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McClain, Hardy preparing for return to Cowboys next week
BY DREW DAVISON
ddavison@star-telegram.com
The Dallas Cowboys’ defense is getting reinforcements next week.
Linebacker Rolando McClain and defensive end Greg Hardy will each be eligible to return Monday following their four-game suspensions to start the season.
“We anticipate those guys being back and ready to go,” coach Jason Garrett said on Friday.
The Cowboys face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, and then will have a stiff test against the New England Patriots in Week 5. Getting McClain and Hardy back in the mix will certainly help fortify a defense that started strong before struggling last week against Atlanta.
McClain, suspended for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, is a difference-making linebacker. He provided a physical presence for the unit last season, becoming arguably their best run stopper.
Garrett has been pleased with how Anthony Hitchens has filled McClain’s spot in the middle, but McClain has the ability to make a greater impact.
Hardy, meanwhile, is considered among the top defensive ends in the game. He played only the season opener last season for Carolina before being placed on the commissioner’s exempt list for a domestic violence incident in May 2014.
Hardy spent training camp and played in every preseason game for the Cowboys, though, and they have high hopes that he can return to his Pro Bowl level.
The coaching staff cannot have contact with Hardy, however, the medical staff is able to allowed with Hardy. Executive vice president Stephen Jones said earlier this week that associate athletic trainer Britt Brown has kept in touch with Hardy.
“He feels good,” Jones said. “The trainer is able to contact him to make sure he's feeling good. We have full expectation."
BY DREW DAVISON
ddavison@star-telegram.com
The Dallas Cowboys’ defense is getting reinforcements next week.
Linebacker Rolando McClain and defensive end Greg Hardy will each be eligible to return Monday following their four-game suspensions to start the season.
“We anticipate those guys being back and ready to go,” coach Jason Garrett said on Friday.
The Cowboys face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, and then will have a stiff test against the New England Patriots in Week 5. Getting McClain and Hardy back in the mix will certainly help fortify a defense that started strong before struggling last week against Atlanta.
McClain, suspended for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, is a difference-making linebacker. He provided a physical presence for the unit last season, becoming arguably their best run stopper.
Garrett has been pleased with how Anthony Hitchens has filled McClain’s spot in the middle, but McClain has the ability to make a greater impact.
Hardy, meanwhile, is considered among the top defensive ends in the game. He played only the season opener last season for Carolina before being placed on the commissioner’s exempt list for a domestic violence incident in May 2014.
Hardy spent training camp and played in every preseason game for the Cowboys, though, and they have high hopes that he can return to his Pro Bowl level.
The coaching staff cannot have contact with Hardy, however, the medical staff is able to allowed with Hardy. Executive vice president Stephen Jones said earlier this week that associate athletic trainer Britt Brown has kept in touch with Hardy.
“He feels good,” Jones said. “The trainer is able to contact him to make sure he's feeling good. We have full expectation."