Tony

Fiammetta

Fiammetta was dumped last week to make room for Laurent Robinson. The two are trading spots this week, allowing for a lead blocker in Sunday’s game against the 49ers.

QB Chris Greisen will join Kevin Ogletree in being non-tendered. Fiammetta will reportedly receive the $1.26 million tender, giving Dallas the right of first refusal. If Fiammetta signed an offer sheet the Cowboys decided not to match, they would receive a fourth-round pick as compensation.

The Cowboys were originally expected to tender Fiammetta at the original-round level ($1.26 million), but will instead try to lock him up after he helped DeMarco Murray revive a stagnant rushing attack. A long-term is expected to be more cap-friendly for the Cowboys.

This signing bodes poorly for Tony Fiammmetta’s future in Dallas after the two sides were unable to reach agreement on a long-term deal early in the week. Fiammetta ended up being non-tendered. We believe the 29-year-old Vickers will be a slight downgrade on Fiammetta as a lead blocker.

Fiammetta was surprisingly non-tendered by the Cowboys after helping to revive a floundering rushing attack last season, but missed extensive time with an inner-ear issue that was likely related to a concussion. Fiammetta has a long history of concussions. He’d be an excellent lead blocker for the Patriots if he could stay on the field, however.

Fiammetta, 26, has flashed difference-making ability as a lead blocker when healthy, although an extended absence due to a mysterious, possibly concussion-related illness cost him time in 2011. The Cowboys’ running game was adversely affected. Fiammetta becomes the fourth fullback on New England’s roster, joining Spencer Larsen, Eric Kettani, and Lousaka Polite.

Fiammetta is expected back this week as he no longer feels nauseous or dizzy. It’s good news for DeMarco Murray, who is averaging just 3.35 yards per carry over the last three weeks.

It’s terrific news for DeMarco Murray, whose production has slowed considerably since Fiammetta went out of the lineup in Week 10. Fiammetta will practice Wednesday and resume playing on Sunday Night Football against the Giants.

Cowboy running backs DeMarco Murray and Felix Jones combined for 90 rushing yards on 30 carries last week, and we’d be remiss to think that Fiammetta’s absence didn’t hinder their effort at least a bit. He is feeling nauseous when working out, and the team still isn’t clear on what is causing the illness.

Neither Austin nor CB Mike Jenkins (hamstring) is expected to return for Thursday’s game. Fill-in Laurent Robinson has been a fantasy rock with five touchdowns in his past four games. Cowboys FB Tony Fiammetta (illness) and FS Gerald Sensabaugh (foot) are also in danger of missing the Dolphins game.