Dallas Cowboys’ Anthony Spencer “could go but would be limited” in opener

Nov 22, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Anthony Spencer (93) wait for the play to begin during the game against the Washington Redskins on Thanksgiving at Cowboys Stadium. The Redskins beat the Cowboys 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Anthony Spencer has been battling a knee injury. On July 25th Spencer underwent a knee scope and hasn’t practiced since. The Cowboys defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin hinted that if Spencer played in the opener he wasn’t sure how many plays he would have him available for. Owner Jerry Jones reiterated those sentiments.

Jerry Jones says he thinks Claiborne and Leary will be ready for the season opener, said he thought Spencer could go but would be limited.
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 3, 2013

Jones could want Spencer back to be sounder on defense. The defensive line has been banged up and they won’t have Jay Ratliff when the season starts.

Jerry Jones on Cowboys identity: "We need to be sounder on def. Protect the ball better on offense. What we need to do is win some games."
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 3, 2013

Will Spencer be in game shape? Spencer seemed to indicate that he wouldn’t be.

“The only way you really get in game shape is by playing in games,” Spencer said, via the DMN. “I know that will be one of the hard things, but I haven’t really struggled with conditioning through my time of playing in the NFL. I work hard and I get conditioned pretty quickly.”