Cornerback Anthony Henry has been recovering from a bruised thigh but is expected to start Sunday's game at the New York Giants.
It is uncertain how Henry will perform with the leg injury, but if he is limited, the Cowboys are not too concerned about his replacements.
Last week, first-round pick Mike Jenkins and fifth-rounder Orlando Scandrick provided the team some comfort in its victory over Tampa Bay.
Coach Wade Phillips said he wasn't sure how his young corners would respond in the pressure-filled game at Texas Stadium.
But there was one thing he didn't have to worry about: the confidence level of the players.
"I thought our guys did an outstanding job, whoever was playing, and it was a lot of young guys,"
Phillips said. "I was pleased with that. Can they duplicate that every game against every team? They're going to try to. We're going to try to."
The Cowboys entered the season with depth at the cornerback position.
Pro Bowler Terence Newman and Henry were the starters, and veteran Adam Jones was the nickel corner.
Their experience allowed the Cowboys to bring Jenkins and Scandrick along slowly.
That changed with injuries to Newman, who's missed five games this season, and the suspension of Jones.
Safeties coach Brett Maxie had told the players to stay ready.
"I told them your turn is coming sooner than you think, just be ready when your turn comes."
Scandrick said he developed a chip on his shoulder while playing at BCS outsider Boise State.
"I would say my upbringing,"
Scandrick said of why he's so confident. "I would say I have always been like that. I would credit my college coach. It started as a true freshman in college, and I had my ups and downs, and my coach told me to just go and play aggressive."
Jenkins attended South Florida and was mentored by Florida native Deion Sanders.
When Jones was suspended, Jenkins moved into the starting lineup against St. Louis. He had a difficult day, allowing a touchdown pass and getting turned around on another long pass that fell incomplete.
Jenkins said it was a learning experience and that Sanders told him to hang in there.
Against Tampa Bay, Jenkins had a career-high seven tackles and one pass breakup as the defense didn't allow a touchdown. With Henry out of the game, Jenkins and Scandrick were the first-team corners.
While disappointed that Henry was hurt, the rookie cornerbacks were excited about the possibility of gaining more playing time.
"Me and Scandrick stay motivated – that's the only way you can keep yourself going,"
Jenkins said. "It's like last week when Anthony went out. I just went to [Scandrick], and we were so excited out there. When he's out there, I'm comfortable, and I know he's going to be comfortable."
