Williams appealed the ruling, but the league stuck to its stance even after hearing his side of the story. He’ll also be out one week’s pay, which is $35,000.
Williams took down Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb from the back of the neck of his jersey Sunday. It was his third such tackle this season and the fourth in two years. He’d been warned after the previous one, in October, that another could result in a suspension. He racked up $37,500 for his previous three punishments.
“Commissioner (Roger) Goodell has denied the appeal of the one-game suspension of Roy Williams,” the NFL said in a statement. “The horse-collar tackling technique is prohibited because the Competition Committee and the clubs have determined that it presents an unacceptable risk to player safety. Rules that protect and advance player safety must be enforced in a way that will deter violations and prevent injuries from occurring.”
Williams leads the team with 65 solo tackles and is second in total tackles with 83, so his absence will be a stiff blow to the Cowboys, especially because of the timing.
Dallas and Green Bay are 12-2 and fighting for home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs. The Cowboys own the tiebreaker, but must win their last two games to be guaranteed the top seed.
Special teams ace Keith Davis will start at strong safety. Rookie Courtney Brown also will be used in some packages. The secondary already is weakened because backup free safety Patrick Watkins likely will be out with an ankle injury.
The NFL implemented the horse-collar ban beginning in 2005, the season after Williams injured Terrell Owens’ leg and ankle with a tackle from behind.
Now a teammate, Owens said Wednesday he had flashbacks to his own gruesome injury when Williams collared McNabb.
“It took my breath away,” T.O. said.
Owens said Williams should know better by now, especially because the rule was put in place due to his actions. He hopes this convinces Williams to find a new way to stop ballcarriers.
“The way he tackles is very, very dangerous,” Owens said. “I think he needs to do something to kind of correct that. Other than that, Roy is a great guy. But the thing is, you have to be safe. I know this is a violent game, but you have to tackle safely. You don’t want to end a guy’s career. And to tackle someone in that manner, it’s just not right.”
Also Wednesday, sore-thumbed Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo went through a full practice and is expected to start against the Panthers.
“He seemed to get better and better as the practice went along as far as his thumb and throwing the football,” coach Wade Phillips said. “It looks like he’s going to play to me.”
Romo didn’t miss a play after hurting his throwing hand early in the second half against the Eagles, but he had one of the worst games of his career. He was 13-of-36 passing for 214 yards with three interceptions and didn’t throw a touchdown for the first time in 18 games.
