Cowboys CB Newman, WR Crayton undergo ankle surgery

Jan 6, 2009 - 10:02 PM IRVING, Texas (Ticker) -- Dallas Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman and wide receiver Patrick Crayton each underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove bone spurs from their ankles, the team announced Tuesday.

The procedures were performed by team physician Dr. Dan Cooper.

Newman, 30, has been one of the better cornerbacks in the NFL when healthy. Health has been an issue, though, for the six-year veteran.

Newman missed six games this season after having surgery to repair a sports hernia, and sat out three games last season due to plantar fasciitis. Newman signed a six-year contract extension last summer worth $50.2 million.

The fifth overall pick of the 2003 draft, Newman finished with 37 tackles and a career-high tying four interceptions this season.

Crayton, the Cowboys' No. 2 wideout last season, saw his production drop after the acquisition of Roy E. Williams. The former seventh-round pick had 39 catches for 550 yards and four TDs. Crayton signed a four-year, $14 million extension this offseason.

Newman's and Crayton's seasons came to end, along with the rest of the Cowboys, when they were dismantled by the Philadelphia Eagles, 44-6, in Week 17.

A win would have clinched a postseason berth for the underachieving Cowboys (9-7), who entered the season as the favorite to represent the NFC in Super Bowl XLIII.