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Should Ron Leary be leery? Garrett has strong words for Cowboys OL who is absent from OTAs

IRVING - The unofficial roll call of Cowboys players during Wednesday's organized team activities turned up the absences of linebacker Rolando McClain, defensive lineman Jack Crawford and rookie tight end Rico Gathers. Backup offensive guard Ron Leary also continued to miss the non-mandatory workouts while requesting a trade.

Coach Jason Garrett provided explanations for the players not present at Valley Ranch, but saved the strongest comments for Leary.

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"That's a contract situation that he and his agent feel it's best for him to stay away," Garrett said. "We don't think it's good for him, we don't think it's good for our team. But that's how they're handling the situation right now.

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"It's best to be here working and just going back to business. Take care of your business as a professional on a daily basis, and usually good things happen for you."

Leary would like the chance to start for another team. OTAs continue over the next two weeks, but he wouldn't face a fine unless the misses the mandatory three-day minicamp in June.

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Leary started in 2013 and 2014 but lost his left guard spot during last season to rookie La'el Collins. He signed his restricted free agent tender worth $2.553 million in April in an effort to facilitate a trade.

As for McClain, Garrett said he is dealing with a family matter, but that he is expected back for OTAs next week. The Cowboys resigned their starting middle linebacker in March, setting up McClain's third season in Dallas.

Regarding Crawford, Garrett said he is in his native London dealing with a visa issue, but is expected back soon. The Cowboys re-signed him to a one-year contract in April.

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Gathers, the former Baylor basketball power forward, hasn't been participating in the offseason program because he is finishing an academic obligation. He is expected to rejoin the team next week. Gathers has plenty to learn, considering he hasn't played football since he was 13. Steve Loney, Cowboys' assistant offensive line coach, has been working with Gathers via phone about an hour a day to try to get him up to speed.