Switzer Warns Linebacker
Dallas Cowboys’ coach Barry Switzer became a factor in stalemated contract negotiations with Darrin Smith on Thursday, saying the linebacker might not start for the team if his return is delayed until late in the season.
Smith, considered the team’s premier linebacker, has threatened not to report until six regular-season games remain. At that point, Switzer said he might be reluctant to change his lineup if Godfrey Myles continues to perform well for a defense that currently ranks third in the NFL.
“If we play well and get where we want to be when he comes back, there is no guarantee he walks right in and starts when the other guy has been here helping us,” Switzer said. “If the guy is playing well, making eight or nine tackles a game, it’s hard for the coach to make a change, hard for that defensive coaching staff and the 10 players around him.”
Niners healing
Offensive tackle Harris Barton and wide receiver John Taylor should be ready to start for the San Francisco 49ers Monday night against Detroit.
Barton, who has been nursing a pulled left calf muscle, has not played this season. Barton and Taylor, who has been out with a pulled right calf since playing in the opener at New Orleans, practiced Thursday.
“Right now. I’d say they’ll both start,” coach George Seifert said.
Judge lifts order
A judge in Cincinnati allowed Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Dan Wilkinson to get back together with his girlfriend, a week after Wilkinson was charged with assaulting her in their home.
A court order barring Wilkinson from seeing Shawnda Lamarr was lifted by the judge at Lamarr’s request.
“I’m just happy to get back home,” Wilkinson said as he held hands with Lamarr outside Hamilton County Municipal Court. “Now Shawnda and I can move on with our lives and get counseling and get this thing pieced back together.”
Wilkinson was accused of punching Lamarr, who is four months pregnant with his child, in the abdomen.
End zone
Oakland executive Bruce Allen confirmed that the Raiders are actively pursuing Brian Jordan, a former NFL safety who is an outfielder with the St. Louis Cardinals… . Leo Miles, 64, the supervisor of officials since 1991 and an official for 22 seasons, had a heart attack and died at a hospital in Washington… . Indianapolis waived starting tight end Charles Arbuckle and signed rookie defensive tackle Mike Pelton… . NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue met with officials of The Walt Disney Co. in Los Angeles to discuss the possibilities of bringing pro football back to the area.