Anthony Spencer: "Possible" He Could Practice At Training Camp

The Dallas Cowboys problems on the defensive line last year are well chronicled - injuries decimated the unit. Part of the problem was the knee injury that caused veteran defensive end Anthony Spencer to miss basically the entire season. Spencer had to undergo micro-fracture surgery and his prospects for a full return are still up in the air. Dallas allowed him to test the free-agent market this offseason, but after visits with the Redskins and Giants didn't produce an offer, the Cowboys brought him back on a one-year, $3.5 million incentive-laden contract that gives the team an out if Spencer is unable to regain his health.

Today, Spencer briefly spoke with the press and offered this assessment.

... the Cowboys veteran defensive end only says it is a "possibility" he’ll be able to practice by the time the team’s training camp concludes in August.

"I probably won’t see any preseason work," he said.

"It’s getting there," he said. But his recovery has been a long process. Spencer explained that after surgery he spent the next four or five months on crutches. "I laid down for about 16 or 17 hours of the day between walking back and forth," said Spencer, who played in only one game last season.

Obviously the Cowboys could use a healthy Spencer. But instead of counting on it, they have been adding pieces to the defensive line all offseason. They won't get caught short again.