| Campo encouraged: Galloway, Ismail practice 05/31/2001 By Jean-Jacques Taylor / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING – As receiver Joey Galloway made his way across the Cowboys' locker
room Wednesday afternoon, he walked more like Frankenstein than one of the
NFL's fastest receivers.
Large ice packs on each knee forced Galloway to take slow, plodding
steps as he lurched toward the team meeting room.
"This is the price you have to pay to play this game," Galloway said to
no one in particular.
Galloway, though, was all smiles. So was coach Dave Campo.
Campo expected Galloway and Raghib Ismail, both of whom are recovering
from serious knee injuries that ended their seasons early last year, to
participate in some individual drills during this week's voluntary
practice session.
Each surprised him by participating in some team drills.
Campo said he even yelled at receivers coach Wes Chandler to be careful,
when Campo saw Ismail take a handoff on a reverse and cut upfield
instead of heading outside toward the sideline.
"I guess I scared him on that one," Ismail said with a grin. "Whether
it's practice or a game, your instincts tend to take over when you're
running the ball."
Galloway and Ismail should play a vital role in whatever offensive
success the Cowboys have this season.
The Cowboys have talked about using the speed of Galloway and Ismail to
attack defenses deep. The coaching staff hopes the threat of Galloway
and Ismail will force teams to use their safeties to protect against the
deep ball, which, in theory, should make it easier for Emmitt Smith to
run the ball.
Throwing the deep ball is also quarterback Tony Banks' strength.
"It's unbelievable that Rocket and Joey jumped out there today and
started practicing," Campo said. "That's exciting. I expected them to do
some stuff, but it's a real positive that they're already able to work
with the group."
The training staff expects Galloway and Ismail to participate in
training camp, though they may only practice once a day.
While the Cowboys know what to expect from Galloway and Ismail, the
other three or four receiver spots are up for grabs.
Players such as Wane McGarity, Jason Tucker, Damon Hodge and Chris
Brazzell, who played for Dallas last season, have a slight advantage.
But receivers coach Wes Chandler is looking for playmakers.
He's also looking for a third-down possession receiver, since veteran
Carl Pickens opted to retire. Chandler needs someone capable of beating
single-coverage on third downs, when opponents double-cover Ismail or
Galloway.
Hambrick uncertain
Campo said he has not talked to linebacker Darren Hambrick and did not
know if he would participate in the final two practices of the mini-camp.
Hambrick has been upset with the one-year contract worth $512,000 that
he received from the club. He signed the contract two weeks ago.
Rookie snafus
Campo said rookie quarterback Quincy Carter is doing well except for
dropping some snaps during a team drill.
"He's looking a lot more comfortable, and he really excites us when the
pocket collapses and he starts to rely on his talent instead of thinking
about things," Campo said. "Now, if we can just get him to hold onto the
ball once he gets it from the center, we'll be fine."
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