Rookie OLB Brandon Williams tore ACL
Tim MacMahon, Dallas Morning News

Fourth-round outside linebacker Brandon Williams’ rookie season is over before it began. He suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee while covering a punt against the Titans.

“This kid had a chance to play some plays,” said Wade Phillips, who thought Williams could contribute as a pass-rusher this season. “I guess he’ll just have to do it next year.”

Williams, a Texas Tech product who needs surgery to repair the knee, will spend the season on injured reserve. He’s the second draft pick who will miss the season due to an injury, joining third-round offensive lineman Robert Brewster, who tore a pectoral muscle while lifting weights before training camp.

“It’s just a time for me to get mental reps and get stronger in the weight room,” said Williams, who got an MRI on Saturday morning.

Other injuries suffered last night:

*QB Stephen McGee sprained his knee when he was hit after releasing his touchdown pass. Phillips said he didn’t know the severity of McGee’s injury yet, but the fourth-round pick probably would not practice this week.

*OLB Justin Rogers also suffered a knee injury similar to the one that sidelined him during some off-season workouts, Phillips said.

Cowboys wide receiver Roy Williams was at Monday’s afternoon practice despite his sprained wrist.

According to Mickey Spagnola, Williams was told he could practice or work on the side with a trainer on the side.

Williams chose to practice.

Tatum’s Stephen Hodge was back at practice on Sunday and again today.

And cornerback Terence Newman was back at work too.

The only player not working out with the team is former Texas Tech linebacker Brandon Williams, who continues to nurse a shoulder injury.

If Williams can practice on Tuesday, he could be available to play against the Titans on Friday.

David Smoak

Terence Newman, Mike Jenkins expected back Monday
Tim MacMahon/Blogger-Dallas Morning News

Wade Phillips said most of the players who missed the preseason opener will return to practice Monday. He specifically mentioned cornerbacks Terence Newman (groin) and Mike Jenkins (ankle).

Rookie linebackers Brandon Williams (shoulder) and Tatum’s Stephen Hodge (knee) are participating in today’s walk-throughs, but they might not do much during tomorrow’s practices.