYS

Dallas Cowboys Rhythm & Blue Dancers 2013-14 roster announced Posted 8:52pm on Wednesday, Jun. 26, 2013 Wednesday, Jun. 26, 2013 Wednesday, Jun. 26, 2013 JAY BETSILL Fort Worth Star-Telegram The Dallas Cowboys , in partnership with Miller Lite, have selected 17 ladies to represent them this season at Cowboys Stadium as the 2103-14 Rhythm & Blue Dancers . America’s Team introduced the high energy hip-hop dance team, break crew and drum corps in 2009 when they moved into Jerry Jones’ $1.2 billion palace in Arlington. The Rhythm & Blue Dancers, conceptualized by Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President of Brand Management Charlotte Anderson, is the first of its kind in the NFL. Over 65 ladies auditioned for the team. Dancers traveled to DFW from Florida, Tennessee, Oklahoma and even Osaka, Japan for the chance to be a part of the innovative team that entertains the plazas before each game and performs during the games from their elevated platforms in the west end view website zone. The DC R&B Dancers audition process officially began on April 13th at Valley Ranch and consisted of three rounds; preliminaries, semi-finals and finals, which were held on April 25th at the Draft Day Party at Cowboys Stadium. Following a month-long training camp with 22 finalists, the final roster was selected. The 2013-14 squad consists of nine veterans and eight rookies with dance experience including the world-famous Kilgore Rangerettes, dance teams at Florida State University, Clemson and SMU, the CHL’s Allen American Ice Angels and the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks. The 2013-14 Dallas Cowboys Rhythm & Blue Dancers are Mateya Jackson, Kara Robinson, Christen Ancona, Stevee Lynch, Amy Yowell, Arianna Thompson, Jessica Stewart, Jessica Teague, Kendra Dorsey, Melody Woodard, Miranda Jones, Sammi Paradice, Antonese Curry, Brittany Robinson, Britanni Richards, Maya Robinson and Danielle Theiss.

Dallas Cowboys News & Notes: Callahan as Playcaller, DeMarco Murray’s Health, More

DeMarco Murray excited to welcome Joseph Randle into the Dallas Cowboys family

Those four years he was with the Ravens , he gave all the runs. The six years he was with the Raiders, two years with (Jon) Gruden and two years by himself, he called all the runs. When he became the head coach, he called the passes too. I think from that standpoint, we had one of the best offenses in the league that year. ” Nate Newton: Why Tim Tebow would’ve made more sense for Cowboys than Vince Young – DMN In an appearance on KESN-FM last week, Nate Newton was put on the spot by being asked what he thought of Vince Young and then being asked who he’d pick between Young and Tebow if he had to choose. Newton obliged and answered that Vince Young is “about done,” and that Tim Tebow could at least “maybe play special teams.” Damned with faint praise. Troy Vincent: Many NFL rookies last just three years – NFL.com The NFL Rookie Symposium kicked off Sunday in Cleveland with the goal of teaching young http://www.parkwolfpackfootball.com/nfl/tonyromojersey.html players valuable lessons and making sure they are prepared for the NFL and life after football. The latter is particularly important, as the harsh reality is that less than half the rookies in each draft class last more than three years in the NFL, according to NFL vice president of play engagement Troy Vincent : “Of the drafted rookies, less than half will still be around three years from now. That doesn’t mean life stops; it better not. While we are introducing them to the NFL, we’re also talking about life after football.

DeMarco Murray’s injury issues continue for Cowboys

He hopes to return Wednesday, but it’s not the type of start that inspires confidence Murray can shake the injury bug that has marred each of his first two seasons in the NFL. Murray is confident this is the year he proves himself to be a durable featured back, skeptics be damned. “That’s something I can’t control,” Murray said, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “I can’t control if anything happens. All I can do is go out there, play hard, play fast, play physical. Once I’m out there, I don’t think there’s any question about anything.” ” I am going to play all 16 (games) this year , and I’m excited,” Murray said. “It’s going to be a great year for us.” Murray didn’t specify if his confidence is based on a good feeling or because of changes to his approach or offseason training plan. “DeMarco, he’s going to be good,” wide receiver Dez Bryant said. “The thing about it is, we’re in (organized team activities) and we don’t want to get him out there when he’s not ready and something comes up. We need him throughout the whole year. Not only for DeMarco but for every player, we don’t want to rush anybody.

DeMarco Murray: I’ll play in all 16 Cowboys games

Then again, Murray actually has to return. Brandt: Cowboys will win NFC East Gil Brandt lists 10 reasons to think Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys will dramatically improve their fortunes in 2013. More … ESPNDallas.com reported Tuesday that the third-year pro will miss at least part of organized team activities this week with a hamstring injury. Last week, Cowboys coach Jason Garrett called the injury “minor.” (Murray also sat out those sessions.) We tend to avoid reporting on muscle pulls in May. But Murray has lost the benefit of the doubt after missing nine total games and countless practices during the last few years. Even when he was healthy enough to suit up, Murray often was missing practices and battling injuries. Durability is a skill at running back. Murray hasn’t shown he possesses that skill, and his style of running doesn’t exactly help his chances.

The Cowboys defeated the Steelers 27-24. Hes definitely a quality running back, coming from Oklahoma State, theyve always been known for great running backs, Murray said Wednesday before participating in a home run derby at Rangers Ballpark with eight of his teammates and Cowboys coach Jason Garrett. Im excited to bring him in the family and get after it a little bit and help him out as much as we can. It was a little surprising to hear Murray praise Oklahoma State. Murray, who played at Oklahoma, and Dez Bryant, who played at OSU, occasionally talk a little trash to each other about the rivalry in the Valley Ranch locker room. Is Murray going to take it easy on the rookie and not give him a hard time about attending a rival school? Well push it to the side for now, Murray said. But Im sure once that game comes around well talk a little bit and hopefully well make a friendly wager, so well see what happens. Randle, a fifth-round selection, is the front-runner for the spot behind Murray but hell have competition from Lance Dunbar and Phillip Tanner, two backs who competed behind Murray and Felix Jones last season. With Jones out of the picture, the Cowboys have a lot of carries up for grabs. Im excited for the new kid, Murray said. Im excited for Lance Dunbar and Phillip Tanner, two great running backs.

DeMarco Murray healed, ready to roll for Cowboys

PODCAST Glenn “Stretch” Smith and Matt Mosley talk about their time at Day 2 of Cowboys minicamp and discuss Monte Kiffin’s defensive principles and his growing relationship with the players. Listen I definitely feel like Im back to where I need to be, Murray said. With the Cowboys wanting to run more in 2013, Murray is the key and he has to stay healthy. A foot injury kept him out of six games last year. He missed three games as a rookie with a fractured ankle. Murray has led the Cowboys in rushing his first two seasons (897 yards as a rookie, 663 in 2012) but he has only had 325 carries. He knows there is plenty to work on in his game. I just need to continue to play hard, Murray said. I may not do all the work right and may get sloppy here and there, but I need to continue to make plays.

DeMarco Murray: ‘Back to where I need to be’

Sports DeMarco Murray healed, ready to roll for Cowboys By Brad Biggs | National Football Post Thu, Jun 13, 2013 9:10 AM EDT Tweet 0 DeMarco Murray had durability questions coming out of Oklahoma in 2011 and hes missed nine games in the first two years of his NFL career. So, when a hamstring issue sidelined him earlier this offseason during OTAs, it was troubling for the Dallas Cowboys , at least on the outside looking in. But Murray pronounced himself fully healed in time for the teams mandatory veteran minicamp this week. I definitely feel like Im back to where I need to be , Murray said, according to Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News. But its still early. Im excited to continue to work hard and get to training camp. Thats good news for the Cowboys as Murray should be full go when the team opens training camp next month. He said he cant worry about being injured. I cant go out there thinking too much and getting a couple of the same things drilled in my head, Murray said. Ive got to go out there and make plays. Thats it. Hes also got to prove he can stay on the field.

Team Report – DALLAS COWBOYS

Romo said he doesn’t feel it. “Pressure and fear are all just in your own brain,” he said. “To me, it’s nothing more than you going out and your competing you’re butt off every day and trying to win everyday. So I don’t allow what outside influences affect my psyche or what my mental makeup is. It’s about this room, this team and how I’m going to get myself and my teammates ready to play. Outside influences don’t directly affect how your emotional state is.” When you think about the 2012 season for Romo, you smile about the final eight games of the season during which he went 5-3 with 18 touchdown passes and six interceptions. But there’s the loss in the regular season finale at Washington that stings. You also look at consecutive losses to the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons in which he threw just two touchdown passes and four interceptions. There was the four-interception game against the Giants in which Romo threw for 437 yards on 62 pass attempts. Of course, when the season ended, Romo ranked in the top ten in quarterback rating (10th), yards (third), touchdowns (sixth), completion percentage (fifth) and attempts (third). But the other Romo had him finished tied for the league lead in interceptions at 19, and he’s now 1-6 in win-or-go-home games.

Romo blows lead in 9th as Braves edge Giants 6-5

He said he will be ready to go for camp. “I wish it was tomorrow,” Randle said. “I’m just going to have a little brace on there, but I’m going to be good to go (after getting the cast removed).” The Cowboys drafted Randle to back up DeMarco Murray. Murray has missed nine games with injuries in his two seasons. Dallas knew when it selected Randle that he would not be ready until training camp, but Randle has spent the offseason staying in shape and getting “mental reps.” He weighs 207 now, up from 198 last season, and expects to play at that weight. “It is what it is,” Randle said of his injury. “All you can do is be your best. All I can do right now is work out and mentally be ready and know the plays and stuff like that. So I’ve just got to do what I can right now and continue to learn each day.” –Quarterback Kyle Orton has taken every first-team snap in OTAs and minicamp in place of the injured Tony Romo , who is recovering from back surgery. “I’m trying to make the most of it,” Orton said.

Tony Romo to reporters ‘You guys just don’t matter’

While Romo talked to reporters who wanted to know more about an offseason that saw him get a seven-year, $119.5 million contract in March, he dissed them a little, too. “Not to be rude, but you guys just don’t matter,” Romo told those reporters on Tuesday, per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram . Tony Romo says in the end, the opinion of media members won’t affect the only thing that counts—the game. (AP Photo) Soon after, Romo clarified his position to say that he’s not affected by how he’s covered and how much attention he receives, and it’s “just stuff” that comes with playing the highest-profile position on the NFL’s highest-profile team. “I know you guys all have a job to do, and it helps grow the game and there’s a lot of talk about the game, and it’s a wonderful aspect of it,” he said. “But good (or) bad, none of it matters. It’s going to be played out on the field. No matter what, we’re going to have to open up the football season against the New York Giants, and whether you said great things or whether you guys may have said the Cowboys are whatever—the best ever, the worst ever, they can’t ever, they can—it doesn’t matter. You’ve still got to show up, and you’ve got to play.” Romo, coming off April surgery that removed a cyst from his back, isn’t practicing for what the team deemed as a “precautionary” measure. The Cowboys are protecting their investment, and considering how much Romo was just paid—including $55 million guaranteed—the continued intense media scrutiny is a small price to pay.

Tony Romo: I’ve been running and throwing, I’ll be ‘full speed’ by next week

Updated: June 14, 2013 at 08:53 p.m. Friend(s) Email More Columns > Tony Romo wasn’t in pads during this week’s mandatory minicamp with the Dallas Cowboys , but he was plenty busy with a second job: The veteran quarterback has taken on a coaching role of sorts. As part of the monster six-year, $108 million contract extension Romo signed in March, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones asked his signal-caller to spend “Peyton Manning-type time” at the team facility, digging into the offense and helping to formulate game-planning. So far, so good. “We talked to him very specifically in the beginning of the offseason, that we wanted more of that from him,” coach Jason Garrett told reporters Thursday. “I think he’s embraced the role, I think any quarterback would. And he has a real natural leadership style, where guys listen to him. They certainly respond to his play, but also his demeanor. And that’s a real positive thing for our football team.” The Cowboys also paid Romo to suit up, something he hasn’t done this offseason because of an operation in April to remove a cyst from his back . He was seen throwing passes at this week’s minicamp and he’s expected to be 100 percent by training camp.

The Dallas Cowboys quarterback hasn’t been participating in off-season activities because he is still recovering from an April surgery to remove a cyst from his back. “I feel good. Just being smart,” Romo said Tuesday. “We could go this week but it looks like the training staff guys just want to be cautious, take it back a couple days after and then start up full speed next week.” Romo said he has been running on a treadmill and throwing. During that time, he said there haven’t been any signs that he isn’t ready to return and the procedure hasn’t affected his throwing motion. “I think more than anything, I feel ready to go,” Romo said. “I think as a player you’re always trying to push through, but this time of year it’s intelligent to really be patient with it. Anytime you go through anything like that, be smart and make sure you don’t do anything dumb.” During organized team activities and the first day of mini camp, Romo has been limited to observing off to the side and sharing his knowledge with players. So, what’s the biggest thing he’s missing out on? “More than anything, just the reps in general,” he said.

Garrett: Romo’s ’embraced’ heightened leadership role

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel (2-1) struck out Hunter Pence to end the ninth with runners on first and second. Pence drove in two runs. Pinch-hitter Gregor Blanco led off the ninth with a single off Kimbrel, but he was thrown out trying to steal second base. Replays indicated Blanco may have beat the tag. The call proved important because Blanco would have scored from second when Tony Abreu doubled for his third hit. Gaudin gave up four runs on eight hits in five-plus innings. Pence had a run-scoring single in the Giants’ three-run third inning and a sacrifice fly in a two-run fifth. Braves starter Mike Minor gave up five runs, four earned, on seven hits and a walk in six innings. San Francisco relievers Jean Machi, Javier Lopez and Jeremy Affeldt combined for three scoreless innings before Romo gave up two runs, one earned, on two hits and two walks. B.J.

Romo not practicing, but still very involved

He was in the draft room going over prospective draft picks. And during minicamps, as he was in OTAs, he is on the field with the coaches as they call the offense. “We’re just putting together some ideas that we love,” Romo said of his involvement in game planning. “I feel strongly about certain things that are going to help us. It’s just a bunch of guys going to work every day and figuring out ways to be better as a football team,” he said. “Lot of different capacities for players and coaches all the way up, so it’s exciting.” Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said Romo’s increased involvement was a collective and deliberate decision by the entire organization and a natural evolution for Romo who he called a gym rat. “Tony is very involved in what we are doing and has been for many years,” Garrett said. “But we made the decision early in the offseason prior to signing Tony to really say, ‘Hey Tony, we want you to get more involved.’ We want to be very deliberate from an organizational standpoint to do that. He has certainly embraced that. Tony is a gym rat, always has been. He is always around this place.

Center position doesn’t bother Tony Romo

“I had to focus. We were still in the game. Although they tied the game we still had an opportunity to keep playing. You got to dig down deep right there and stay focused.” Romo threw Freeman two sliders — one ball and one strike — before trying to sneak a fastball past the big first baseman. The left-handed hitting Freeman turned on the pitch, lining the game-winning single to right field. “I just put my foot down and swung when I saw the ball,” Freeman said. “I don’t look for anything. I just put my foot down and swing and hope for the best.” Romo took his third blown save in 19 opportunities. Braves closer Craig Kimbrel (2-1) struck out Hunter Pence to end the ninth with runners on first and second.

For more on the Cowboys’ minicamp visit: Blogging the Boys Romo had minor surgery to remove a cyst from his back in April, and he had hoped to be back in time for the offseason minicamp. However, the Cowboys would rather be safe than sorry when it comes to the health of the most important piece to their offensive puzzle. After his surgery, Romo told David Moore of the Dallas Morning News that he would definitely be ready for training camp in July. Whether or not that’s true, we’ll have to wait and see. The three-time Pro Bowler is coming off an up-and-down season. In 2012, Romo completed 65.6 percent of his passes for 4,903 yards — a personal best — and 28 touchdowns. But, he threw 19 interceptions, and his 90.5 QB rating was the lowest of his career. The Cowboys’ minicamp is set to begin Tuesday. More from SB Nation:

Tony Romo not worried about rankings

It’s going to be played out on the field, no matter what we’re going to do we have to open up the football season against the New York Giants and whether you said great things or whether you said the Cowboys are whatever, they’re the best ever, the worst ever, they can’t ever, they can, it doesn’t matter. You still have to show up and you got to play. The biggest beef with Romo people have is his record in the playoffs, when he and the Cowboys actually make it, which currently stands at only one win to three losses, often having terrible games (like in 2009 against the Minnesota Vikings) that go hand in hand with the Cowobys’ painful exits. Every year seems like the last chance for him to prove he can carry this team forward, but there are always other problems with the team that get in the way of isolating him as the sole cause of the Cowboys underachieving. The biggest one? Probably the decisions Jerry Jones, the owner and the GM, makes. I just don’t think what anybody says has any influence on this football team. What anybody would say in those situations is they have their own agendas. They have their own lives they have to live. So for some people, it’s a positive for them to use certain things and use stuff and talk about it and that’s good for them if it helps them get a job or a write up or whatever, that’s positive for them. So I think go ahead use it, I think that’s important for them to get to where they’re trying to go.

Tony Romo to reporters ‘You guys just don’t matter’

While Romo talked to reporters who wanted to know more about an offseason that saw him get a seven-year, $119.5 million contract in March, he dissed them a little, too. “Not to be rude, but you guys just don’t matter,” Romo told those reporters on Tuesday, per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram . Tony Romo says in the end, the opinion of media members won’t affect the only thing that counts—the game. (AP Photo) Soon after, Romo clarified his position to say that he’s not affected by how he’s covered and how much attention he receives, and it’s “just stuff” that comes with playing the highest-profile position on the NFL’s highest-profile team. “I know you guys all have a job to do, and it helps grow the game and there’s a lot of talk about the game, and it’s a wonderful aspect of it,” he said. “But good (or) bad, none of it matters. It’s going to be played out on the field. No matter what, we’re going to have to open up the football season against the New York Giants, and whether you said great things or whether you guys may have said the Cowboys are whatever—the best ever, the worst ever, they can’t ever, they can—it doesn’t matter. You’ve still got to show up, and you’ve got to play.” Romo, coming off April surgery that removed a cyst from his back, isn’t practicing for what the team deemed as a “precautionary” measure. The Cowboys are protecting their investment, and considering how much Romo was just paid—including $55 million guaranteed—the continued intense media scrutiny is a small price to pay. Recommended

Tony Romo Tired of People Trashing Him and the Dallas Cowboys

During the season, quarterback Tony Romo had three centers: Ryan Cook , Mackenzy Bernadeau and Costa. A chemistry with all three was difficult for Romo, but he handled it well. With Romo missing the entire offseason work due to his recovery from back surgery, there was a thought he would have problems dealing with another new center in first-round pick Travis Frederick . Romo said he’s got no problems with the new center. Romo is working with Frederick during walk-through periods of the offseason practices to make sure of that. “To me, more than anything, it’s your voice,” Romo said. “Just doing walk-through today and other areas when I had the team, and they start hearing me and the way I do things. I do a little more stuff at the line and some other stuff. It just comes down to a point where they got to get used to your voice fluctuation. Just the different things you say and use.

Tony Romo injury: Cowboys QB will skip minicamp for ‘precautionary reasons’

71 in 2011. “I know this, I would have a hard time telling you who was great in the AFC last year,” Romo said. “You go by what’s written about and what’s talked about. Once again, like I said, that stuff is fun to talk about. I enjoy taking a peek and seeing what’s happening. OK, cool, then it goes on to the next day.” Bryant made his debut on the list after catching 92 passes for 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2012. He caught a touchdown pass in seven consecutive games, with the streak ending in the regular season finale against the Washington Redskins . “That’s pretty cool,” Bryant said of the No. 35 ranking.

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