Cowboys mini-camp practice truly mini today

Practice today out at Valley Ranch was cut short by the forces of nature. A huge storm popped up forcing the Cowboys inside and out of harm’s way. So not much too report on today although the DMN blog had a few snippets.

In news that made me semi-happy, Jay Ratliff has been taking some reps back out at defensive end. 

Ratliff said he has been getting some reps at defensive end during the Cowboys' off-season workouts, though he's still spending most of his time at nose tackle. The coaches have not informed him of a plan regarding how he might split time between the positions.

I’ve made known my preference for Ratliff at defensive end and Tank Johnson to handle the majority of the nose tackle duties. That’s not a slam at the play of Ratliff inside, I think he did a great job manning the position last year, but he seems to be even better as a defensive end where he can use his quickness without constant double-teams to create havoc. And yes, I’d rather he be the starter out there instead of Marcus Spears. In fact, put Ratliff out at DE, let Jason Hatcher back him up and slide Spears inside to back up Tank would be a good plan in my book.

T.O. is not participating in the mini-camp this week due to personal matters. Nothing to worry about because we know that T.O. will handle his business when the time comes. It also opens up some reps to the other receivers down on the depth chart, especially with both T.O. and Terry Glenn not practicing this week.

Right on cue, Sam Hurd had a good day at today’s short practice.

The three-year rule as passed on to Bill Parcells by Tom Landry is in effect for a few Cowboys this year. Check out this analysis of Miles Austin, Bobby Carpenter, Sam Hurd and Pat Watkins.