Two years ago Miles Austin was the talk of the NFL. The star wide receiver had a breakout year with the Dallas Cowboys that included a trip to the Pro Bowl after recording 1,041 receiving yards. However, the past two seasons since, Austin has lost form, failing to follow-up on two years of success. Now as the Cowboys begin preparation for a crucial 2013 season, Austin is fully healthy and ready for a return to form.
The 28-year old has been hampered with hamstring injuries during his seven years in the NFL and the problem really came to blows the past two seasons. He failed to play all 16 games in the season and did not see 1,000 yards either year. Austin is feeling at full strength now after rehabbing during much of the offseason and is hopeful he will be an impact player this season.
"It's terrible whenever you get injured or whenever you are hurt. Last year, I missed the last game of the year with a high ankle sprain and that other game I came out of because of the hip. During the year, there's going to be injuries, you are going to be banged up here and there, but you've just got to fight through it," Austin said.
Austin finished 2012 with 943 yards from 66 receptions and six touchdowns. That was his lowest number of touchdowns since 2008. Austin's best season was 2009 when the one-time undrafted rookie recorded 1,320 yards and 11 touchdowns. He intends on doing everything possible to get back to those numbers.
The injury-prone receiver has been cautious during offseason workouts. The team is working in days off so he can maintain his health. Austin is not thrilled to be taken off the field, but he understands that if head coach Jason Garrett tells him to sit, then he must follow orders.
"There's not many things you can really control. You can control your effort, but other things are going to happen. I've always been working on my conditioning since I got here. I feel really good right now, hopefully it stays that way," Austin said.
Quarterback Tony Romo and Austin have been spending a lot of time together working on chemistry, something that will be crucial as the season goes along. Austin is thrilled with the effort Romo has been putting in with the team. 2013 is coming with a lot of expectations for the Cowboys and the duo intends to respond accordingly.