Jerry Jones: Jaylon Smith Won't Go On IR, Hope Lawrence Gets Suspension Reduced
By: Josh Clark
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DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was very forthcoming with Shan & RJ on 105.3 The Fan Thursday morning.
Much has been made about the team's decision to select running back Ezekiel Elliott in the first round and linebacker Jaylon Smith in the second of last week's NFL draft.
Both players came off stellar college careers and were seen as surefire top ten talents in this draft. However, they are the complete opposite of each other when it comes to the important 'Romo window', making their selections a surprise to many.
What was even more surprising was Jones' optimism about Smith playing this season.
"Although we got a red shirt for the most part (on Smith), I will not IR him," said Jones. "We will take the chance that he could get back at the latter part of the season, maybe into the playoffs."
Smith suffered a torn ACL and MCL and nerve damage in his left knee against Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl. While the ACL and MCL injuries are healing, there's a big concern about the nerve damage he sustained. Jones, however, believes Smith will be just fine and that he has a bright future with the team.
"I was plenty satisfied that his long term prospects that he could be a player for us for many many years to come, and just be a cornerstone of what we're trying to do defensively."
Another big problem the Cowboys face with picking Smith is the fact that they could have selected an impact player on defense. Dallas will be incredibly thin at defensive end because their top two pass rushers, Demarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory, are both suspended for the first four games of the season.
There has been some hope recently, however, that Lawrence could have his suspension reduced just as Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick did two seasons ago.
"It's under consideration," Jones said. "It's just like if something were being judged, you don't want to get out here and be trying to tell them what to do. Let them look at all the facts of the entire situation, which is what is required and will be done and then maybe we can get a reduction."
Jones was also asked about the team's backup quarterback position and whether Kellen Moore was in fact the backup to Tony Romo.
"Yes, I think Kellen Moore has shown the it, he's got the instincts, he's got the anticipation, he gives me and us a great feeling about improving," Jones said. "Obviously, those interceptions are not something you can live with but some of the stuff he was doing was pretty obvious that the team was responding (to him)."
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