NFL

It's what the Cowboys did down the stretch last season, and it will likely continue through training camp. OC Bill Callahan believes Free hasn't let his pay-cut become a distraction. "I'm really proud of the way Doug has handled everything that has transpired in the offseason," Callahan said. "He's been very positive." Free should have a slight edge over Parnell, who failed to run with the job when given the opportunity in 2012.

Romo said earlier Tuesday he was optimistic he'd be ready for June's minicamp, but Rapoport reports the Cowboys are "fine bringing Romo back slowly." They have no reason to rush their franchise signal caller, who should be ready well before training camp.

Jones has undermined Garrett at every step this offseason, stripping him of play-calling duties, choosing his new defensive coordinator and naming rookies starters before they so much as stepped on the practice field. If Garrett's not coaching for his job, the Cowboys have a funny way of showing it.

"You have to be ready to tackle when the opportunity presents itself, so with me putting on a couple of pounds and getting more physical and being in the weight room I think is going to help a lot," Claiborne said. DBs coach Jerome Henderson agrees. "There were times last year when he wasn't strong enough to execute a certain technique, so he's had to get stronger to do that and he's done the work to do that."

He's expected to return by next week. We don't typically post minor OTAs maladies, but any injury is notable for the fragile Murray. Injury prone throughout his college career, Murray saw his rookie year ended by a broken ankle, and missed six games with a foot issue last season. His yards per carry dipped from 5.5 in 2011 to 4.1. Murray needs to prove he can stay healthy in 2013.

Owner Jerry Jones is handing Frederick the job, which is unusual even for top-ten picks. Frederick was the No. 31 selection in last month's draft. Typically, the charade of "competition" is carried out through at least minicamp. Labeled a "reach" by most draftniks and league insiders, Frederick will be on the spot as a rookie.

Coale tore his ACL in November, and it's unlikely that he's going through practice full-speed. It's still good news for the 2012 fifth-round pick because just 11 days ago he had yet to be medically cleared. After spending last season on the practice squad, Coale faces an uphill battle for a roster spot.