Cowboys, Aikman facing major decisions

The first thing on the agenda will be whether Aikman can safely continue his career after suffering two concussions this season, four in his past 20 starts and 10 in his career.

If he thinks he can, and doctors agree, then Jones will have to decide whether he wants to keep the quarterback who brought him three Super Bowl titles -- and at what price. Aikman is due $7 million if he's on the roster March 8.

The money might put the decision back on Aikman. How much is it worth to keep risking his health? And, if Dallas won't meet that price, would he consider going to another team that would? With so many things to think through, neither side will be in a hurry to come to any conclusions.

"I don't want to speculate on when a final decision will be made," Jones said. "My chief concern is his well-being."

Aikman's 12th season officially ended Tuesday when it was announced he won't play in the season finale Monday night against Tennessee.

"We as an organization and our trainers, in conjunction with doctors, felt the risks of playing the last game outweighed the rewards," coach Dave Campo said. "Troy agreed with that."

The 34-year-old Aikman, a former Oklahoma resident, suffered his first concussion of the season in the opener and missed two games.

He played four more then missed a game with a back problem.

With Dallas (5-10) realistically out of the playoffs at the time, Aikman could've been shut down for the season to play it safe. However, the quarterback wanted to play and the team needed to see how his body held up because of the pending $7 million decision.

Aikman was hurt again in his fifth game back on a flying jolt from Washington's LaVar Arrington. Although Aikman was crunched, he suffered the concussion without being hit directly on his head.

"The last concussion concerned me because one of the things I wanted to see in the later part of the season was whether our offense could protect him," Jones said. "The fact he got another concussion gives rise to concern."

Aikman has barely spoken with reporters since his latest injury.

Jones and Campo said that Aikman agreed Monday with the decision to keep him out of the Tennessee game.

"In no way would I intimate he feels this is it," Campo said.

Considering the battering Aikman has taken, the three Super Bowls he's won and the checks he's cashed, many have suggested the quarterback call it a career and avoid any further damage to his health and reputation.

Aikman, however, has always maintained he'd like to play as long as he enjoys the game and isn't risking horrible injury.

His desire remains high, leaving his health as the main concern.

Last offseason, his fears were eased by tests that showed no permanent damage from his previous eight concussions.

An added wrinkle this time is concern over a herniated disc in his back. Aikman has had the problem since '93, but this season he needed two rounds of shots to relieve the pain. Another big hit by Jacksonville's Tony Brackens triggered trouble in a back joint as well.

When Aikman played, he was far from his best.

He threw for the fewest touchdowns (seven) and fewest yards (1,632) of his career, plus had the worst QB rating in the NFC.

Despite throwing his fewest passes in a season, he had 14 interceptions, including a career-worst five in one game. Dallas was 3-5 in his eight full games.