Cowboys' Jerry Jones: Michael Sam's 'got a long way to go'

Dallas Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones told 105.3 The Fan on Friday that defensive end Michael Sam has "got a long way to go" but praised him for his pass rush abilities.

Dallas Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones told 105.3 The Fan on Friday that defensive end Michael Sam has "got a long way to go" but praised him for his pass rushing abilities.

The Cowboys signed Sam, the first openly gay player in the NFL, to their practice squad on Wednesday. The St. Louis Rams released Sam last week after taking him in the seventh round of this year's NFL draft.

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Jones made similar comments about Sam on Wednesday, saying he "isn't ready to go at all." More from Jones's radio appearance:

"As [coach Jason Garrett] said, the first thing for practice-squad guys is by its very name, it gives you practice. It allows you to practice better. That will be his primary responsibility, and he'll get to be able to work and refine his skills. But it's no secret we need pass-rushers, and we need some defensive linemen."

The Cowboys released franchise sacks leader DeMarcus Ware in the offseason and had to place second-round pick DeMarcus Lawrence on injured reserve/designated to return with a broken foot.

Jones also said Friday he did not talk to any NFL officials about signing Sam. On Thursday night, The MMQB's Peter King reported on NBC that an NFL representative called teams after the Rams cut Sam to ask if they had evaluated the pass rusher as a possible practice squad player. 

Dallas opens the 2014 season Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers.

- Ben Estes