FanHouse MatMcBriar

A year ago, the Cowboys used their two first-round picks on running back Felix Jones and cornerback Mike Jenkins. Neither contributed much as a rookie; Jenkins played in 14 games (starting three) and had 19 tackles, but the one he didn't make sticks out most in my mind (of course it does).

Jones, who was something of a surprise pick with Rashard Mendenhall still available, played in just six games before landing on injured reserve with a big toe and hamstring injury.

The bad news continues for the Dallas Cowboys, as NFL commissioner Roger Goodell just announced that Adam "Pacman" Jones will be suspended indefinitely.

Jones found himself in trouble last week, getting in a fight with his own bodyguard at a Dallas hotel. Recording five tackles in the Cowboys' loss to the Cardinals on Sunday, Dallas will be without him for at least four weeks.

Goodell notified Adam Jones today that he is suspended indefinitely without pay as a result of his most recent violation of the NFL Personal Conduct Policy.

Jones will miss at least the next four games. Goodell will determine the final length of the suspension following the Cowboys' Week 11 game against Washington on November 16. The decision on whether Jones can return to play will be based on Jones' strict compliance with the NFL and Dallas Cowboys treatment plan as well as on evaluations of Jones' progress that will be provided to Commissioner Goodell by clinical experts retained by the NFL.

The hits just keep on coming for the Cowboys, who just yesterday were told quarterback Tony Romo would be out a month, running back Felix Jones at least two weeks and punter Mat McBriar for six to eight weeks.

Jerry Jones might have had some bad birthdays, but this one could take the cake.

Turning 66 today, Jones has lost his star quarterback Tony Romo for a month with a broken pinkie, his punter Mat McBriar for six to eight weeks with a fractured foot and now his star rookie running back to a strained hamstring.

Felix Jones, who has rushed for 226 yards and three touchdowns his his first season with Dallas, will be out at least two weeks with the hamstring, a big blow to an offense that will most likely focus on the run while Romo is sidelined.

Cowboys rookie running back Felix Jones is getting an MRI on the strained hamstring he suffered in the 30-24 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, but from preliminary indications he will be out at least two weeks.

Jones suffered the left hamstring strain on his 14-yard gain on second-and-six at the Arizona 49. He left the game at that point, never to return.

The once electrifying Cowboys offense, who at times almost looked like they had too many stars, will now be relying on 40-year-old Brad Johnson to spearhead the offense that is now without the benefit of two solid backs.

Coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Cardinals, the Cowboys now endure three straight weeks of play without two key offensive components. I think all Cowboy fans will agree, the bye week couldn't come fast enough.

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And the news just gets better for the Cowboys. After ninth-string wide receiver/special teams maven Sean Morey blocked a Mat McBriar overtime punt to give Arizona a 30-24 victory over Dallas yesterday, we now find out that Tony Romo will miss four weeks with a ... broken pinky on his throwing hand? Really?

At least that's the word on the street according to ESPN's Michael Smith. Romo took a pretty good beating against the Cards -- the first time he's really been pushed around all season -- although I don't remember him ever grabbing his throwing hand at any point during the game.

Whatever, the Cowboys' season now lies in the very capable -- and ancient -- hands of Brad Johnson, who is four years older than Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, 36. Johnson was the Vikings starter for most of 2006, but has only attempted 11 passes since (he did complete seven, however!).

If there's a bright spot, it's this: Dallas has their bye in Week 10, which means that Romo should only miss three games. Johnson will face the red-hot, one-game-winning-streak Rams next week, then the Bucs (the team Johnson won the Super Bowl with in 2002), and finally the Giants.

If all goes well, Romo will return to face the Redskins in Washington on Nov. 16. In the meantime, he will rehab at a Mexican resort with his D-List ladyfriend.

Training camps are underway, the NFL season is a month off, and to get you ready for 2008, FanHouse previews all 32 teams, "heat index" style. We'll rate each club in 10 categories on a scale of 1 to 10, high score wins.

Quarterback: We know that Tony Romo isn't a fluke. He stepped in last year and had another fantastic season, setting team records in the process. There are questions remaining about distractions (Romessica) and winning a playoff game (none in his two years) which Romo must answer if he wants to take a place among the NFL's elite. Dallas is putting all their eggs in that basket as the only fallback if Romo gets hurt is 39-yr old Brad Johnson who isn't quite the risk taker. Heat Index: 9

Running backs: It's rare when a team loses their starting running back and everyone is fine with the position. Julius Jones is gone, but rookie Felix Jones is in. Jones (Felix) will get a ton of carries this season to keep Marion Barber fresh. Barber, who only started the Cowboys' playoff game, is the NFL's version of Mariano Rivera -- he dominates late in games and finishes drives off. Jones and Barber will combined for that classic "lightning and thunder" combo and should be quite successful doing it in what supposed to be a more run-friendly offense. Heat Index: 7