There was a time when preseason for the Dallas Cowboys meant getting in shape, learning the plays, and getting acquainted with new players.

Now, it seems that the main headlines as far as the NFL is concerned – and the Cowboys in particular – are injuries.

The Cowboys have so many players out with injuries that they are talking about signing more players, especially wide receivers, to start the regular season. Their latest injury report has Dez Bryant out with a tweaked knee – something called patellar tendonitis

If the opener with the New York Giants were to be played today, starting receivers, Miles Austin, Bryant and tight end Jason Witten would not play. There are also injuries to several other players and I don’t recall this rash of injuries ever happening in times past. And the team has not played a regular game yet.

My brother Robert, the one that used to root for the Washington Redskins before he came to his senses, came by the house Monday and the first thing he said was, “I don’t like it.” When I asked him what he was talking about he said, “The Dallas Cowboys. I don’t like the way they are playing and I can’t believe all the injuries. It’s still the preseason and look at all the injuries.”

I agreed with him. How can you get excited about the Cowboys when they are already decimated with injuries and all they’ve done is played a couple of preseason games. They still have two more of those to go plus 16 regular season games. By the time the playoffs arrive, they might have to recruit some players off the street to finish the schedule.

There was talk in Monday morning’s paper that some fans were urging Cowboy owner Jerry Jones to sign two NFL castoffs, Chad (Ocho Cinco) Johnson and former Giant receiver Plaxico Burress and bring them into camp. That might not be a bad idea. At least we know those guys were stars at one time and know how to catch the ball. If the Cowboys played a game today the starting receivers would be Kevin Ogletree, Dwayne Harris and Cole Beasley – not exactly household names.

I have come to the conclusion that the game of professional football has become too violent for players to last the whole season. The players are now stronger and faster than ever before and can deliver a lethal blow if given the opportunity.

Did you see how Witten got hurt during the Raiders game? He broke his route and came back to help out Tony Romo who was scrambling to avoid a sack. Romo threw to Witten who was hit violently as he caught the ball. It was a vicious hit. Witten is a big and strong person, about 6-6 and 270, but the human body can take only so much and he suffered a lacerated spleen.

And did you see the hit that Michael Vick took while quarterbacking for the Philadelphia Eagles against New England Sunday. He was leveled with a hard hit in the ribs while he was fully extended throwing a long pass. I’m surprised he wasn’t hurt more seriously.

There is going to be a time when the NFL will have to have to address all the serious injuries that take place during the course of the season.

I don’t know what the answer is but they will have to address it.