AUSTIN (AP) - Dallas Cowboys coach Barry Switzer said tight end Kendall
Watkins' injury to his right knee may just be a deep bruise, but more tests
are being done to be sure.
Watkins, the Cowboys' powerful blocking tight end, injured his knee during
Dallas' 32-6 preseason loss to Kansas City on Monday night.
"Hopefully, it's a deep, deep bruise, but there is still some concern,"
Switzer said Tuesday. "We have been talking about what's available
at tight end and what we would do. There's a list of people (free agents),
but hopefully that's not where we have to go."
Switzer said the doctors were thankful that Watkins is a substantial 6-foot-1,
290 pounds.
"They said that we're fortunate that he is a big, strong man because
an average guy probably would have had a torn anterior cruciate ligament
with complete reconstructive surgery," Switzer said.
Switzer said he didn't know how long Watkins would be out.
Cowboys' coaches are impressed with the play of rookie Randall Godfrey
at middle linebacker.
Godfrey, a second-round draft pick this year out of Georgia, took over the
middle last week when starter Fred Strickland suffered a calf injury.
"I am really encouraged by Randall Godfrey," Switzer said. "There
is no question in my mind that he can play middle linebacker. He's going
to be a good player there. He's got innate instinctive ability to play the
position."
Switzer said he was impressed with several plays made by Godfrey in Monday's
preseason loss to Kansas City. He repeatedly fought off blocks and tracked
down ballcarriers to make plays, Switzer said.
Broderick Thomas, Dallas' strong side linebacker who was released by Minnesota
after last season, also was impressive against the run and in defending
against the pass.
"We are going to be better at linebacker, and we didn't even get to
see Strickland," Switzer said,
referring to the free agent losses of linebackers Robert Jones and Dixon
Edwards. "We are going to be OK."
Dallas coach Barry Switzer had a laundry list of things he didn't like
about the preseason loss to Kansas City, starting with the special teams.
Switzer said no one stands out on the unit.
"There are a lack of playmakers in the kicking game," Switzer
said. "We've got a ways to go."
The defensive backfield also remains a question.
When asked about the performance of backup safety Chris Hall, Switzer said,
"He tried to throw his body around, but he doesn't have any strength
and is not very physical.
"He got gored on one play and looked like a matador without a cape.
He got drilled. But he does have quickness and some instincts, so we'll
see."
Switzer also said rookie center Clay Shiver had some mental lapses.
"He made a mistake one time and it looked like we had a jail break
right up the middle of the line," Switzer said.
Several veteran players recovering from offseason injuries or surgeries
are expected to return to practice today on a limited basis.
Among those expected back are center Ray Donaldson (ankle); defensive ends
Charles Haley (back) and Tony Tolbert (both knees); cornerback Kevin Smith
(Achilles); offensive tackle Erik Williams (toe); safety Brock Marion (groin);
and defensive ends Hurvin McCormack (ankle) and Kavika Pittman (groin).
"Having the veterans back out there will help in showing the young
players how to work and develop," coach Barry Switzer said.
The status of tight end Jay Novacek, who is suffering from a chronic back
strain, remains a question mark, Switzer said.
"It's discouraging," Switzer said. "I heard that he was kind
of down emotionally, and that's discouraging."
Switzer also said he doesn't know when to expect receiver Michael Irvin,
who has spent time with his family in Florida after pleading no contest
to cocaine possession.