OXNARD, Calif. - No teams want injuries. That's a given that everyone understands. But there are times when an injury, as long as it remains minor and doesn't linger, can prove to be a positive.
The Cowboys are certainly hoping that's the case with Terence Newman's groin injury. He's expected to miss the next 3-4 weeks, likely meaning his next play could be in the season opener against Cleveland.
But this could turn out to be a blessing in disguise.
The reason? Rookie Mike Jenkins now steps into the role as the starting left cornerback, at least for now.
More than just Newman, the Cowboys have been plagued by the injury bug at cornerback here in the first week of training camp. Quincy Butler has missed several days of practice with a hamstring injury and on Wednesday, Alan Ball went down with a minor ankle sprain.
Suddenly, Jenkins has jumped into the spotlight.
Less than a week ago, the first-round pick (25th overall) missed the first two practices and part of the third with a brief contract holdout. Once he made it to the field, Jenkins found himself as the fourth cornerback, backing up Newman on the left side.
Despite Adam Jones continuing to make steady progress, the Cowboys are using Jenkins with the first unit now in Newman's absence.
"They throw you in the fire real quick. It's football," Jenkins said. "There's no telling when people will go down. You have to be ready at all times. Right now, I feel like I'm ready, as far as going out there and playing. I've got the plays down pat. I've been out here for about three days now, so I just have to catch up with my conditioning."
Jenkins should have plenty of chances to do so, especially here in the next month.
But more than just playing in Newman's spot, the rookie cornerback has quite a variety of coaches, from new secondary coach Dave Campo to defensive coordinator Brian Stewart to even the guy he's currently replacing.
"I'm not the one to wait on an injury, but when it happens, you have to take advantage of the opportunity," Jenkins said. "I'm out here to help the team. If someone goes down, I'm willing to listen. And Newman, he's been out here the whole time. Since he's been down, he's been right behind me, pushing me and trying to get me better. I'm just trying to help the team any way possible."
Despite Newman and Henry returning, and the addition of Adam Jones, the Cowboys obviously thought Jenkins would be able to contribute, too. In fact, the Cowboys wanted the South Florida cornerback so bad, they couldn't wait until their original 28th overall pick. The Cowboys traded up a few spots to get Jenkins with the 25th selection.
"He's a good athlete, a young player that has to learn the game a little bit, but he does have instincts and he's an outstanding athlete," Campo said. "The guy can run and jump and he's got good feet, everything you look for."
Among those things that need work, Campo said rookie cornerbacks usually have trouble at the line of scrimmage because in college, their overall athleticism usually made up for any false steps at the beginning of the play. But in the NFL, jamming the receiver at the line of scrimmage can be trouble for all corners, including Jenkins.
"He's getting better at it. His footwork is not great there," Campo said. "That's something that we're working real hard at. Once he gets his footwork down, he'll be tough because he's got the long arms and he can get on people. And, he's got good quickness and movement."
Jenkins has that other thing that all good cornerbacks need and have: confidence.
"You can't play cornerback if you don't have confidence. It doesn't work," Jenkins said. "I definitely think I can start for any team out there. I have a lot of confidence in myself."
Jenkins was the fourth cornerback selected in the draft behind Leotis McKelvin (Buffalo), Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Arizona) and Aqib Talib (Tampa Bay). But that's not exactly his opinion of where he ranks among this year's rookie corners.
"I felt like I was the best cornerback in the (scouting) combine and I didn't go to the Senior Bowl, which I think hurt me," Jenkins said. "But I definitely think I'm in a great situation, learning from these guys which should help me out in the future. I think I'm going to get the opportunity to play, but I also know my role."
And that role is something Jenkins continues to stress. While he understands he's getting the opportunity to play now, he knows where he stands on the depth chart. However, Jenkins admits not being forced to play right away has actually helped him relax.
"I feel no pressure at all, because I know what they expect out of me," Jenkins said. "I think that helps me out a lot, as opposed to coming in here and not knowing my role, and trying to be very cocky and come in here and take something. I know what they want out of me. They want me to come in, learn from these guys and wait until my number is called."
That time is now. The Cowboys are calling on Jenkins' number. Now his play will ultimately determine just how temporary it becomes.
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