Cowboys not placing Ratliff on IR yet
Dallas Cowboys nose tackle Jay Ratliff, who is expected to miss three to six weeks after having hernia surgery on Thursday, is not going on the injured list yet.
Ratliff will miss the rest of the regular season, according to ESPN Dallas. He could return only if the Cowboys make the playoffs. Former Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman, now with the Cincinnati Bengals, missed five games after having similar surgery in 2008.
"We're going to give him every opportunity to stay on the 53 and be a part of our football team," coach Jason Garrett said. "He's an outstanding football player. He's dealt with a lot of injuries this year, but when he played he played very well. We know what he's all about, his passion for the game, love for the game. He's a warrior and that's the way he's always played throughout his career."
Ratliff was injured against the Cleveland Browns on Nov. 18 and stayed in the game. However, he has not played or practiced since.
