Mike Jenkins was a first-round draft pick four years ago, a Pro Bowler three years ago and the best cornerback the Cowboys had just last year.
Now, there isn’t much room for him at cornerback, meaning Jenkins has been relegated to other roles, such as a hybrid safety position and even some on special teams.
For a guy who has reportedly been disgruntled all offseason and missed every voluntary event until it was time to report to training camp, Jenkins seems to be taking the news in stride.
In fact, he appears to be more team-oriented than ever, especially after Sunday’s 27-7 loss to the Seahawks. A game in which the Cowboys were outhit, outhustled, outschemed, outplayed and simply outmatched.
“I was a little upset from the game,” Jenkins said Wednesday. “We got whooped. I’m looking forward to moving on and finding out what the scheme is and just get better this week.”
Jenkins will likely find himself in a different scheme than before, especially with the Cowboys so banged up at safety. Starters Gerald Sensabaugh (calf) and Barry Church (quad) were injured last week, but it appears Church is ready to return. Sensabaugh said he could see himself being a game-time decision.
Although backups Danny McCray and Mana Silva are preparing for more playing time, Jenkins should have an extended role as well, even at safety.
“I’m just a DB right now … just a DB,” Jenkins said referring to the general listing of defensive back. “Whatever it is, seriously, in all honestly, I can play all that. I’ve played it all before.”
As for special teams, Jenkins said he doesn’t mind playing there either.
“I’ve played it before, it’s the same thing I’ve done on the outside,” Jenkins said. “Whatever (special teams coach) Joe D (DeCamillis) wants me to do. I’m not worried about it.”
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