When the Dallas Cowboys and Dez Bryant cut off contract talks at the start of the regular season, it appeared as though the two sides wouldn't return to the bargaining table until the offseason. However, after a change in representation, it now appears as though negotiations could start up again soon, per Tim McMahon of ESPN Dallas.
Dez Bryant talks contract, Jason Garrett is optimistic about Tony Romo
From a QB controversy in Tampa Bay to Arian Foster’s health, here’s the latest NFL news and updates from Monday.
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Bryant and agent Eugene Parker parted ways last week, and the Cowboys’ star receiver chose Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Sports to represent him with, CAA technically handling the contract negotiations. It’s unknown if the Cowboys will work out an extension or apply the franchise tag, but Bryant said the tag would be “highly disappointing.”
One of the factors holding up Bryant's extension is the Cowboys' salary cap situation. The team lacked the cap space to retain All-Pro pass rusher DeMarcus Ware last offseason. Some of that money went towards the eight-year, $97.6 million deal the Cowboys gave to left tackle Tyron Smith. It remains to be seen whether Dallas can scrape together enough cap space for the massive contract offer it will take to sign Bryant.
Garrett optimistic about Romo
One of the most significant developments of the NFL season is the health of the Cowboys’ Tony Romo. The quarterback underwent surgery in the offseason to correct a herniated disc in his lower back, and had recently begun to play like his old self.
However, a knee to the back during Dallas' Week 8 loss to Washington sidelined Romo for much of the game. Though he was allowed to reenter the game later on, Romo was clearly affected by the injury, later revealed to be two fractures to a bone in his back. The Cowboys held him out in Week 9 against the Cardinals as a result.
The good news is that Romo’s back appears to have progressed. Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett expressed optimism that his quarterback could play Sunday in London. According to Garrett, Romo has felt “better every day since the injury” and this type of ailment usually only keeps a player out one game. Dallas certainly hopes so, as it has slipped to second place in the NFC East.
Miller sprains AC joint
After a slow start, the Miami Dolphins have become one of the hottest teams in the AFC. They've won four of their last five games, and starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill is starting to look like a former top-10 draft pick. However, that momentum could potentially be derailed if running back Lamar Miller has to miss time due to the shoulder injury he suffered on Sunday.
Fortunately for the Dolphins, it does not appear that Miller will have to sit out for long. According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, the tailback is day-to-day with a sprained AC joint. Miami travels to Detroit to take on the Lions in Week 10. If Miller doesn't return then, he should be in uniform for the Dolphins' Week 11 showdown with the division-rival Buffalo Bills.
Arian day-to-day
Following a down season in 2013, Houston Texans running back Arian Foster is off to one of the best starts of his career. Through eight games, he's on pace to set a career high in yards per attempt (5.1) and register over 1,450 rushing yards and double-digit touchdowns. However, Foster limped off the field on Sunday with a non-contact lower body injury and it looked like something significant might spoil his season.
Fortunately, it appears Foster escaped with only a minor groin injury and should be back after Houston's Week 10 bye. Houston sits at 4-5 and needs Foster to keep things close during its upcoming AFC North and divisional contests. If for some reason Foster isn't able to suit up following the bye, expect more strange comments from team leader Andre Johnson.
Lovie undecided on starting QB
The 2014 season has been rough for the entire NFC South, but it's been particularly difficult for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After an offseason spent remaking the roster for new head coach Lovie Smith, the team is off to a 1-7 start. Worse, the offense has struggled with Josh McCown, and later Mike Glennon, under center. Things got so bad during the team's 22-17 loss to the Cleveland Browns that Smith reportedly considered making another switch at quarterback.
Tampa began the season with McCown as the starter before a hand injury forced Smith to turn to Glennon. The second-year pro has been impressive at times, including a comeback win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, but overall he's fared little better than McCown. Given Smith's preference for veterans at the position, it's not surprising that McCown could indeed be back in play if Glennon continues to falter.
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