Cowboys’ McKnight Out for the Season

Dallas Cowboy receiver James McKnight, acquired from Seattle six weeks ago to be a deep threat, is lost for the season because of a knee injury.

McKnight tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during an intrasquad scrimmage Thursday night. He’ll undergo surgery within two weeks.

McKnight, who cost the Cowboys a third-round pick in next year’s draft, is the second player whose season was ended by a knee injury in training camp, joining offensive lineman Mike Kiselak.

“It’s tough to lose a guy you thought had great potential to come in, make plays and be a positive force on your football team,” Dallas Coach Chan Gailey said. “But it gives an opportunity for someone else to make plays. That’s the way we have to look at it.”

McKnight was penciled in as the fourth or fifth receiver; the Cowboys will keep as many as six. His absence virtually guarantees that fourth-round pick Wane McGarity from Texas will make the team.

*

Before a series of fights shortened the workout, the New Orleans Saint offense looked sharp against Kansas City in a scrimmage at River Falls, Wis. They opened the afternoon practice with an 80-yard touchdown pass play from Billy Joe Hobert to Eddie Kennison, followed by an 80-yard run by rookie running back Ricky Williams. He also caught several passes.

“He’s a better receiver than people think he is,” Coach Mike Ditka said. “I don’t know where the small-hands rap came from. He catches the ball better than most backs I’ve seen and he runs good routs too.”

*

New York Giant running back Gary Brown, the team’s leading rusher last season, will have surgery today to help relieve a blood clot on his buttocks. He is expected back in time for the season opener. . . . Kicker Wade Richey twisted his left knee during 49er practice when he slipped as he tried to shake a piece of mud off his shoe. It wasn’t immediately known how long he would be out. Richey is the only kicker on the 49er roster. . . . Atlanta Falcon wide receiver Chris Calloway will be sidelined for at least two weeks because of a sprained left ankle.