NFL Notes: Jerry Jones, Bengals, Buccaneers, Cowboys

Jerry Jones

Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones said during an interview with 105.3 The Fan on Monday that the recent report of NFL owners discussing a nuclear option that could force them to forfeit the Dallas franchise (NFLTR) is “laughable.”

“I think it’s laughable,” Jones said. “We don’t take it serious.”

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, who reported the news, stands by the report.

“It’s absolutely true that multiple owners have discussed the possibility of an Article XIII assault on ownership of the team,” Florio writes. “It’s absolutely true that multiple owners have become upset with the manner in which Jerry Jones has handled himself in recent months. Objecting discreetly to Goodell’s contract through proper internal channels is one thing; the decision to constantly air out the league’s dirty laundry is another. And the proverbial red line was crossed when Jones instigated (as multiple owners believe) the public criticism of NFL leadership by a red-shirted pizza magnate known as Papa John.

“Jones has managed to alienate a group of very rich, very powerful people who are used to getting their way, pretty much all the time. And if Jones doesn’t stand down from his threat to become the new Al Davis of the NFL, the other NFL owners may react much different than they did when Davis was suing his partners and generally creating mayhem and unrest.

“So the ball remains in the court of Jerry Jones. If his huffing and puffing about suing the league becomes anything more than huffing and puffing, the only question will be whose house gets blown down, and when.”

Meanwhile, Mark Maske reports that some owners are urging consideration of a variety of penalties if Jones persists including a fine, suspension or loss of draft pick/picks for the Cowboys. Although, Maske’s sources stopped short of mentioning forcing Jones to sell the team.

Bengals

• Interestingly enough, Bengals HC Marvin Lewis said RB Jeremy Hill opted to have ankle surgery, even though they thought he could wait until after the season. (Paul Dehner Jr)
• Lewis said they were surprised by Hill’s decision to have the procedure.

Buccaneers

• Buccaneers HC Dirk Koetter announced that Ryan Fitzpatrick will remain their starting quarterback in Week 11 while Jameis Winston remains out with a shoulder injury. (Rick Stroud)
• Koetter added there’s been no discussion with GM Jason Licht about Winston not playing again this year and he expects Winston to return. (Rick Stroud)

Cowboys

• Cowboys HC Jason Garrett said that LT Tyron Smith worked out Monday morning but isn’t expected to practice Wednesday because of his strained groin. (Brandon George)
• According to Garrett, they’re still unsure if Smith will return for their Week 11 game against the Eagles.
• As for veteran LB Sean Lee, who suffered a hamstring strain against Atlanta, Garrett said: “It might be some time. We’ll see.” (Todd Archer)
• Ian Rapoport reports that Lee may end up missing “several” games with this injury.
• Garrett mentioned S Jeff Heath is in the concussion protocol. (Brandon George)