Stubborn hamstring irks Aaron Ross, will likely sit out against Cowboys

BY Ralph Vacchiano
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
Tuesday, September 15th 2009, 4:00 AM

Aaron Ross’ troublesome left hamstring is feeling “better,” but entering the second week of the NFL season that’s still not nearly good enough.

The injured Giants cornerback is still hurting and doesn’t expect to practice this week or play Sunday night in Dallas. He’s in what he called a “frustrating” situation, dealing with a slow-healing hamstring that’s injured in two different places, with absolutely no timetable on when he might be able to return.

He even underwent the same platelet-rich plasma therapy that helped defensive tackle Chris Canty recover from his torn hamstring and play in Sunday’s win over Washington. Ross said “I begged them to do it,” hoping it would help.

Unfortunately it didn’t.

“I’m feeling a difference, but it’s still not completely healed yet,” Ross said. “I don’t know how much longer I have for it to be completely healed. I’m still getting treatment and trying to get it better.”

Ross said his hamstring injury “is serious” and it’s hurt in two places — where the hamstring meets the back of his knee (”That’s the part that’s bothering me the most,” he said, “because I can’t extend my leg.”) and in the center of the muscle (”I feel that when I hit the ground … it’s grabbing.”).

Ross hasn’t even tried to practice since his aborted attempt on Aug. 25.

NOT TOO BAD: The MRI on rookie WR Hakeem Nicks’ sprained left foot showed no signs of the dreaded Lis Franc injury, which means he should be ready to return in 2-3 weeks. Tom Coughlin said Nicks and RB Danny Ware (dislocated elbow) would sit out the next two weeks and then would be “day to day.”

NOT QUITE THERE: LB Michael Boley will be activated off the suspended list tomorrow (the Giants will have to cut someone to clear space on the roster) but he’s not quite ready to claim his starting job. He’s still recovering from surgery to repair a torn hip labrum. He said “it’s a lot better, considering where I was,” but he still has not participated in team drills. … DT Chris Canty was in about 20 plays against Washington, but “it felt like I played 50 plays. I was a little gassed.” He likely will see a little more action Sunday against his old team. … With Ware out, Coughlin said the Giants will discuss adding another RB. They do have RB Allen Patrick on the practice squad.

Still waiting on what will happen with Manuel Johnson (Gilmer) and Stephen Hodge (Tatum) with the Cowboys, and Cody Glenn of Rusk with the Redskins.

Smoaky

Atlanta Falcons:
Robert Ferguson, WR, Tyler Jr. College (Texas A&M)
Ben Wilkerson, Hemphill (LSU)

Buffalo Bills:
Dominic Rhodes, RB, Tyler Jr. College (Midwestern State)

Dallas Cowboys:
Manuel Johnson, WR, Gilmer (Oklahoma)

Denver Broncos:
Tim Crowder, DE, John Tyler (Texas)

New England Patriots:
Billy Yates, OL, Corsicana (Texas A&M)

San Diego Chargers:
Kynan Forney, OL, Nacogdoches (Florida State)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Matt Bryant, K, Trinity Valley C.C.

Washington Redskins:
Cody Glenn, LB, Rusk (Nebraska)

David Smoak

Former Detroit Lions cornerback Dick LeBeau and Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little have been named as the two senior nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2010.

LeBeau is currently the defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The announcement came this afternoon following the Seniors Committee meeting held in Canton.

Here’s more on this story: Senior Nominees Named

At least in my opinion.

When I need an answer about the NFL, I call or email Rick.\

Over the many years, when I’ve asked a question about an East Texas prospect or something involving the league, he’s been right about 90% of the time.

Rick Gosselin Column

David Smoak

Longview’s Robert Henson always wanted to play for the Cowboys.

“I was a big Cowboys fan, real big,” Henson said. “It’s crazy how big a Cowboy fan I was, from the Starter jacket I wore as a kid. I had all the gear. Growing up watching Emmitt, Troy and Michael and that defense … I was a big Cowboys fan.”

Until April. The TCU linebacker became a sixth-round draft pick of the Washington Redskins, the Cowboys’ hated arch-rival. Cowboys? Who are they?

“It was an easy transition for me,” Henson said. “I’m wearing the burgundy and gold now. The Redskins extended me an opportunity to join their football team and be a part of something special. Cowboys-Redskins is one of the most storied rivalries in the NFL. I’m grateful to be a part of it.”

Henson wasn’t the only member of the family who had to make the transition, though. Henson is married to Sara Jakes, the daughter of T.D. Jakes, the pastor of the Potter’s House in Dallas.

“They tell me all the time they aren’t a Cowboys fan or a Redskins fan – their my fan,” Henson said of his in-laws. “They went out and bought a [Redskins] jersey. I think they converted easily.”

LUFKIN, Texas (AP) — Former Miami Dolphins defensive lineman T.J. Turner has died of complications from a stroke. He was 46.

Turner’s death was confirmed by Tims Funeral Home in Lufkin. The Lufkin Daily News said he died Monday at a Bryan, Texas, hospital after a stroke last week.

Turner played seven seasons for the Dolphins from 1986-92, compiling 16 sacks in 101 career games. He played defensive end and nose tackle.

He was an All-Southwest Conference player at Houston before the Dolphins drafted him in the third round in 1986.

Man, the Giants had several key injuries before the 2008 season, and they’re going through some of the same in 2009, and serious injury could be with former Cowboys DE Chris Canty, who signed a lucrative free agent deal during the off-season.

NYG Injury Problems .

David Smoak

I thought he would fit 3-4 teams, because of their system not their offensive styles.

Vick is in the NFC East and if he makes the team, Cowboys fans will see him a couple of times.

Eagles sign Vick .

David Smoak

Monday Morning QB on SI.com .

Smoaky

49ers wide receiver Brandon Jones will miss up to eight weeks with a fracture in his right shoulder.

An earlier diagnosis was a sprain, but it’s been updated to a fracture.

Jones was receiving rave reviews throughout the 49ers training camp and appeared to have an edge on the slot wide receiver position.

Jones was an all-state receiver on Liberty-Eylau’s 1999 Class 3-A state championship team, and played college football at Oklahoma.

He signed a free agent contract with San Francisco after four years with Tennessee.

Smoaky