NFL Notes: Jaylon Smith, Cowboys & Saints

Jaylon Smith

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones mentioned in an interview with 105.3 The Fan that second-round pick Jaylon Smith’s progress is “undetermined.”

“His progress is really undetermined,” Jones said Tuesday, via the Dallas Morning News. “But that was to be expected. He is not off plan at all. The rejuvenation of the nerve that would help him get in position to actually hit the playing field is not complete, but it is not behind. It was to be expected.

“Our doctors are not dismayed at all. I’m not [dismayed]. It’s the type of thing that could really come around. And if it comes around, then we’ll take advantage of it. And he’s such an impact player that we would try to get him on the field. In the meantime, he’s doing many things that would let you use the word progress. Of course, he has unbelievable work ethic, character, resolve to help the team.”

Cowboys

Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones said the team has not “totally ruled out” RB Lance Dunbar (knee) from participating in training camp, but added that they plan to be careful with him.

“[But] we’re going to be careful,” Jones said Monday, via Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “It’s a long year for him, and we want to do things the right way with him. But gosh, I commend him. He’s worked so hard and come so far, so fast – a lot faster than anyone dreamed he could come.

“We’ve also got to do what’s right in his best interest and certainly not jeopardize any of the hard work he’s put into this. But I think we’ve got a great look at what he can for us. I think Tony [Romo] got a good look even though he wasn’t out there with him for a lot of that with what he can do for our football team.”

Saints

• Nick Underhill of the Advocate continues with his position breakdown for the Saints by looking at the safety position.
• Underhill considers rookie Vonn Bell, Jairus Byrd and Kenny Vaccaro to be locks to make the 53-man roster with veteran Roman Harper and Erik Harris being “good bets.”
• This leaves Alden Darby and Trae Elston fighting for roster spots this summer.