Crayton back at practice catching practice for Cowboys, still wants out of Dallas

Crayton wants out, but back on field with Cowboys

IRVING, Texas — Patrick Crayton was back on the field catching passes for the Dallas Cowboys, not worrying if that is where he’ll be when the season begins.

Crayton had skipped the first three weeks of voluntary offseason workouts before participating Tuesday. The receiver indicated during a radio interview while away that he wanted to be released, but Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has made it clear it’s not in the team’s immediate plans.

“This is my thing, I’m not going to complain about things I can’t control,” Crayton said after practice. “If I go out there and give it my all, bust my tail and do what I’m capable of doing, I’ll be here.”

Crayton’s role suddenly became minimized when the Cowboys drafted Dez Bryant in the first round in April.

Crayton said neither he nor his agent asked Jones to be traded or demanded to “let me go. We never once came forward with that at all.”

Bryant is likely to be among the Cowboys’ top three receivers with Roy Williams and Miles Austin, and the rookie wearing No. 88 also could return punts.

Crayton had 37 catches for 622 yards and five touchdowns last season, his sixth in the NFL — all with the Cowboys. He was also the team’s primary punt returner.

Asked if he expected to still be with the team this season, Crayton said he didn’t know. He is under contract for about $2 million in 2010.

“Man, we’re in minicamp, no more questions about training camp or the future,” he said. “I can’t predict it, neither can you guys. Let’s not even talk about it.”

When Crayton got on the field Tuesday, he said Jones spoke to him for a “real quick minute” and asked if he felt in shape. The receiver responded that he was, and said afterward that he had no problems with conditioning despite the heat.

Crayton had not been expected back until the mandatory minicamp this weekend. But he came back for the first of three voluntary workouts before the minicamp starts Friday.

“I’m always glad to be back with my teammates, back on this field,” he said. “It’s like your sanctuary, so it was a great feeling today to just get back out there, be able to run some routes, and put the jersey back on and the helmet on.”

Bryant came out of the workout early Tuesday because of hamstring tightness. Neither he or receivers coach Ray Sherman expressed any concern about the problem, and Bryant said he planned to practice Wednesday.