Tuesday, August 25, 1998

Cowboys cut 14 as exhibition draws toward close

By DENNE H. FREEMAN AP Sports Writer

IRVING, Texas (AP) - Dallas Cowboys coach Chan Gailey cut 14 players from the squad Monday, including third-year wide receiver Jimmy Oliver of Texas Christian and second-year cornerback Lee Vaughn of Wyoming.

Oliver had been a strong candidate to win a job early in training camp but missed valuable training time after an injury and never caught up. He also lost out in his attempt to win a job as a kick returner.

"We were intrigued with Oliver's speed but it just didn't work out for him," Gailey said.

Rookie Taj Johnson of San Diego State and Anthony Eubanks of Arkansas also were trimmed, along with quarterback Josh LaRocca of Rice.

Defensive lineman Darren Benson, lost for the season with a knee injury, was placed on injured reserve.

Others cut were guards Todd Perkins of Texas A&M-Kingsville, Antonio Fleming of Georgia and Kent Booth of Northern Illinois; linebackers Greg Bright of Georgia and Chike Egbuniwe of Duke; tight ends Rod Monroe of Cincinnati and Cory Geason of Tulane; center Earl Scott of Arkansas; and fullback Bobby Rodriguez of Houston.

Dallas gets one more crack at winning an exhibition game for Gailey on Thursday night at Jacksonville. Then the Cowboys get 10 days to prepare for the season opener against Arizona.

"I don't put much stock in preseason," said the Cowboys coach. "Keeping the starters healthy is the main thing. I wouldn't want to go 0-5, but it wouldn't bother me."

Dallas has lost one starter for the season - linebacker Broderick Thomas, who was hurt in training camp.

Backup defensive lineman Benson hurt his knee during Saturday night's 22-14 loss to the St. Louis Rams. Dallas also lost cornerback Wendell Davis for the year with a training camp knee injury.

Benson's loss gives Dallas just two healthy defensive tackles for the Jacksonville game, Antonio Anderson and Chad Hennings. Leon Lett suffered a sprained left knee in a scrimmage against New Orleans but was expected back on Sept. 6 for the Cardinals.

Cornerback Deion Sanders also was expected to be ready for the opener. He has been nursing a knee injury.

Reserve defensive back Charlie Williams broke his right thumb against the Rams and could miss a game or two to start the season.

Linebacker Nate Helmsley, who has a sprained left elbow, and defensive end Kavika Pittman, who has a knee sprain, were expected to be ready for the Cardinals although they will miss the Jacksonville contest.

The Cowboys must decide by Tuesday by NFL rule whether assistant coach Bill Bates will play this season.

Dallas also is looking at free agent kick returner Herschel Walker about possibly playing again. There is no time limit on signing Walker.