Friday, August 23, 1996

Novacek future still uncertain
By Ed Werder
Dallas Morning News
(August 23, 1996)

IRVING, Texas (KRT) - While conceding Jay Novacek's degenerative back condition could force him into retirement, Cowboys coach Barry Switzer acknowledged Wednesday the defending Super Bowl champions will at the very least play their regular-season opener without the five-time Pro Bowler.

"We're resigned to not having Jay for the opener, and really there is no guarantee that he can play this year," Switzer said. "This might be it for him, and we're just sick about it. But we don't know what will happen. Nobody knows - not even Jay."

The Cowboys are becoming so desperate for a tight end that Switzer said they have contacted other NFL teams regarding possible trades and have discussed potential free-agent replacements such as Johnny Mitchell. A former No. 1 draft choice of the New York Jets, Mitchell has approached the Miami Dolphins this week about taking him back after he quit on them in training camp.

Switzer is so pessimistic regarding Novacek that he maintains no illusions about the player returning to his full-time role. Switzer said he merely hopes Novacek can play 10 to 20 snaps per game during the upcoming season.

Novacek's condition is so fragile that Switzer made his remarks after Jim Maurer had informed him Novacek reported some improvement in his back and might attempt to rejoin the team for conditioning work next week.

Despite his reputation for toughness and his competitive fire, Novacek is 33 and plays a position where linebackers and strong safeties inflict constant punishment. As it is, he continues to have discomfort whenever he attempts to run and remains the only Cowboys player who has not practiced.

Nine days ago, the Cowboys extended Novacek's contract through the 1998 season in order to sign running back Emmitt Smith to a long-term deal.

Troy Aikman would have to compete without his two most dependable receivers with Novacek sidelined and Michael Irvin suspended for the first five games. They were responsible last season for 53.7 percent of Dallas' completions, 61.7 percent of its passing yardage and had 15 of the team's 18 touchdown receptions. They ranked first and second in converting third downs with receptions.

"If it was just Michael, I think we could make some adjustments to take some of the pressure off other players, and Jay could do that," Aikman said. "But when you take Michael and Jay out, that is a serious blow to this football team. And then we don't know how Emmitt Smith will be, and Eric Bjornson hasn't practiced in two weeks. Without him, we haven't been able to just put another guy in there and have everything remain constant. Every time somebody goes down it sends shock waves through the offense."

With Novacek's back problem, Bjornson's hamstring strain and Kendell Watkins scheduled Thursday for what is probably season-ending knee surgery, Derek Ware is the only tight end on the roster.

The Cowboys confront the prospect of starting the season with their cornerback Deion Sanders playing wide receiver, fullback Daryl Johnston playing tight end and former tailback Herschel Walker playing fullback and leading injured Emmitt Smith into the Bears' defense.

The Cowboys prefer a veteran player but remain leery of the reasons Mitchell left the Dolphins.
Another option is trading for Tampa Bay's Tyji Armstrong, a strong blocker.

They also could sign free-agent Willy Tate, a promising pass- receiving tight end cut by the Kansas City Chiefs. They might be patient and hope the Washington Redskins release Coleman Bell, a former Dallas practice-squad player.

"We really don't know what we're going to do," Switzer said. "We need a guy who has played in this league. We've looked at tight ends. We've talked to teams about their second and third tight ends. Jerry Jones has taken calls from teams that, knowing our predicament, are trying to trade us somebody."

(c) 1996, Dallas Morning News. Distributed by Knight-Ridder/Tribune Information Services.

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