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Posted Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010
By Jan Hubbard jhubbard@star-telegram.com
IRVING -- Preparing for a season as a Dallas Cowboys backup quarterback is a little like training for an afternoon nap. The goal is to work hard so you can be ready to do nothing.
Before the 2009 season began, Jon Kitna had started 115 NFL games and completed passes for more than 27,000 yards.
After the season, he had the same career stats. For 16 regular-season games and one playoff game, he stood on the sidelines and watched Tony Romo take every snap from center. Same for third-teamer Stephen McGee, who was seen about as often as the Ghost of Christmas Past.
Despite Romo being the only NFL quarterback to take every snap last year, it still is a priority for the Cowboys to have their backups ready. So when the Cowboys meet the Oakland Raiders tonight at Cowboys Stadium, Romo will play one or two series, Kitna will likely play a quarter and McGee -- as he did Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals -- will get the most snaps.
Although the Cowboys want to see if McGee can demonstrate NFL ability, they will ultimately be more interested in getting playing time for Kitna in the preseason.
Kitna will likely have one exhibition game when he plays at least a half or more, but it won't be tonight.
Kitna, who has 152 career touchdown passes, said playing against the Bengals was "a lot of fun." But he did feel some rust.
Injury report
The Cowboys have decided to hold rookie linebacker Sean Lee (quad injury) out of the Oakland game. Lee is expected to play in his first game on Aug. 21 when the Cowboys meet the Chargers in San Diego.
Also missing tonight's game will be safety Akwasi Owusu-Ansah (shoulder/hamstring), tight end Martellus Bennett (ankle), offensive tackle Alex Barron (finger/ankle), defensive lineman Sean Lissemore (groin), tight end Scott Sicko (concussion), cornerback Cletis Gordon (strained neck), safety Patrick Watkins (knee) and guard Montrae Holland (hamstring).
Those players could be ready to play against the Chargers.
Rookie receiver Dez Bryant (ankle) and defensive lineman Marcus Spears (knee sprain) could return late in training camp. Linebacker Stephen Hodge, who has yet to practice after having microfracture surgery on his knee almost a year ago, said Wednesday he is unsure when he will return.
Briefly
Starting left guard Kyle Kosier might get some snaps as the second-team center this week.
The Cowboys, as part of their 50th anniversary, will recognize honorary captains for all home games this season. To commemorate the team's first season and decade of the 1960s, Eddie LeBaron and Jethro Pugh will serve as the captains for tonight's game against the Raiders.
Parking lots will open at 4 p.m. today. Stadium plazas and gates will open at 6 p.m. Kickoff is 8 p.m.
Staff writer Charean Williams contributed to this report.
Jan Hubbard, 817-390-7760
By Jan Hubbard jhubbard@star-telegram.com
IRVING -- Preparing for a season as a Dallas Cowboys backup quarterback is a little like training for an afternoon nap. The goal is to work hard so you can be ready to do nothing.
Before the 2009 season began, Jon Kitna had started 115 NFL games and completed passes for more than 27,000 yards.
After the season, he had the same career stats. For 16 regular-season games and one playoff game, he stood on the sidelines and watched Tony Romo take every snap from center. Same for third-teamer Stephen McGee, who was seen about as often as the Ghost of Christmas Past.
Despite Romo being the only NFL quarterback to take every snap last year, it still is a priority for the Cowboys to have their backups ready. So when the Cowboys meet the Oakland Raiders tonight at Cowboys Stadium, Romo will play one or two series, Kitna will likely play a quarter and McGee -- as he did Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals -- will get the most snaps.
Although the Cowboys want to see if McGee can demonstrate NFL ability, they will ultimately be more interested in getting playing time for Kitna in the preseason.
Kitna will likely have one exhibition game when he plays at least a half or more, but it won't be tonight.
Kitna, who has 152 career touchdown passes, said playing against the Bengals was "a lot of fun." But he did feel some rust.
Injury report
The Cowboys have decided to hold rookie linebacker Sean Lee (quad injury) out of the Oakland game. Lee is expected to play in his first game on Aug. 21 when the Cowboys meet the Chargers in San Diego.
Also missing tonight's game will be safety Akwasi Owusu-Ansah (shoulder/hamstring), tight end Martellus Bennett (ankle), offensive tackle Alex Barron (finger/ankle), defensive lineman Sean Lissemore (groin), tight end Scott Sicko (concussion), cornerback Cletis Gordon (strained neck), safety Patrick Watkins (knee) and guard Montrae Holland (hamstring).
Those players could be ready to play against the Chargers.
Rookie receiver Dez Bryant (ankle) and defensive lineman Marcus Spears (knee sprain) could return late in training camp. Linebacker Stephen Hodge, who has yet to practice after having microfracture surgery on his knee almost a year ago, said Wednesday he is unsure when he will return.
Briefly
Starting left guard Kyle Kosier might get some snaps as the second-team center this week.
The Cowboys, as part of their 50th anniversary, will recognize honorary captains for all home games this season. To commemorate the team's first season and decade of the 1960s, Eddie LeBaron and Jethro Pugh will serve as the captains for tonight's game against the Raiders.
Parking lots will open at 4 p.m. today. Stadium plazas and gates will open at 6 p.m. Kickoff is 8 p.m.
Staff writer Charean Williams contributed to this report.
Jan Hubbard, 817-390-7760
