Cowboys VP Stephen Jones confirmed Friday that the team has shut down wideout Miles Austin in an effort to finally get him healed from his hamstring injury according to Drew Davison of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "We're really wanting to make sure we get him 100 percent back and he's not out there playing at 85-90 percent," Jones said. "Give him the chance to get all the way back rather than push him out." Austin has not participated in practice all week but has been spotted doing rehab exercises along the sideline. He is listed as "doubtful" for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings but clearly will not play. What Jones did not say publicly is what has been obvious for several weeks-that Terrance Williams has supplanted Austin as the No.2 receiver in the Cowboys offense. Source: The Redzone SteveRobWhatever's Take: Austin just can't stay on the field. Terrance Williams now is the #2 man in Dallas and I think he's not going to be giving that spot up. Austin's run in Dallas could be coming to an unceremonious end.
I think when Miles does come back, he'll be relegated to full time slot work. And I'm okay with that, because it'll protect his rubber band hammys and allow Williams to get plenty of experience. Really really really freaking expensive slot receiver, but what can you do?
Put his butt on the IR and keep him there all season. Then try to trade a healthy Austin to some desperate team and let them worry about him.
I'm not even close to being on the IR him bandwagon. When he's healthy, he's still useful. If we can get play out of him down the stretch, it's worth it. Cole Beasley is good, but I'd much rather give Tony Miles Austin if he gets in the clutch than Beasley.
