IRVING, Texas - Cornerback Mike Jenkins is listed as having just limited participation in Thursday's practice. But it definitely doesn't sound as if the Cowboys' starting right cornerback will be anywhere but the starting lineup come Sunday's game in Houston.
Head coach Wade Phillips said Jenkins was only limited in football jersey
that he rotated out of a few plays.
"When he was in there, he went full speed," Phillips said of Jenkins, who suffered a bruised knee late in the Chicago game on Sunday. Jenkins had an MRI on Monday, which revealed just a bruise and no structural damage.
And with only two other corners on the 53-man roster in Terence Newman and Orlando Scandisk, certainly the Cowboys must have some contingency plans in the works.
Rookie safety Awash Owusu-Ansah has cornerback experience in college at Indiana, Pa. He's probably the likely backup in the slot if anything happened to Scandisk. The Cowboys might also consider using starting free safety Alan Ball, in case of an injury to another outside corner.
And it doesn't sound like the Cowboys have ruled out making a move from the practice squad. Rookie Bryan McCann, who was added this week after he was cut by the Ravens, could be signed to the team, meaning the Cowboys would have to release a player from the current 53-man roster.
Staying Ready
Just like cornerback Bryan McCann is ready for a possible call-up to the roster, the same goes for tight end Scott Chandler, who has actually practiced more on special teams this week. That is typically a good indicator of a player being active; however Chandler isn't even on the 53-man roster.
"They haven't said anything yet," Chandler said. "I don't really know what they're Minnesota Vikings jersey
going to do, but I'll be ready."
Chandler spent last year on the Cowboys' practice squad before he was claimed by the Giants. He spent all off-season with the Giants in 2010 before being released at the end of the preseason. Chandler quickly re-signed with the Cowboys, who also have tight end Martin Rucker on the practice squad.
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The Cowboys are looking for more blocking help in goal-line and short-yardage situations. Last week, defensive end Marcus Spears played in the backfield. Coach Wade Phillips said the Cowboys might try to use another offensive tackle, which would be Alex Barron, if they don't add another tight end to the roster.
Ware's Next Challenge
Knowing he'd see the Texans again in September, Demarks Ware had already watched offensive tackle Rashid Butler in preseason before he knew Butler would start Sunday in place of suspended Duane Brown.
For Ware and fellow outside linebacker Anthony Spencer, Butler still presents a challenge even though he's starting his first NFL game.
"He's a really quick, agile guy, but there're always ways to try to figure out and beat a guy," Ware said. "I've got to do a little more studying this week."
Cast Away
Rookie nose tackle Josh Brent has filled in for Jay Ratliff (personal reasons) in practice the last two days and should spell Ratliff again Sunday when the Pro Bowl starter needs a break. Brent's job should be easier now that the cast has been removed from his left hand, which he broke July 25 during training camp practice in Indianapolis Colts jersey
San Antonio.
Brent said he played without the cast last Sunday against the Bears and has played roughly 20 plays in the first two games. Throughout preseason, he said the cast affected his technique and leverage for shedding blocks.
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