Is there a change at cornerback?

October, 10, 2011
10/10/11
1:17
PM CT
IRVING -- With the return of Orlando Scandrick from a high ankle sprain the Cowboys should have all their cornerbacks healthy for the first time all season when they visit the New England Patriots on Sunday.

Scandrick started the season opener with Mike Jenkins while Terence Newman recovered from a groin strain.

After Scandrick got hurt in the season opener, Alan Ball replaced him in Week 2. Newman made his debut from injury and started the last two weeks.

Should the Cowboys go back to Scandrick and Jenkins with the first-team or Newman and Jenkins?

"As we go forward we'll evaluate that situation," Jason Garrett said after Monday's practice. "We feel good about the number of corners that we have, starting type players and also guys who haven't been starting but been playing a lot."

The Cowboys could open the game with three corners against the New England Patriots on Sunday if they see a three-receiver set.

Overall, the cornerbacks have played well considering the wide receivers the Cowboys have faced: Santonio Holmes, Plaxico Burress, Calvin Johnson and Santana Moss.

The longest pass the Cowboys have allowed was 36 yards, only one other team has allowed a shorter pass. Dallas has also allowed just seven touchdowns.

Adding veteran Frank Walker to the staff, when the team let go Bryan McCann, has also helped the Cowboys corners play better.

"A lot of these guys have gotten experience over the first four games, so to have that number back there at such a critical position, I think is a really significant thing four our team right now," Garrett said. "We'll just evaluate what they're roles are going to be as the week goes on."
Calvin Watkins joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He's covered the Cowboys since 2006 and also has covered colleges, boxing and high school sports.

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