Right now when Jerry Jones talks, all that everyone’s waiting for are hints and nuggets about the Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback situation. However, on a radio show today, Jerry made a surprising statement about a mostly-forgotten player:
Jerry Jones on possibly getting players back this season: "I don't want to dismiss Jaylon Smith. I don't want to dismiss Rolando McClain."
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) November 1, 2016
Rolando McClain has not been part of the team since the the summer practices. Knowing that he would face a 10-game suspension for a repeat drug violation, McClain never reported to training camp and has had no known interaction with the Cowboys since that time. He was assumed to be a non-factor this season.
It is possible that Jerry misspoke, intending to say Randy Gregory. Unlike McClain, Gregory has remained connected to the team during his drug rehab and subsequent suspension. He is eligible to return for the Cowboys final two games of the regular season and the playoffs.
It would be very surprising if Jerry, or anyone else in the Cowboys front office, was still holding out hope for Rolando McClain. He doesn’t seem to fit with the personality of chemistry of the locker room as constructed by Jason Garrett.
However, McClain is technically still under contract and eligible to play in just a few more weeks. Perhaps there has been some behind-the-scenes discussion.
If McClain can actually still play, he would certainly be useful. Dallas has survived his absence but there’s nothing exceptional about Anthony Hitchens, Justin Durant, and others who have played the middle linebacker spot. McClain can be a game-changing presence when he’s motivated.
This could all be moot; speculation brought on by an errant comment from Jerry Jones. However, given McClain’s profile and potential, you can’t help but wonder about the possibility.
