With Dallas Cowboys strong safety Jeff Heath still in concussion protocol and yet to return to practice, rookie Xavier Woods has been getting reps with the first team opposite free safety Byron Jones.
Woods, rookie sixth-round pick from Louisiana Tech, would get the start if Heath can't play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, according to defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli.
Rookie second-round pick Chido Awuzie, who was drafted as a cornerback, would play a supporting role at safety in his first game back after missing the last four with a hamstring injury.
“That is what we are going to need, another safety,” Marinelli said.