Wednesday, April 8, 1998

Fullback Daryl Johnston hopes to return in July from neck injury

By Bart Hubbuch

The Dallas Morning News

(KRT)

DALLAS - Cowboys' fullback Daryl Johnston participated in new Coach Chan Gailey's first official workout Tuesday and repeated his vow to be back in uniform for the start of training camp in July.

Whether he will be as strong as the Daryl Johnston of old is the only nagging question for the two-time Pro Bowl pick, whose career appeared in jeopardy after surgery last October to repair a herniated disk in his neck.

"My doctor said it could 10 months to a year before (his neck strength) comes back 100 percent, if it does at all," Johnston said. "It'll depend on how long the herniation pushed on some of the nerve. You might only get back to 80-85 percent of the strength you had before."

Johnston, 32, missed the final 10 games of last season after having the fusion surgery performed. He is at least two months ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation and expects to receive further medical clearance for football later this month.

The Cowboys have protected themselves with second-year pro Nicky Sualua at fullback in case Johnston's comeback is unsuccessful, but Johnston - now minus his bulky neck brace - was optimistic Tuesday.

EMMITT A NO-SHOW:

Emmitt Smith was the only reported no-show Tuesday while 45-50 players participated in the hour-long, non-contact workout at Valley Ranch. The voluntary, twice-weekly practices continue through the end of May.

Cowboys' Coach Chan Gailey said Smith was unavailable because of a prior, out-of-town commitment and isn't expected to take part in Thursday's workout, either. "These things are voluntary, so it's not like he's going to go on any list for missing them," Gailey said.

Guard Nate Newton (shoulder), defensive end Tony Tolbert (knees), strong safety Darren Woodson (biceps) and tight end Eric Bjornson (leg) were present Tuesday but did not take part because of injury concerns.

FIRST-DAY JITTERS:

Considering Gailey and his staff are installing a new offensive playbook, a new snap count and new terminology, Tuesday's workout apparently left a lot to be desired.

"Things were ragged, which I fully expected," Gailey said. "We had people jumping and going some places they weren't supposed to go. It gives us plenty to work on for Thursday and for the rest of the coaching sessions."

TUINEI ABSENT:

Offensive lineman Mark Tuinei's return remains in doubt because of knee problems, including a degenerative bone condition in his right knee. The 37-year-old Tuinei, who already has been replaced as the starting left tackle by Larry Allen, visited a knee specialist in Colorado on Tuesday for further evaluation.

Trainer Jim Maurer said Tuinei, who has one year remaining on his contract, has not been cleared to play. If he returns at all, Tuinei isn't expected to participate in any of the Cowboys' April, May or June mini-camps.

BRIEFLY ...

Among the positions considered uncertain, Billy Davis worked at No. 2 wide receiver Tuesday while Omar Stoutmire and Charlie Williams shared time at the free-safety spot vacated by Brock Marion's signing with Miami. ... Tight end Eric Bjornson, a restricted free agent, has until Monday to field offers before his rights revert to the Cowboys. There apparently has been little outside interest. ... The Cowboys re-signed veteran deep snapper Dale Hellestrae to a one-year contract. Dallas also signed offensive lineman John Jones, who was on their practice squad in 1995.

(c) 1998, The Dallas Morning News.

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