The Cowboys and Mike Jenkins need each other.

PODCAST
ESPNDallas.com's Todd Archer recaps the NFC East games over the weekend, looks ahead to the Cowboys' game against the Seahawks and more. Listen

Jenkins said a few more practices this week will help before he can play in an NFL game, and it appears that'll happen in Week 2 at Seattle.

Jenkins, who is recovered from a complex shoulder surgery, is in the final year of his contract. He'll try to prove to the Cowboys and the rest of the league that he's a standout corner, which means he needs to have a good season, no matter how many snaps he plays per game.

Despite the moves they made in the offseason, the Cowboys need Jenkins as you need depth at the cornerback position to survive in the NFL.

In the Cowboys' victory against the Giants, Orlando Scandrick missed a few snaps to receive an IV, and Mario Butler took over. Rookie Morris Claiborne, while playing most of the game, was seen limping during several defensive snaps in the second half.

The Cowboys could've taken Claiborne out, but the guy to replace him -- Jenkins -- was on the sidelines wearing a T-shirt.

It's apparent the Cowboys made the right decision in not only signing Brandon Carr and drafting Claiborne, but not trading Jenkins.

After the offseason moves, Jenkins' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, requested a trade. There was some mild interest in Jenkins, but his recovery from shoulder surgery entering the final year of his contract limited his marketability.

If Jenkins is able to play in Seattle, and it appears he will, putting him out there on passing downs in limited situations can't hurt. If Carr, Claiborne or even Scandrick get hurt, Jenkins can fill in.

Jenkins has never played slot corner in the NFL and hasn't taken snaps in practice. But he said he knows the position from film study and doesn't believe playing it will be an issue.

If the Cowboys trust Jenkins' skills in the slot, then expect him to play some there Sunday. Injuries have plagued the Cowboys at this position over time, so keeping Jenkins around, especially now, is looking like a smart decision.