News: SAEN: Rookie could start at safety against Rams

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Dallas Cowboys rookie safety J.J. Wilcox is expected to have an increased role Sunday against the St. Louis Rams after taking first-team snaps in practice the last two days.

If Wilcox starts, it will be at the expense of

10-year veteran Will Allen. Wilcox’s only action at safety came in the opener, but he’s impressed the coaches with strong practices.

A third-round pick from Georgia Southern, Wilcox missed nearly two weeks of training camp to be with his mother, who was dying in Georgia. He led the team in tackles in the preseason while also logging an interception and two pass breakups.

“He’s improved a great deal,” coach Jason Garrett said Friday in Irving. “I would say his arc has been he played really well in the spring and had a real good start to camp and, as you know, his mom passed away and that took him away from what we were doing here, and rightfully so.

“It took him a little time coming back from that. Those are difficult things to deal with. But he’s found his stride the last few weeks.”

Wilcox’s rise is an improbable one, considering he played only one season at safety in college.

“He’s a smart player,” Garrett said. “He’s got good awareness and he’s around the ball a lot. He’s a physical tackler and has a good feel for playing the position in a short period of time.

He’s definitely displayed instincts and poise.”

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