Marcus

Spears

''It doesn’t look good,’' Jerry Jones said. Spears will undergo an MRI today on his ankle, knee, and groin to determine the damage. The first-round pick was expected to be a key starter in Bill Parcells’ new 3-4 defense.

This is actually good news. The Cowboys, notably owner Jerry Jones, feared Spears might have been injured far worse. ''There’s a chance we get him back for the opening of the season,’' Jones said.

After fearing the worst, it looks like the first-rounder will be ready for week one. He may not open the season as a stater, but he’s a safe bet to finish it a starter.

Dallas hopes he can be ready to suit up in the team’s final preseason game.

T.O. didn’t, but Spears’ recovery was right on time. He’ll again start on the outside in his second year, this year opposite Chris Canty.

Spears’ move to the right side last season turned out to be a disaster. He posted a career-low 16 tackles while managing just one sack. “It’s like telling a right-handed shooter to shoot left-handed. It was completely different.” When comfortable, Spears is at least serviceable as a run-stuffer.

Hatcher went down in the second quarter of Monday night’s win over the Redskins and “could” be back when the Cowboys come out of their bye in Week 6. Marcus Spears projects as this week’s starter, with Sean Lissemore backing him up.

He is out for the remainder of the game. It’s a disappointing way for Hatcher’s night to end, as he was looking to build off his two sack performance in Week 2. Marcus Spears will shift into the starting lineup.

Spears just signed a new five-year deal prior to the 2011 season, but he has been a bust since being a first-round pick way back in 2005. Turning 30 in March, Spears is due $2 million in 2013, but has no guaranteed money left on his deal. He played in 15 games in 2012, starting six, and recorded 25 tackles. Spears is decent against the run but has no pass rush ability.

As expected. Spears had no guaranteed money left on his deal, has been underperforming for virtually his entire career, and doesn’t fit a 4-3. Since the Cowboys took him 20th overall in 2005, Spears has totaled 10 sacks and been an average run-stopper at best. Now 30, we wouldn’t expect a robust market.