AUSTIN, Texas (KRT) - Former Pro Bowl safety Thomas Everett, who played
for two Super Bowl championship Dallas teams, could have a second chance
with the Cowboys if he wins medical clearance Tuesday.
The Cowboys decided to provide Everett the opportunity to convince them
the shoulder problems and knee pains he has suffered in the past have not
rendered him a high-risk player. He reports to Dallas' training camp so
the medical staff can inspect him.
"If he convinces them, I would assume he'll probably be a Cowboy,"
said Scott Casterline, the Dallas-based agent who will travel with Everett.
"They want to physically see him because they're concerned his knees
and shoulder have deteriorated. But really they've improved. That's hard
to believe unless you actually see him."
The Cowboys consider Everett, 31, a possible replacement for Roger Harper,
who had surgery Monday to repair the right forearm he fractured for the
second time in three years. Team orthopedist Dr. Robert Vandermeer said
Harper probably would not return until at least the third week of the regular
season.
Still, Dallas owner Jerry Jones is proceeding cautiously because the team
cannot afford to have a player charging even the league-minimum $275,000
to their salary cap.
Everett was traded from the Cowboys to Tampa Bay for a fourth-round draft
choice (Willie Jackson) after the 1993 season. He suffered a mild sprain
of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee last season before the
Buccaneers released him.
The Cowboys want a third safety so Pro Bowl strong safety Darren Woodson
can play underneath coverage in passing situations. Brock Marion is the
starting free safety.
The other option is Scott Case, who had the role last season. While Dallas
coaches have maintained contact with him, agent Howard Busch said the Cowboys
have not called since losing Harper.
With the defensive roster seriously depleted, team owner Jerry Jones
said the Cowboys are considering possible changes to reduce contact to protect
players. But he will not cut the number of scrimmages. The Cowboys have
three since Jones scheduled one in El Paso. "The scrimmages against
other teams are good," he said. "When you don't have your players
going against your players, then you cut your chance of injury in half.
Had Herschel Walker made that run against another team, we wouldn't have
carried two of ours off; they'd have carried two of theirs off." ...
Cornerback Kevin Smith, attempting a comeback from a ruptured Achilles'
tendon, is scheduled to return to practice the second week of August. ...Wide
receiver Michael Irvin, awaiting possible suspension from the league, has
declined an offer to meet with NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who is expected
to rule no later than Wednesday. Meanwhile, Jones insists he is not upset
Irvin made an appearance in the Miami Dolphins' training camp before reporting
with his own team. "Michael's loyalty to our team is so unconditional
that it is not an issue," he said.
(c) 1996, Dallas Morning News. Distributed by Knight-Ridder/Tribune Information
Services.