The Dallas Cowboys may keep AJ Jenkins on the roster into the season after a solid preseason, as the wide receiver has played well as of late and could join Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley and Devin Street as the main wideout options for Tony Romo on offense.
The Cowboys have Bryant as the number one receiver and he will get plenty of attention, but the team has some solid depth at wideout. Jenkins could be a part of that mix now after signing in May following a disappointing start to his career after being a first round pick. According to ESPN Dallas, Jenkins has a good chance to make the roster this season after playing well in the preseason and showing some good skills in camp workouts.
Jenkins was signed earlier in the offseason while Bryant was staying away from the team while dealing with his contract situation. Jenkins won't overtake players like Beasley, Williams or likely even Street, but he could be a good depth option as a fourth or fifth receiver on the roster. Jenkins had all the potential of a good NFL player when he came into the league, but he was never able to get it together in San Francisco and he was later traded to the Chiefs.
Jenkins told ESPN that he has his "confidence back" and the report had head coach Jason Garrett saying that Jenkins has "ability" and has been "pounding away every day." While Jenkins only has two catches in the preseason, Garrett has praised his work ethic and route running and if Devin Street continues to deal with an ankle injury, Jenkins could get a chance to make the team. Jenkins did not catch a pass in three games with the Niners as a rookie and over two years with the Chiefs he only made 17 catches.
According to DallasCowboys.com, wide receivers coach Derek Dooley said that Jenkins has made "a lot of progress" in camp. ESPN Dallas writes that while it is a longshot, Jenkins could make the roster as a depth option at receiver. Williams has established himself as a playmaker and Romo loves throwing to Cole Beasley, but past Street there is not too much else on the roster. Jenkins has a chance to make it if he plays well over the next couple games and that likely will be the main factor in whether he stays or not.
Archer wrote that Jenkins has made some nice plays in practice and that has gotten attention from Garrett and the coaches. Jenkins has been a major disappointment in the NFL, but he has talent and he showed that in his last year at Illinois with 90 receptions for 1,276-yards and eight touchdowns. Jenkins will get his chances though, as Street likely will not play much the rest of the preseason and neither will Bryant, which could open Jenkins up to make more plays in the next couple weeks.
