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Injury could mean Tuinei's career over

By Clarence E. Hill Jr. / Knight-Ridder Newspapers

IRVING, Texas -- Injured left tackle Mark Tuinei might have played his last game for the Cowboys.

Tuinei, who is sidelined for up to two weeks with a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, told ESPN yesterday that if the injury requires surgery he will not play again.

It is the second time Tuinei, 37, has injured his left knee, which was surgically repaired in 1987. He played with a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee last season, which required off-season surgery.

Tuinei is also disappointed with the way he has come back from last season's injury. His declining play, as well as that of guard Nate Newton, is considered part of the reason for the Cowboys' offensive woes this season.

The prospects of another surgery and rehabilitation process, combined with the frustrations of a difficult campaign, are apparently too much to take.

Tuinei, who visited the doctor yesterday for another opinion, was unavailable for comment.

Cowboys offensive line coach Hudson Houck couldn't confirm the report. However, he said he wouldn't be surprised if Tuinei decided to retire.

"It would depend on the severity of the injury," Houck said. "He played through pain last season. It was very hard for him. I don't think he would want to do that again."

Reserve tackle George Hegamin has replaced Tuinei in the starting lineup. Houck said the team would probably have to sign another player if Tuinei decides to hang it up before the end of the season.

Kind of like college student longing for mom's home cooking, the Cowboys believe that the perfect tonic for their struggles is the Texas Stadium crowd.

After consecutive losses on the road, the Cowboys get the Jacksonville Jaguars at home Sunday, as they try to avoid their first three-game losing streak since 1990. Four of the Cowboys' first six games were on the road.

While many prognosticators are predicting doom for the Cowboys because of their slow start, defensive back Kevin Smith looks at the remaining home slate with optimism.

Smith said all the Cowboys need to do is continue to hold serve at home and get a couple of victories on the road. Six of the remaining 10 games are at home, including five of the last seven. The Cowboys are 2-0 at home so far.

"We are not completely out of it," Smith said. "Our back's up against the wall. But we are not completely out of it. The key for us is not just to win this game but get on a roll and get some confidence."

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