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CINCINNATI -- Nose tackle Jay Ratliff had to be separated from Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones after Dallas' Dec. 2 win over Philadelphia, sources confirmed. In the locker room after the game, Jones attempted to encourage Ratliff to return from a groin injury, which prompted Ratliff to yell at the owner before teammates stepped in. Ratliff stormed out of the locker room after dressing quickly. Mark Slough, Ratliff's agent, declined comment. Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said Monday he would not "get into any specifics about a situation like that," but acknowledged there has not been any discipline for Ratliff. "I do know this though: Jay Ratliff loves to play football, loves to be out there," Garrett said. "He loves to compete. I think he loves his teammates and this team. And if he was able to be out there he'd be playing out there." Garrett said the hope is that Ratliff can practice this week. Ratliff did not play Sunday at Cincinnati and remained in Dallas. He attempted to practice last Wednesday but did not feel right. The four-time Pro Bowler has had a frustrating season because of injuries. He has missed seven games with ankle and groin injuries. He missed most of the offseason program and training camp because of plantar fasciitis. Ratliff has 25 tackles, one tackle for loss and 10 quarterback pressures in six games this season, but he does not have a sack. He likely will see his sacks total go down for a fifth straight season. Ratliff, who is set to count $7 million against the cap in 2013, signed a five-year extension for $40 million in 2011, with $17.5 million guaranteed.
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