Irvin Not Expected At Cowboys’ Camp; Rams Sign Phillips

Lawrence Phillips, subject of offseason legal proceedings, finally appears headed for the football field. Michael Irvin, another making news in the courts, may be back this week, as well, although he’s not expected by the Dallas Cowboys.

Phillips, the sixth overall pick in April’s draft, finally agreed to terms with the St. Louis Rams. But he will not get a signing bonus, meaning he will have to stay out of trouble before he pockets any of the reported $5.625 million over three years called for in the contract.

The Rams took Phillips after several clubs passed on the talented tailback from Nebraska. Phillips currently is serving a one-year probation for misdemeanor assault of a former girlfriend in Nebraska.

As for Irvin, coach Barry Switzer said he’d been told by owner Jerry Jones that Irvin could be in as early as Thursday. But Jones clarified the matter Tuesday afternoon.

“He won’t be coming to camp Thursday,” Jones said. “That was just speculation on my part. Thursday is near the end of the week, and there was a possibility near the end of the week, but it’s just as likely he’ll get here at the end of next week.”

“There’s no urgency on our part for Michael to be in camp,” Jones said.

Irvin, suspended by the NFL for the first five games of the season following a no-contest plea to felony cocaine possession, has been at home in Miami since his trial ended two weeks ago.

Irvin is allowed to practice with the team during training camp and can play in exhibition games. But during the suspension, which starts Aug. 26, he is not allowed to be in contact with the club.

49ers hurting

Heat and injuries are taking a toll on the San Francisco 49ers. The temperature at the team’s Rocklin training camp was at or above 100 degrees for a third straight day Tuesday, and newly signed running back Russell White was among three players unable to finish pratice because of heat exhaustion.

Johnny Johnson has been sidelined since aggravating a back injury during the camp’s opening session July 18. Dexter Carter (right hamstring) and Jamal Willis (right knee) also have been injured and unable to practice.

Raiders sign Ervins

Running back Ricky Ervins, who played with San Francisco last season, signed a one-year deal with Oakland.