PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : NFC : A Day Later, Cowboys’ Haley Unretires

Charles Haley, the Dallas Cowboys’ star defensive end, unretired again Tuesday, then went to California for back surgery.

“My career might be over this year, but I’m looking forward to next year and getting back into the grind again,” Haley said before leaving Texas. “I hope I can possibly play this year, but if not, then maybe I’ll have an opportunity next year.”

Haley, 31, had told the Dallas Morning News on Monday he was retiring. It was the fourth time in his career Haley had announced his retirement. Right on form, he recanted again.

“I’ll probably have surgery tomorrow [Wednesday] and try to make an effort to come back and play this season if I can make the playoffs,” said Haley, who has a herniated disk.

Coach Barry Switzer said there was no way Haley could bounce back from surgery this season.

“The season is over for Charles and we’ll see what happens about next year,” Switzer said. “He could still be a good third-down player for next year if he decides to come back and play. But it’s over for him this year. His MRI says he can’t play.”

The Cowboys moved Leon Lett from tackle to Haley’s defensive end spot. Lett was tried at end several years ago before being moved to tackle.

An MRI test on Haley’s back has been sent to a Los Angeles doctor for comparison with previous tests. In Los Angeles, Haley was to discuss the results with Dr. Robert Watkins.

Dallas owner Jerry Jones said he expected Haley to return to the Cowboys. “We intend to be very patient,” he said.

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Robert Green, the Chicago Bears’ second-leading rusher, broke his left leg during the 27-7 loss to the Detroit Lions on Monday night and will be out for the season. Green has been used as a third-down back in place of starter Rashaan Salaam but has outplayed the rookie in recent games. He gained a team-leading 63 yards in eight carries against Detroit, while Salaam had three yards in seven carries.

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The Washington Redskins signed free agent linebacker Dion Foxx and waived veteran wide receiver Jeff Query. Foxx was on the Miami Dolphins’ roster for six weeks earlier this season.