The Dallas Cowboys don’t expect cornerback Mike Jenkins to play in next Wednesday night’s NFL opener against the New York Giants. But the fact that Jenkins will be available to play at all counts as progress. Jenkins underwent significant offseason shoulder surgery and, to this point, has not participated in training camp.
Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports Jenkins has received medical clearance to resume football activities. Jenkins’ right shoulder has “obviously regained strength,” according to Williams, and he’s eligible to practice beginning on Saturday. Jenkins has been activated from the physically unable to perform list.
The Cowboys all along vowed not to trade Jenkins despite a flurry of draft-day rumors and reports. They could revisit the idea now that Jenkins’ health is returned, although it seems more likely that he’ll slot in as a dime back behind Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne, and Orlando Scandrick.
A Dallas secondary that was among the league’s most criticized last year suddenly looks to be among the NFL’s deepest entering this season.