Jones expects to win

Jerry Jones made it clear Thursday that his expectations for the season haven’t been altered by injuries to Tony Romo and Dez Bryant. The Dallas Cowboys owner acknowledged the challenge that the prolonged absence of those two stars represents, but stressed that he doesn’t expect this team to fall off the competitive map until they return. “We have to figure out ways to excel and win and when we do, it should be inspirational,” Jones said. “If we improve from within because they’re not here, and then we have them come back, which will make us better when they do return, then I think we have a chance to be a better team. That’s certainly the way I look at it. But from the standpoint of them not being here and falling off the map, I don’t see that at all. The game is not designed that way. There are too many people who have to get on the field and play the game. Now, do we depend inordinately on Tony Romo? Yes. There’s no question. But we’re going to have him. We just don’t have him right now.”

The NFL said Thursday it would only put a full-time franchise in London once all operational issues are worked out and the league is sure the team would be competitive. Mark Waller, NFL executive vice president of its international division, said there is no time frame for possibly placing a team in London, adding that a decision will come “when we’re ready.” The NFL has played 11 regular-season games in London since 2007. Wembley Stadium will host three more games this season, starting with the Miami Dolphins against the New York Jets on Oct. 4. The NFL recently announced a 10-year deal to play at least two games each season at Premier League club Tottenham’s new stadium, which is scheduled to open in 2018.

The NFL’s sky-high popularity will now include drones. The league has received permission from the Federal Aviation Administration for limited use of drones. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in an email to The Associated Press that drones will not be used on the day of games; the league prohibits the use of drones on game day in stadiums and in parking lots. McCarthy said NFL Films will be allowed to use drones and teams may film their own practices if they comply with local, state and federal guidelines.