IRVING, Texas – The Cowboys drafted Mike Jenkins four years ago to play cornerback. He's made the Pro Bowl there and he was arguably the team's best corner last year.
While the Cowboys aren't changing his position officially, it sounds like Jenkins could get a little work at safety, at least in the sub-packages. Jenkins was part of the six-defensive back package on Sunday in Seattle, his first game of the season after missing all offseason, training camp and the preseason with a shoulder injury.
So much as changed for Jenkins since he last played with the Cowboys in last year's season finale in New York where he was the starting right cornerback. Now, with the additions of Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne through the free agency and the draft, Jenkins is fighting for playing time.
And there could be some playing time to be had at safety, especially if the injuries to starters Gerald Sensabaugh (calf) and Barry Chuch (quad) don't improve before Sunday's game with the Bucs.
Head coach Jason Garrett sounded like there have been conversations of playing Jenkins in a safety-like role, especially in certain situations.
"He doesn't have a lot of experience playing true safety but he is a good athlete and he's got a good instinct and feel for playing the game," Garrett said. "We will have to make that evaluation and see how he stacks up against the other guys in normal down and distance situations as well as the third-down coverage situation."
Jenkins played a few snaps against Seattle on Sunday but was not credited with any tackles or pass breakups.
