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NFL won't reduce suspension; DT eligible to play Nov. 11

03:48 PM CDT on Thursday, October 18, 2007

By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News
tarcher@dallasnews.com

IRVING - Tank Johnson is not exactly back, but he'll be allowed to practice with the Dallas Cowboys starting Friday.

The NFL did not reduce Johnson's eight-game suspension. However, the league cleared the defensive tackle to begin practicing. Johnson is eligible to return to game action Nov. 11 when the Cowboys play at the New York Giants.

Johnson officially applied for reinstatement last week.

The Cowboys signed Johnson to a two-year deal Sept. 18 after losing starting nose tackle Jason Ferguson for the season with a torn biceps. Johnson will earn a prorated portion of a $510,000 base salary this season and $605,000 next year. He can earn an extra $1 million in incentives in the second year.

Johnson has been able to work out at Valley Ranch for the last three weeks, but he has not had contact with coaches, per rules of his suspension.

The addition of Johnson will boost the Cowboys' defensive line. Starting nose tackle Jay Ratliff has played well, but there is concern the 298-pounder may wear down from playing so much. The inexperienced Remi Ayodele has served as Ratliff's backup.

In 46 games with Chicago, Johnson had 63 tackles and nine sacks, but he is not completely familiar with the Cowboys' 3-4 scheme. However, coach Wade Phillips has said he does not believe it will be hard for Johnson to pick up the scheme.

Johnson's ability has not been a question, but his off-field behavior has. But the Cowboys have been impressed with his work in the player development program under Bryan Wansley and Calvin Hill.

Tank Johnson cleared to practice with Cowboys | Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Latest News

Serrated Shadow

sweeeet..

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BeastJacobs

Now they have a good D Tackle...wonderful.

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DaBoyz

Who's probably gonna be a little ticked off at what he's been going through. This is bad news for Derrick about now. btw, what's up with their Fullback? Is he injured or what?

I truly believe Tank is going to try his hardest to prove something much like Culpepper has been trying to do to Miami. Can't wait 2C how he fits in. Heck we might just have ourselves another Charles Haley (if one could only wish)

Jerry Jones
Julius Jones
Jimmy Johnson
Tank Johnson
Brad Johnson

gruntbygod

We have a good DT in Ratliff. He has actually played much better than I expected at NT, as he is just not that type of DT. Tank really isnt either, I think in our D over the long run his best spot will be DE. But what would have killed us over the season is Ratliff wearing down. I think Tanks arrival will stop that. IMO they will be a good 2 headed NT

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cbsturg

I was hopeful that the Commish would make good on his word that if Tank behaved himself his suspension would be shaved. But at least he gets to get on the field and get to know his team a bit better.

I'm looking forward to seeing how he fits into the scheme. I'm also hopeful he can keep his nose clean.

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- Chris Sturgill
My football blog

Professor

then wouldn't that make them a 3-4 instead of a 4-3, LOL

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Serrated Shadow

no, that would make them a fresh 3-4..

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RoyWilliams

Its kinda like saying two headed monster rbs, as in the revolve.

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gruntbygod

No. neither Ratliff nor Tank are ideal 3-4 NT's. They both more 3-4 DE's. But in Ratliff has proven that he can step in an excel in the NT role, the problem is with his size, he will never hold up a full season their. Thats where Tank comes in. With Tank and Ratliff rotating in and out both players will remain fresh throughout the season

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