Jerry Jones Refutes Rumor Cowboys Contacted Jason Witten About Return

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones refuted a report that Jason Garrett tried luring Jason Witten out of retirement.

"We haven't (reached out) at all," Jones told reporters after the Cowboys' 29-23 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. "What you are seeing is probably lingering aspects of Jason saying, 'I will never quit wanting to play.'

"There has been no serious and none serious that would be of the nature of him seriously playing."

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Garrett contacted Witten multiple times throughout this season, attempting to coax him back onto the field. Witten refused those reported overtures, choosing to stay in the Monday Night Football booth.

"That's not correct," Jones said. "That's just not correct, period.

"Jason is not, and he's got his head down focused and his hands in the dirt, as he said, up there with Monday Night Football. That's where that is."

The Cowboys have won five straight games to take a commanding lead in the NFC East but have not gotten much production out of their tight end spot. Starter Geoff Swaim suffered a wrist injury last month and has missed the last three games.

Blake Jarwin came out of nowhere with a seven-catch, 56-reception season in Sunday's win over Philly.

Witten retired after the 2017 season to take the Monday Night Football post, replacing Jon Gruden. He has received mostly disappointing reviews so far, though ESPN's management has encouraged patience as Witten learns the ropes.

"It's been 12 games," Monday Night Football producer Jay Rothman told Mac Engel of the Star-Telegram. "We knew this would not be an overnight sensation, and I do believe he is getting better and better. We just ask for a little patience."

Witten is fourth on the all-time receptions list (1,152). He recorded 63 receptions for 560 yards and five touchdowns in 2017, making his 11th and final Pro Bowl.