IRVING – Starting free safety Patrick Watkins is getting healthy.
The rookie from Florida State said he's almost fully recovered from a contusion in his left bicep that has made it difficult for him to tackle.
Last week, coach Bill Parcells said Watkins was block-tackling, which means he was awkwardly throwing his body at runners instead of wrapping his arms around them.
Parcells said such a maneuver could lead to severe injuries.
"Well we've spoken to him about it pretty strongly," Parcells said. "If he keeps it up, he's gonna go to the bench. It's as simple as that."
Watkins said he injured the bicep in the final preseason game against Minnesota on Aug. 31.
In the first two weeks of the regular season, Watkins has 13 tackles, including a season-high seven in the opening game of the season at Jacksonville. Watkins said working with the training staff headed by Jim Maurer and Britt Brown helped him get better.
"It was hard to wrap up," Watkins said. "I had a big-size knot. When I talked to Coach Parcells, he was very concerned, because he's never seen me do that before. I know I can tackle, but I had to get through it."
Briefly: Tight end Jason Witten returned to practice Wednesday after missing the previous day when his wife had a baby. Christopher Jason Witten was born Tuesday and weighed six pounds and nine ounces. Witten said the baby will be called CJ. It's the couple's first. ... Former Cowboys quarterback Drew Henson signed with Minnesota's practice squad.
Staff Writer Todd Archer contributed to this report
E-mail cwatkins@dallasnews.com
Cowboys at Tennessee, noon, Sunday (Ch. 4; KTCK-AM 1310, KTDK-FM 104.1, KDBN-FM 93.3; KFLC-AM 1270 in Spanish, KFZO-FM 99.1 in Spanish)
