Twistity Sports Exclusive: A JOB FOR SAM

 
Michael Sam always spoke of his NFL career path as a journey. Now he gets to take another step.

It’s a step toward being a football player. Perhaps we can soon cease to talk about him as the first openly gay player in the league. Enough. Let’s just see if he can play.

The Dallas Cowboys plan to do exactly that on Wednesday. If Sam passes a physical, the Cowboys expect to sign the pass-rushing defensive end to their practice squad. Released by the St. Louis Rams in the roster cut to 53 players, Sam will get another chance to impress another club.

Unlike the Rams, who kept nine defensive linemen, the Cowboys are in need of pass rushers, having lost DeMarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher in the offseason. Sam may not be ready for every-day duty in the NFL but he can at least continue to work at his craft.

Practice squad players practice every day, but they cannot play on Sunday. They’re developmental guys, who now get the coaching they need and perhaps an opportunity to make the actual roster.

Sam had 2 ½ sacks in preseason play for the Rams. He led the team with six tackles in the final preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, when almost no starters took the field. That wasn’t enough to secure a place with the Rams. The Cowboys’ defense is far more needy.

Forget all that talk about distractions. Dallas, on a daily basis, probably leads the league in distractions and many are created by owner Jerry Jones. The circus is always in town where the Cowboys are concerned. That’s just the way the Cowboys roll.

Let’s hope they judge Sam on the only important criteria – whether or not he can play this game.

Today’s question: How soon will Michael Sam be suiting up on Sunday for the Cowboys? Answers in the comment box, please.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman