Cowboys deny asking Witten to come out of retirement

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and head coach Jason Garrett both denied a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter that Garrett asked former tight end Jason Witten to come out of retirement and rejoin the team.

"We haven't at all," Jones said Sunday night, according to Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "What you are seeing is probably lingering aspects of Jason saying, 'I will never quit wanting to play.' ... There has been no serious and none serious that would be of the nature of him seriously playing."

Garrett was more succinct with his denial.

Jason Garrett said he didn't try to talk Jason Witten out of retirement. He said an emphatic "No". @1053thefan

- Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) December 10, 2018

Witten is the Cowboys' franchise leader in receptions and receiving yards. He retired after last season - his 15th in the league - and joined ESPN as the lead analyst on Monday Night Football.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys have received just 498 yards and one touchdown from the tight end position this season.

ESPN also released a statement on Witten's status.

"Jason remains committed to ESPN and to his role on Monday Night Football," the network said, according to Michael McCarthy of the Sporting News.

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