IRVING, Texas (AP) -- The play that opened a spot in the Dallas
Cowboys' lineup for Wane McGarity brought tears to his eyes. And
they weren't ones of joy.
The rookie receiver was frightened Sunday when he saw teammate,
friend and mentor Michael Irvin lay motionless after being tackled
by the Philadelphia Eagles.
McGarity was inactive for the game and opted to watch it at his
mother's home in San Antonio. He saw Irvin catch a pass for an
8-yard gain, then turned away from the television after the tackle.
He looked back at the screen and Irvin was still down.
"Move! Move! Move something so I know you're OK," McGarity
screamed, his eyes filling with tears.
McGarity prayed and worried for hours until learning Irvin would
be OK. His spinal cord is swollen and he has a herniated disc, but
he's expected to play again this season.
On Monday, coaches told McGarity they're counting on him to pick
up some of the slack in Irvin's absence. It's quite a promotion for
a fourth-round draft pick who has dropped both passes thrown to him
and has been inactive the last two games.
But coaches saw enough from McGarity in the preseason to give
them confidence in the former University of Texas receiver. Even
quarterback Troy Aikman, a tough critic, has raved about the
5-foot-8 McGarity.
Ernie Mills will start opposite Raghib Ismail, but McGarity also
will see action there. When the Cowboys go with three or four
receivers, Mills likely will go to his usual spot and McGarity will
take Irvin's place.
