IRVING, Texas — Owner Jerry Jones admits being concerned about starting cornerbacks Mike Jenkins (neck strain) and Terence Newman (groin strain), both of whom missed the entire preseason with injuries.
Both say they will be ready for the season opener against the Jets, but Jones is worried about their conditioning and rusty skills. He said the concern is mitigated by the stellar play of nickel cornerback Orlando Scandrick, who is considered a third starter by the team.
Still, the Cowboys face a Jets team with several good wideouts—Santonio Holmes, Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason—in the opener.
And Jenkins and Newman need to be at their best to make Rob Ryan's blitz-happy scheme work.
Notes: The Cowboys kicker situation remains unsettled after Dave Rayner and David Buehler combined to go 1 for 4 on field goal attempts in the preseason finale against the Dolphins.
Rayner, who was signed last week and considered the favorite to win the job, was the big loser as he missed kicks from 51 and 36 yards. Buehler, who made a 20 yarder and missed a 48-yarder, will be on the team as the kickoff specialist, at least.
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