Friday, August 21, 1998

Cowboys reacquire Watkins in trade with Broncos

By Kevin Lyons and Clarence E. Hill Jr.

Knight Ridder Newspapers

(KRT)

IRVING, Texas - The Cowboys traded for Kendell Watkins Thursday, one year after releasing the blocking tight end for salary-cap reasons.

Watkins was in the Denver Broncos' training camp after missing all of 1997. The Cowboys gave up a conditional draft choice to acquire Watkins, who has a three-year deal at the minimum $275,000 per season. Watkins could receive up to $100,000, depending on how much he plays this year.

The Cowboys made the move after scouting Watkins' progress with the Broncos this summer. They intend to make him a blocking tight end, putting him third on the depth chart behind David LaFleur and Eric Bjornson.

Reports indicated that the Cowboys released Watkins for defying a club ban on Cowboys Cafe, a Valley Ranch restaurant. But Watkins' agent, Brian Levy, said yesterday that Watkins was cut because of salary considerations.

"Had he made the team in 1997, the Cowboys would have had to pay him a $180,000 reporting bonus," Levy said. "It was a money issue. Kendell was never at Cowboys Cafe after the Cowboys told him not to go. But there were some turmoil-related incidents going on at the time, and they figured that they would scare some of the younger players," by letting people believe that Watkins had violated a team policy.

Watkins, 6-foot-1, 285 pounds, was a second-round draft choice of the Cowboys in 1995. He suffered a season-ending knee injury in the 1996 preseason. After missing last year, he was picked up by the Broncos and played in the preseason.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said the salary cap was one reason Watkins was let go last season. While declining to comment on the Cowboys Cafe ban, Jones did say that off-the-field concerns played a part in his decision on Watkins, including Watkins' poor work habits after a 1996 knee injury.

"It was an overall decision," Jones said. "The cap impact had a lot to do with it."Four players backCowboys coach Chan Gailey said he expects four of the six players who missed Monday night's preseason game to play tomorrow night in St. Louis against the Rams.

Gailey said running backs Emmitt Smith (thigh bruise) and Chris Warren (groin strain) were held out of Monday's 21-3 loss to the New England Patriots because of concerns about the Azteca Stadium field. Both have participated in practice this week and should have no limitations in the game.

Defensive end Kavika Pittman, who has missed the exhibition game against the Patriots and the scrimmage against the Saints because of a sprained ankle, will start against the Rams.

And deep snapper Dale Hellestrae, who did not make the trip to Mexico City for the Patriots game because of the death of his father, will return to the team today after missing the past two days of practices. Gailey said Hellestrae will also play against the Rams.

Cornerback Deion Sanders (ribs) and defensive tackle Leon Lett (knee sprain) won't play against the Rams. Gailey said both should be ready for the season opener against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 6.Teague still in mixCowboys defensive coordinator Dave Campo said any speculation about veteran safety George Teague being out of the running for the starting free safety job is premature.

A six-year veteran, Teague is battling second-year players Kenny Wheaton and Omar Stoutmire. And considering that he has not started in five outings so far, Teague looked to be the third man in the race.

Wheaton has started one preseason game and one scrimmage, while Stoutmire has started two preseason games and one scrimmage.

Campo, however, said the strategy had nothing to do with Teague's ability.

"We know what George can do," Campo said. "We want to see what the young guys can do against front-line people. The starter could be any one of those guys."Two-position playersCampo said rookie defensive lineman Michael Myers, who was moved from tackle to rush defensive end this week, is one of several defensive linemen who are learning two positions.

Reserve tackle Antonio Anderson also has worked at strongside end, and backup strongside end Hurvin McCormack has worked at tackle.

Campo said that for depth purposes, he likes players who are able to play two positions.

Myers' move could be permanent if he continues to play the way he has at tackle.

"We are just taking a look now, but he finds a way to get to the ball," Campo said.

Myers, who played end and tackle in college at the University of Alabama, said he prefers end because there are fewer double teams, but is willing to play anywhere to help the team.Fourth child for IrvinsCowboys receiver Michael Irvin missed part of practice yesterday because his wife, Sandi, gave birth to their fourth child, a son.

(c) 1998, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

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