Cowboys Marco Rivera undergoes back surgery

By Alex Guzman  |   Sunday, March 13, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Dallas Cowboys
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Irving, Texas - A week after receiving a $9 million signing bonus, new Dallas Cowboys right guard Marco Rivera underwent surgery to repair a bulging disk in his lower back. Fortunately, he is expected to return in time for training camp.

Rivera had the procedure done a few days after feeling pain while jogging on a treadmill. The injury occurred while in Baltimore to receive the Green Bay Packers' Ed Block Courage Award.

He let the Cowboys know what had happened and was flown in for an examination by team doctors. They decided to do the procedure now, leaving him plenty of recovery time before the season.

Rivera hasn't missed a game the past 6 seasons. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones cited Rivera's durability was among the reasons he gave the veteran a $20 million, 5 year contract. He'll be the starting RG, anchoring the side of the offensive line where Dallas struggled in 2004.

The Cowboys have had a mixed history with key players having offseason back surgery. Troy Aikman didn't miss any games following back surgery the summer after leading Dallas to his first Super Bowl title, even winning it again that season. Last year, safety Darren Woodson had surgery just before training camp to repair a herniated disk in his lower back and never made it back. Woodson ended up retiring late in the season.
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About Alex Guzman

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