Claiborne Feeling as Good as He Has Since LSU

10 months removed from surgery to repair a ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee and 7 months removed from having his right knee scoped, Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne says he’s feeling as good as he has since his days at LSU and ready to play in the team’s second preseason game on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers.

If the team gives him the green light, that is. He was held out of the preseason opener against the Chargers in San Diego last week.

“I feel good,” Claiborne said, per the Dallas Morning News. “I don’t have no complaints about how I’m playing from the coaching staff. Everybody seems to be pleased with where I’m at. I’m pleased with where I’m at, and whether I take a preseason snap or not, I’ll be ready to play for that home opener.”

Claiborne has had a rough couple seasons, and that’s putting it lightly. The sixth overall pick in 2012, Claiborne lost his starting job to Orlando Scandrick in 2013 and was lost for the season in Week 4 of 2014 when he suffered the ruptured patellar tendon. But owner Jerry Jones has said he believes a healthy Claiborne could be in position to surprise some people in 2015.

“That’s my goal, to be a starter,” Claiborne said. “I once was a starter in this league. I know it’s not hard for me. I know what I can do. I know my ability. I just got to go out and get it done.”