ARLINGTON, Texas– For the second straight week, cornerback Mike Jenkins is not practicing during the OTAs.
And for the second straight week, the Cowboys are insisting he won't be traded.
This time, owner/GM Jerry Jones reiterated Jenkins' importance to the team in 2012 and said he is not even considering any trade offers from other clubs.
"Nobody needs Mike Jenkins more than the Cowboys," Jones said in the middle of Wednesday's OTA practice at Cowboys Stadium. "He's a part of the team – very much – and I'm real excited about having his skill along with the other corners we have. We really have a chance to do something exceptional in the secondary and I want to give us every chance to do that."
Jenkins is still rehabbing his shoulder injury that required arthroscopic surgery after the season.
There have been numerous reports that Jenkins has requested a trade and is unhappy with his role at corner now that Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr have been added, plus the fact Jenkins is entering the final year of his contract.
But to coincide with Jerry Jones' statement last week about the window to win closing every year and the pressures to win now, Jones said that he's not thinking about future considerations.
Last week, head coach Jason Garrett firmly said "we're not gonna trade Mike Jenkins."
Jenkins is expected to be ready health-wise by the start of training camp. The real question mark will be his attendance for the mandatory minicamp on June 12-14. While these OTAs are voluntary, Jenkins would be subject to a $10,000 daily fine for missing in June.
