Source: Cowboys Leaning Toward Putting Spencer On Active Roster

If ever there was a time when Cowboys fans needed to hear some positive news regarding the defense, this would be the time. Now Rainer Sabin at the Dallas Morning News is citing a source close to Anthony Spencer as stating that the Dallas Cowboys are leaning toward starting the season with the former Pro Bowl player on the active roster. While Spencer would not likely be ready for the initial games of the season, it does seem to indicate that the team expects him to be ready to return prior the October 19th game against the New York Giants.

If Spencer was to start the season on the PUP list, that would be the earliest date that he would be eligible to see action. If the source is correct, Spencer's return could provide a boost the Dallas defensive line. So far, the veteran defensive end has focused on conditioning and agility work during training camp. According to Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones, the team is pleased with the progress that he has been making, but when he was asked if they were surprised with the results of Spencer's efforts Jones stated that they were not.

"No. I would never underestimate Spencer. He’s a professional athlete. He’s a pro. Football is important to him and he knows he can get back and play at a high level. And if and when he does it will be a huge boost for us." - Stephen Jones

While everyone associated with the team remains cautiously optimistic, Spencer himself is driven by a burning desire to get back on the gridiron. He has openly stated that his personal goal is to make enough progress so that the team is forced to put him on the active roster. Anthony Spencer wants to play football and he wants to do so soon. When asked about the possibility of starting the season on PUP, Anthony had this to say:

"I really hope not. I am not in control of that. I am not sure. I hope not."I just want to be back out on the field this season so whenever that is.  really had no expectations on how long it was going to take. I still really don’t. I move at the pace my body is and it’s responding really well. I am happy where I am right now." - Anthony Spencer

With the lack of star-power on the defensive front, if Spencer (along with Henry Melton) can return to the form that he played with prior to suffering  an injury last season, the Dallas defense will find itself in a much better situation than many would have dared to hope for.