Cowboys third-year TE Rico Gathers is recovered from his 2017 concussion.
Gathers missed the entirety of last season after suffering a summer concussion coupled with jaw and neck injuries. The 2016 sixth-round project has yet to appear in a regular-season game but flashed big-time potential last preseason to the tune of a 7-106-2 line in two exhibitions. He has some Martellus Bennett to him. Gathers is in the mix to replace retired Jason Witten in an offense desperate for playmakers in the passing game. He's worth a flier in best-ball leagues.

Source: Todd Archer on Twitter
May 11 - 11:41 AM

Yes!

The Cowboys could be a landing spot for free agent DT Johnathan Hankins.
Dallas is in the market for a one-technique with Maliek Collins sidelined. After missing out on Terrell McClain, they may look to bring in Hankins. There haven't been many updates on Hankins since he visited the Jets last month. Hankins made $10.5 million in 2017 but should be open to a one-year, prove-it deal.
Related: Cowboys

Source: USA Today
May 12 - 3:31 PM

Cowboys OC Scott Linehan expects Tavon Austin to get most of his snaps at receiver.
"We'll use him for a lot of things, but he's a receiver first," said Linehan. "Some of his skill set is as an outside receiver, but he can move around." This throws shade on reports the Cowboys plan to use Austin in a Lance Dunbar role. Austin should see an uptick from the last year's 81 touches

Source: Brandon George on Twitter
May 12 - 4:09 PM

Broadus:

When I studied Dorance Armstrong on tape, I had his weight at 245 pounds. When he showed up Thursday for the opening of camp his weight was listed at 259 pounds. A 14-pound weight gain is pretty significant, but now seeing him in person, you'd never notice that he looked any different. What I was impressed with initially is how strong he is. The group was working on a drill where they were extending one arm in order to control the blocker. Armstrong put his hand right in the middle of Andre Gurode's chest and with three lateral steps, was able to walk him back easily. Gurode was not trying to give ground on the drill but Armstrong gave him no choice

Broadus:

• One thing I've noticed about this secondary while doing drills is how long the players are. This group appears to all be the same size tall with reach. It is especially evident when Kris Richard and Greg Jackson have them working on playing press/man. They're teaching them to two-hand jam then take their off hand to force the outside shoulder back in order to fall into position. This is a technique we've see the Seahawks play for years under Richard.

Assassin said:

---

Yes!

The Cowboys could be a landing spot for free agent DT Johnathan Hankins.
Dallas is in the market for a one-technique with Maliek Collins sidelined. After missing out on Terrell McClain, they may look to bring in Hankins. There haven't been many updates on Hankins since he visited the Jets last month. Hankins made $10.5 million in 2017 but should be open to a one-year, prove-it deal.
Related: Cowboys

Source: USA Today
May 12 - 3:31 PM

---

Fish disagrees:

BearForce said:

---

Fish disagrees:

---

Fish;
A source tells me the Cowboys will not be pursuing Johnathan Hankins, who has some skins on the wall. He was a good player with the Giants a few years ago before moving to the Colts last spring for a three-year, $27-million contract ... but then - shades of McClain - the Colts this spring cut him.

Various "scouting sites'' grade out the 6-2, 325-pound Hankins as a top-notch run-stopper, and he's just shy of his 26th birthday ... oh, and he was a second-round pick out of Ohio State, so there is pedigree.

But Dallas isn't ready to pounce ... and, my impression is, Dallas isn't ready to panic. Their evaluation of Hankins isn't a "knock''; it's just an evaluation, and it is this: He lacks "3-Tech traits'' that the Cowboys like to have in all their tackles. That is to say, a certain level of athleticism rather than just a "space-eater.''

Meanwhile, there is a "it's just May'' vibe here inside The Star, where rookie orientation is going on this weekend while just down the hall, assorted veteran Cowboys are in the weight room. Names from that group will be the names that bob to the surface for now. They hopefully include Maliek Collins, who broke his foot this week but will ideally miss no more than three months. Other candidates to help: Brian Price, Richard Ash and an interesting wildcard in Jihad Ward, who Dallas acquired in a draft-time trade from Oakland. Ward, a former second-round pick who the Cowboys liked in his draft, has been a so-far underachiever in the NFL.

And at 6-5, 295, he's viewed more as a "David Irving type'' (that is, a guy with defensive end skills who can play inside) than he is as a run-plugger. But Irving was once an edge player, and he is now at the top of the depth chart as the 3-Tech. And if the Cowboys wants a big body to play the 1-Tech who possesses those "3-Tech traits''

... Well, if you squint just a little bit you can see Jihad Ward being that guy.

The Cowboys need somebody next to Irving. The plan does not include that being Hankins. Ward has been acquired and while the search button stays on, the panic button does not.

would love to take a flyer on this kid:

Patriots released OT Antonio Garcia.
He was cut with a non-football injury designation. It's a stunner as Garcia was under consideration to replace Nate Solder at left tackle. The Patriots traded up to snag Garcia in the third round of last year's draft but he never saw the field in New England, missing his entire rookie season while battling blood clots in his lungs. The 24-year-old is finally healthy but needs to gain back weight after losing 40 pounds during his illness. Despite his health issues, it shouldn't take Garcia long to resurface.
Source: Mike Reiss on Twitter
May 11 - 1:24 PM

Assassin said:

---

would love to take a flyer on this kid:

Patriots released OT Antonio Garcia.
He was cut with a non-football injury designation. It's a stunner as Garcia was under consideration to replace Nate Solder at left tackle. The Patriots traded up to snag Garcia in the third round of last year's draft but he never saw the field in New England, missing his entire rookie season while battling blood clots in his lungs. The 24-year-old is finally healthy but needs to gain back weight after losing 40 pounds during his illness. Despite his health issues, it shouldn't take Garcia long to resurface.
Source: Mike Reiss on Twitter
May 11 - 1:24 PM

---

Certainly worth kicking the tires and seeing if he can get himself up to being a practice squad stash...40 pounds though, not to mention any loss in strength.

BearForce said:

---

---

Moving away from Tony Romos favorites to Daks favorites. As it should be

BearForce said:

---

Assassin said:

---

would love to take a flyer on this kid:

Patriots released OT Antonio Garcia.
He was cut with a non-football injury designation. It's a stunner as Garcia was under consideration to replace Nate Solder at left tackle. The Patriots traded up to snag Garcia in the third round of last year's draft but he never saw the field in New England, missing his entire rookie season while battling blood clots in his lungs. The 24-year-old is finally healthy but needs to gain back weight after losing 40 pounds during his illness. Despite his health issues, it shouldn't take Garcia long to resurface.
Source: Mike Reiss on Twitter
May 11 - 1:24 PM

---

Certainly worth kicking the tires and seeing if he can get himself up to being a practice squad stash...40 pounds though, not to mention any loss in strength.

---

Jets got him off the top of the wavier list

thought we would at least talk to the guy
===========
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports free agent S Kenny Vaccaro previously visited the Dolphins and also has a visit lined up with the Jets.

Collins had surgery on his left little toe. Might miss most of training camp but the plan is for him to be ready for the opener.

This picture is going viral on Twitter. It's great and all, but the intrigue to me is that it looks like it was taken in the Ferrell Center parking lot.

Franko said:

---

This picture is going viral on Twitter. It's great and all, but the intrigue to me is that it looks like it was taken in the Ferrell Center parking lot.

---

I have seen that truck in the last month.

S11 said:

---

Assassin said:

---

Cowboys are super high on 4th rounder Dorance Armstrong - from his college coach:

Beaty: The issue for a lot of teams was his combine performance and pro day performance. Well, Dorance has never weighed 260 pounds since he's been here. He came in very, very heavy. I'm not sure who exactly he was training with, but my way of dealing with him would not be carrying that kind of weight. The guy we know, one of his biggest attributes is his speed and quickness. I can assure you they got a steal out of him because had he ran what I thought he was going to run and been at the right weight, he wouldn't have been around fourth round. No way.

Dorance is a lot faster than what people think. Dorance never ran even remotely close to the (4.87) times he ran for the scouts. He's been a high 4.5 to mid 4.6 guy every day when he was at the right weight: I think what they're going to see is one of the most explosive guys develop in the NFL when it comes to getting off that edge. They found them a pass rusher. They got them a guy, no doubt.

---

Makes sense. Guy showed a great amount of quickness at KU and had a horrible 10 yard split on his 40s.

---

Yep, he gave up his stats and probably 2 rounds in the draft to help his team. You gotta love a kid that does that

How dumb is Dez looking for not taking that $7 per deal from Ravens?
====
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports there is "nothing imminent" between the Packers and free agent Dez Bryant, and that a signing is unlikely.
Bryant's ex-teammate Jason Witten recently opined that Bryant would end up with the Packers. Witten did say he was mostly guessing, but considering how close Witten is to the situation, his guess is notable. Seemingly asking for too much money, Bryant's market has been ice cold, as he's yet to even make a visit since getting released from the Cowboys on April 13.
Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter
May 15 - 4:35 PM

Assassin said:

---

How dumb is Dez looking for not taking that $7 per deal from Ravens?
====
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports there is "nothing imminent" between the Packers and free agent Dez Bryant, and that a signing is unlikely.
Bryant's ex-teammate Jason Witten recently opined that Bryant would end up with the Packers. Witten did say he was mostly guessing, but considering how close Witten is to the situation, his guess is notable. Seemingly asking for too much money, Bryant's market has been ice cold, as he's yet to even make a visit since getting released from the Cowboys on April 13.
Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter
May 15 - 4:35 PM

---

very dumb

Assassin said:

---

How dumb is Dez looking for not taking that $7 per deal from Ravens?
====
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports there is "nothing imminent" between the Packers and free agent Dez Bryant, and that a signing is unlikely.
Bryant's ex-teammate Jason Witten recently opined that Bryant would end up with the Packers. Witten did say he was mostly guessing, but considering how close Witten is to the situation, his guess is notable. Seemingly asking for too much money, Bryant's market has been ice cold, as he's yet to even make a visit since getting released from the Cowboys on April 13.
Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter
May 15 - 4:35 PM

---

Poor old Dezmaine. From 1st round to unwanted.

Assassin said:

---

How dumb is Dez looking for not taking that $7 per deal from Ravens?
====
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports there is "nothing imminent" between the Packers and free agent Dez Bryant, and that a signing is unlikely.
Bryant's ex-teammate Jason Witten recently opined that Bryant would end up with the Packers. Witten did say he was mostly guessing, but considering how close Witten is to the situation, his guess is notable. Seemingly asking for too much money, Bryant's market has been ice cold, as he's yet to even make a visit since getting released from the Cowboys on April 13.
Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter
May 15 - 4:35 PM

---

Maybe we could kick the tires on him...

trumpetbear said:

---

Maybe we could kick the tires on him...

---

I think those tires are Dallas-flat

BearForce said:

---

Assassin said:

---

How dumb is Dez looking for not taking that $7 per deal from Ravens?
====
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports there is "nothing imminent" between the Packers and free agent Dez Bryant, and that a signing is unlikely.
Bryant's ex-teammate Jason Witten recently opined that Bryant would end up with the Packers. Witten did say he was mostly guessing, but considering how close Witten is to the situation, his guess is notable. Seemingly asking for too much money, Bryant's market has been ice cold, as he's yet to even make a visit since getting released from the Cowboys on April 13.
Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter
May 15 - 4:35 PM

---

very dumb

---

I'm just glad he's gone. One of the most overhyped players in Cowboys history.

.I consider Randy a freebie as he's been written of by everybody. Could he be our La'el Collins this year?

Suspended DE Randy Gregory will apply for reinstatement on Thursday.
The No. 60 overall pick in 2015, Gregory recently wrapped up six weeks in intensive drug and alcohol rehab and counseling, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. He's appeared in just 14 career games and missed all of last season while banned. Gregory would be a boost to Dallas' pass rush.
Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter
May 16 - 1:11 PM

Gust Avrakotos said:

---

BearForce said:

---

Assassin said:

---

How dumb is Dez looking for not taking that $7 per deal from Ravens?
====
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports there is "nothing imminent" between the Packers and free agent Dez Bryant, and that a signing is unlikely.
Bryant's ex-teammate Jason Witten recently opined that Bryant would end up with the Packers. Witten did say he was mostly guessing, but considering how close Witten is to the situation, his guess is notable. Seemingly asking for too much money, Bryant's market has been ice cold, as he's yet to even make a visit since getting released from the Cowboys on April 13.
Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter
May 15 - 4:35 PM

---

very dumb

---

I'm just glad he's gone. One of the most overhyped players in Cowboys history.

---

Tank Carter says hi.

Dez caught it when it mattered and caught a ****load of TDs.

Overrrated? No. Overhyped? Maybe.

If I were Bryant, I would be groveling at Drew Brees feet, begging him for a job. Brees is the perfect QB for Dez.
==
ESPN's Jason Witten also mentioned the Saints as one of the "lead dogs" for free agent Dez Bryant.
Witten is just stating his opinion, but that opinion matters after playing with Bryant for the better part of the last decade. Bryant very clearly wants to join a contender with a great quarterback, and the Packers and Saints are the two teams Witten mentioned earlier in the week. Both clubs make sense, but Green Bay may not want to put up with Bryant's personality, while New Orleans has Michael Thomas, Ted Ginn, and Cameron Meredith on top of using a third-rounder on Tre'Quan Smith. Bryant may have to wait until some team suffers an injury.
Related: Saints

Source: ESPN.com

GoldMind said:

---

Gust Avrakotos said:

---

BearForce said:

---

Assassin said:

---

How dumb is Dez looking for not taking that $7 per deal from Ravens?
====
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports there is "nothing imminent" between the Packers and free agent Dez Bryant, and that a signing is unlikely.
Bryant's ex-teammate Jason Witten recently opined that Bryant would end up with the Packers. Witten did say he was mostly guessing, but considering how close Witten is to the situation, his guess is notable. Seemingly asking for too much money, Bryant's market has been ice cold, as he's yet to even make a visit since getting released from the Cowboys on April 13.
Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter
May 15 - 4:35 PM

---

very dumb

---

I'm just glad he's gone. One of the most overhyped players in Cowboys history.

---

Tank Carter says hi.

Dez caught it when it mattered and caught a ****load of TDs.

Overrrated? No. Overhyped? Maybe.

---

Per the NFL Network, Gregory has recently spent more than six weeks in intensive drug and alcohol rehab in addition to counseling.

That he has is [sic] able to file for reinstatement is a good sign that he has past [sic] muster with NFL doctors and has passed drug tests.

Per source, he met with NFL substance abuse program medical personnel over last weekend in Houston and "everything went well," clearing the final hurdle for him to apply for reinstatement.

Assassin said:

---

Per the NFL Network, Gregory has recently spent more than six weeks in intensive drug and alcohol rehab in addition to counseling.

That he has is [sic] able to file for reinstatement is a good sign that he has past [sic] muster with NFL doctors and has passed drug tests.

Per source, he met with NFL substance abuse program medical personnel over last weekend in Houston and "everything went well," clearing the final hurdle for him to apply for reinstatement.

---

"It's obviously been a focus of ours (D Line) and if we can wake up here with 10, 12 guys that we normally think would be penciled in to make the team and have that type of competition level and that kind of depth, it can only make us better," Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said. "We're firm believers that our team starts at the front."

Perhaps come training camp the Cowboys will get another talented piece to the defensive front in Randy Gregory. He was a second-round pick in 2016 but has played in only two games the past two seasons because of suspension. He is close to filing for reinstatement to the NFL, and the Cowboys are not ready to give up on a talent that was projected to be a top-five pick if not for his off-field troubles.

Within the group there is versatility. Crawford can play all four spots. Lawrence can play either side. Irving has been disruptive as the 3-technique and can play end as well. Collins, who is recovering from foot surgery but should be ready for the season opener, can play either interior spot. Marinelli believes Ealy can play inside, too.

Cowboy Wire:

Armed with young, premium picks at each defensive level, the Dallas defense may be primed to make the leap as this team enters a new era, led by 2018 first rounder LB Leighton Vander Esch. The Boise State product has plenty of potential, and recently was named the third most likely Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate by Pro Football Focus.

"It remains to be seen how Dallas will deploy their linebackers this season with Sean Lee and Jaylon Smith already in the building, but Leighton Vander Esch has a rare ability to just find the ball and get involved in plays. He led the nation in defensive stops in 2017 (76), his first full season of starting at Boise State. His ability to sift through trash and get to the ball is not dissimilar to Luke Kuechly in Carolina, and like Kuechly that extends to coverage, at least when it comes to the short game. Vander Esch was still good in coverage dropping away from the line of scrimmage, but it was the least comfortable area of his game much like Kuechly in his rookie year and if he develops that side in the NFL he could become a special player whose raw numbers are too large to ignore."

Oh TWill...this might be the nail in the coffin.

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article211498769.html

BearForce said:

---

Oh TWill...this might be the nail in the coffin.

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article211498769.html

---

Could be. Lucky he didn't end up in a literal coffin.

D. C. Bear said:

---

BearForce said:

---

Oh TWill...this might be the nail in the coffin.

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article211498769.html

---

Could be. Lucky he didn't end up in a literal coffin.

---

Exactly

BearForce said:

---

Oh TWill...this might be the nail in the coffin.

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article211498769.html

---

Who the hell walks into a Lambo dealership and says "Yes, I'd like that hideous blue one over there"??

Blue, gag me.