Rolando McClain: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation on LB's Future with Cowboys

Rolando McClain's future with the Dallas Cowboys was the subject of discussion after he earned a 10-game suspension for a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy. While it looked like the linebacker would have to find a new home, it appears he will remain with the franchise for the immediate future.

Continue for updates.

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Garrett Comments on McClain's Absence from Camp

Tuesday, Aug. 9

"We're just focused on the guys who are here," Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said about McClain, per Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News.

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McClain's Return to Cowboys 'Almost Impossible'

Tuesday, Aug. 2

Jason Cole of Bleacher Report reported McClain is abusing codeine and has put on 40 pounds as a result of his habit. Cole noted it is unlikely the linebacker will return to the Cowboys:

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McClain Set to Remain with Cowboys

Monday, July 18

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters McClain would remain on the roster "for now" due to salary-cap reasons.

The Star-Telegram's Charean Williams, citing sources, reported July 15 the Cowboys had not "made a decision on [McClain's] future." Williams added, "Many in the organization want the starting middle linebacker released, but financial implications prevent the Cowboys from moving on from McClain immediately."

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Coaches Reportedly 'Infuriated' with McClain after Missing OTAs

Tuesday, July 5

Mike Fisher of 105.3 The Fan spoke to a source who said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is the only person in a position of power who is arguing for McClain to remain on the team. ESPN's Ed Werder is among many questioning whether McClain should receive any more chances from the team:

His 10-game suspension surely rankled the coaching staff, and the tipping point may have been McClain's decision to skip the team's organized team activities, per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Mac Engel:

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McClain was a necessary gamble when the Cowboys signed him two years ago, and when he has played he is good. He likes playing the games, and everything else bores him. He hates practice, so he ducks it.

This guy found a reason to miss OTAs, which infuriated the coaches. Jerry explained it as a man who simply wanted to spend time with his family in Alabama.

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McClain appeared in 11 games last year, making 80 combined tackles and two sacks and intercepting one pass. He missed the first four games of the season following a failed drug test.

NFL on ESPN noted the Cowboys will be without multiple defenders once the 2016 season kicks off:

The Star-Telegram's Clarence Hill speculated Anthony Hitchens will start for McClain at linebacker during his suspension, and Hitchens may be the long-term replacement depending on whether Dallas cuts McClain in the coming days or weeks.

According to Over the Cap, the 27-year-old is signed through the 2016 season and would carry $750,000 in dead money if he's released.