IRVING, Texas, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- Veteran defensive back Darren Woodson of the Dallas Cowboys, who was involved in one of the hardest and most publicized hits of the NFL season, has been placed on injured reserve, which means he is ineligible to play again in 2002.
In recent weeks, Woodson has been hampered by an abdominal strain. The injury caused him to miss the last five games, and team doctors say he needs at least six weeks to heal.
Woodson was fined $75,000 by the NFL for a devastating hit on Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Darrell Jackson.
In the fourth quarter of Seattle's 17-14 win on Oct. 27, Woodson delivered a helmet-to-helmet hit on Jackson, who suffered a concussion on the field and later had a seizure in the locker room.
Woodson was called for unnecessary roughness on the play, and the subsequent 15-yard penalty helped the drive that resulted in placekicker Rian Lindell booting a game-winning 20-yard field goal with 25 seconds remaining.
NFL Director of Football Operations Gene Washington issued the fine, and noted that another helmet-to-helmet hit by Woodson likely would result in a suspension and/or additional discipline.
"The simple fact of the matter is Darrell almost died. That's the deal," said Seattle Coach Mike Holmgren. "Now, is anything worth that? Let's look at the consequences of this thing, or the potential consequences of this thing, and let's take a step back and understand. Football's a tough game, it's a game for men, macho. Being tough is part of this business. But no one, no one, wants to see anyone lose their life out there. No one."
The league denied the severity of Jackson's injury weighed into its decision. Jackson finally returned to action last Sunday in Seattle's win over Kansas City.
The Cowboys also activated Woodrow Dantzler from the practice squad. He played quarterback in college at Clemson, and was signed for kick returning duties.
Dallas (4-7) hosts NFC East archrival Washington (5-6) to highlight Thanksgiving Day.
