Irvin has plenty to ponder
10/27/99
By David Moore / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING - Michael Irvin's decision on whether to return to football is complicated by the knowledge he has a spinal condition that could increase his risk of serious injury.
Owner Jerry Jones revealed Tuesday that Irvin has a condition known as cervical stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal. This is a congenital condition that doesn't increase the likelihood of injury.
The danger comes once an injury occurs. Since the canal is narrower, any trauma can increase the pressure and damage to the injured area. Cowboys trainer Jim Maurer declined to discuss specifics, but he acknowledged the condition increases the potential severity of any spinal injury.
Jones said the narrow spinal canal has generated more discussion among Irvin's doctors than the injury itself. Even if the swelling around the C3 and C4 vertebrae subsides - a second MRI will be taken Wednesday or Thursday - Irvin is faced with a difficult decision regarding his future with the Cowboys.
"I am concerned," Jones said. "There's a possibility here there is not going to be a definitive conclusion.
"I don't see this necessarily as totally being decided by whether the swelling goes down or not. Right now, I don't know if that's the issue. I don't see it being decided by the damage done by the herniated disk. I've heard more discussion about what he was born with than I have about any damage."
Irvin was unavailable for comment. But the leading receiver in club history has said he won't answer questions about his return or possible retirement until he has a chance to digest all of the information provided by doctors.
Maurer said Irvin is scheduled for a series of tests this week with Dr. Andrew Dossett, the orthopedic spine specialist who is overseeing the receiver's case. Irvin also has the benefit of the information gathered by the Thomas Jefferson University Spine Trauma Center in Philadelphia, where he was taken immediately after the injury.
Steve Endicott, Irvin's agent, said his client is in good spirits and is ready to take the tests Dossett has requested.
"The bottom line is he wants to make sure he leaves absolutely no stone unturned, to make sure he does all he can to have the best information," Endicott said. "He wants to make sure he does everything he possibly can."
Irvin wasn't aware of this congenital condition until he suffered temporary paralysis from a hit he took in the loss to the Eagles on Oct. 10. That's not unusual. There had never been a reason to X-ray his spine until he suffered the injury.
Jones spoke with Irvin over the weekend and said the receiver reported no soreness or stiffness. Irvin has been cleared to do minimal aerobic activity - he rides a stationary bike - and only wears a neck brace when he drives or is where he can be jostled by other people.
Jones reiterated that surgery is not needed and said, at this stage, no one has advised Irvin not to play. The Cowboys owner stressed all results have shown that Irvin will be able to lead a normal life.
But there's a big difference between leading a normal life and playing in the NFL.
This is the complex decision that awaits Irvin. So while club officials express optimism about his health, they stop short of saying they are confident about his return.
"The word that bothers me is confident," Jones said. "The level of speculation as to 'Can he get back this year, can he get back again in his career?' is exactly the same as it was the day after his injury. That has not changed.
"This thing could be so subjective that you're not going to have a definitive answer at any particular time."
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The Cowboys made a series of roster moves Tuesday by releasing three players, signing two others and manipulating their practice squad.
Fullback Tim Lester, linebacker Nate Hemsley and guard/center Ben Fricke were released. Free-agent linebacker Lemansky Hall was signed, as as was safety Chris Aikens, a member of Green Bay Packers practice squad.
Fullback Ryan Neufeld was moved from the Cowboys' practice squad to the active roster. The club hopes to re-sign Fricke to the practice squad - once he clears waivers - to take his place.
What does it all mean? Robert Thomas, a linebacker on the bubble in training camp, is now the team's starting fullback. Hall and Aikens were added to help shore up the special teams.
In other news, trainer Jim Maurer said free safety George Teague, who missed Sunday's game with a herniated disk in his neck, could be out for 1-3 weeks.
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