Aikman's Season Over Early
Troy Aikman's season is officially over. Next is a decision on whether his career is, too.
Dallas coach Dave Campo said Tuesday that Aikman will miss the finale Monday night against Tampa Bay. The quarterback is recovering from his second concussion of the season suffered Dec. 10.
"We as an organization and our trainers, in conjunction with doctors, felt the risks of playing the last game outweighed the rewards," Campo said. "Troy agreed with that."
Neither Aikman nor Cowboys owner Jerry Jones could be reached for comment. Aikman has barely spoken with reporters since his latest injury.
"In no way would I intimate he feels this is it," Campo said. "That has not been talked about at all."
Anthony Wright will make his second straight start in Aikman's place. Wright will be playing in just his fourth NFL game. He led Dallas to a victory over Washington in his first extensive action following Aikman's concussion, then lost 17-13 to the New York Giants on Sunday.
The 34-year-old Aikman will be in street clothes for the fifth game this season, four because of concussions and once for a bad back. He was knocked out of three more games in the first quarter.
Considering the battering Aikman has taken, the three Super Bowls he's won and the checks he's cashed, many have suggested the quarterback call it a career and avoid any further damage to his health and reputation.
Jones could influence the decision by releasing Aikman prior to March 8. If the quarterback is on the roster then, he'll get a $7 million bonus that would extend his contract through 2007.
Releasing Aikman, however, wouldn't necessarily be a final move. He could be re-signed to a cheaper deal or could sign with another team.
The first priority will be ensuring Aikman's health. Aikman's fears were eased last offseason when extensive tests showed no permanent damage from his previous eight concussions.
It's not clear whether he is still suffering effects of his latest concussion, which would be a sign that his body is no longer able to tolerate the poundings.
An added wrinkle this time is concern over a herniated disk in his back. Aikman has had the problem since '93, but this season he needed two rounds of shots to relieve the pain. Another big hit by Jacksonville's Tony Brackens triggered trouble in a back joint as well.
When Aikman played, the results were often disappointing.
He threw for the fewest touchdowns (seven) and fewest yards (1,632) of his career, plus had the worst QB rating in the NFC. Despite throwing his fewest passes in a season, he had 14 interceptions, including a career-worst five in one game. Dallas was 3-5 in his eight full games.
Adding to the disappointment is the fact the Cowboys reconstructed their offense and coaching staff to better suit him lst offseason.
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