Wednesday, April 15, 1998

Cowboys release Tuinei in salary-cap move

By Josie Karp

Knight Ridder Newspapers

(KRT)

IRVING, Texas - In a move to save money under the salary cap, the Dallas Cowboys released 15-year veteran Mark Tuinei on Tuesday. The offensive lineman, one of three players on last year's roster to play for every Cowboys coach, could re-sign with the team if he is able to come back from severe knee injuries.

The injuries forced team owner Jerry Jones to make the emotionally difficult but fiscally responsible move. By releasing Tuinei, who had one year on his contract, the Cowboys will save $853,000 under the 1998 salary cap. The team is responsible for $147,000 of Tuinei's original signing bonus.

"We needed the room under the cap," Jones said. "Mark's plans are to try to rehab. So, we're not talking retirement here. If Mark can rehabilitate and get his knees in shape to play, then we want to figure out a way to have him on this football team. He's got a real challenge here but, if he can do it, we want to work something out. If he can play, then he is going to play here."

If Tuinei re-signs with the team, it likely will be at a far lower salary and another position. The left tackle he played during the team's recent run of three Super Bowl championships has been handed to Larry Allen.

Tuinei could return as a backup at tackle, guard or center.

For now, though, his task is to try to rehabilitate two gimpy knees while the Cowboys make plans. The money saved under the cap, Jones said, contributed to the Cowboys' ability to sign backup running back Chris Warren to a three-year, $2 million contract, and will allow them to make other moves in anticipation of the draft.

Tuinei had reconstructive surgery on his left knee in December, and he has a degenerative bone condition in his right knee. He started the first six games of the 1997 season before injuring his left knee. The injury kept him off the field for the rest of the season.

Jones said Tuinei will continue to rehabilitate under the direction of the Cowboys medical and training staff.

(c) 1998, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

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