Suspended defensive tackle Tank Johnson practiced with the Dallas Cowboys for the first time Friday, disappointed but understanding that commissioner Roger Goodell didn't shorten his eight-game ban. The NFL Network reported Thursday night that Johnson's suspension would not be reduced. There has been no official statement from the league to that effect. Johnson, signed by Dallas after getting cut by the Chicago Bears, can't play in a game until Nov. 11 against the New York Giants. He said he'd hoped Goodell would agree to shorten his suspension for violating probation on a gun charge to six games but will settle for the three weeks of practice he was granted. "Me and Roger, we're good friends, man," Johnson said after the workout. "We talk a lot. It's actually very nice of him to allow me to practice because as far as the career goes, it's kind of important to get going first before you get out there full-speed."