Jason

Hatcher

That’s provided he escapes Seattle without a deal. Hatcher would be the best player the Raiders have brought in for a visit, though he’s going on 32. Coming off a career year, he’d go a long way toward fortifying a pitiful pass rush, but is a curious fit for a rebuilding team.

The Raiders let Hatcher get out of town without a contract, so his tour continues. He’s already been linked to the Bucs and Seahawks as well. Hatcher is entering his age-32 season and has had more success in a 4-3 scheme than the 3-4 the Titans are installing.

Hatcher came down with the injury in Week 3 after an impressive start in the first two games. Marcus Spears has played well enough in Hatcher’s place that the Cowboys lead the NFL in run defense.

Hatcher established himself as a starter last season and is locked in ahead of Marcus Spears and third-round pick Tyrone Crawford. Coming off a career-high 4.5 sacks, Hatcher has emerged as a do-it-all force in Dallas’ defense.

It was a costly loss for the Cowboys, who also saw Miles Austin (hip), Bruce Carter (elbow), and Orlando Scandrick (hand) go down with injuries. Hatcher has been Dallas’ most effective defensive lineman this season.

Hatcher, 31 in July, is entering his eighth season in Dallas, and he’ll transition from defensive end to defensive tackle in the new scheme. The former third-round pick out of Grambling State is due $2 million in the final year of his deal. Hatcher has 16 career sacks and is also solid versus the run.

Brooking has started all but two games the past 10 seasons, but was limited to just one game during the preseason as he dealt with a hamstring injury. However, he is active this evening, and says he expects the Cowboys’ inside linebackers to “split snaps close to even.” Also making a surprise start for the Cowboys is LE Jason Hatcher, who is getting the call over Kenyon Coleman.

Hatcher went down in the second quarter of Monday night’s win over the Redskins and “could” be back when the Cowboys come out of their bye in Week 6. Marcus Spears projects as this week’s starter, with Sean Lissemore backing him up.

He is out for the remainder of the game. It’s a disappointing way for Hatcher’s night to end, as he was looking to build off his two sack performance in Week 2. Marcus Spears will shift into the starting lineup.

“It happened, but it’s one of those things you’ve got to come back from,” said Hatcher. The emerging star spent a majority of the game with his lower left leg wrapped in ice and was limping noticeably afterwards.