IRVING – The biggest problem at the free safety position is pass coverage.
Keith Davis is the starter, backed up by rookie Patrick Watkins. Looming in the background is veteran Tony Parrish, who was signed last week.
"I feel an urgency to get on the field," said Parrish, who has 30 career interceptions. "It's not my decision. I'm just trying to understand everything as fast as possible."
With three regular-season games to go, the Cowboys are in a hurry to fix their pass coverage.
Davis said that he was not concerned by Parrish's arrival, but no one could blame him for looking over his shoulder.
"Basically that's pretty much what it is," he said before Tuesday's practice. "Let me play and let me do my thing. If you believe in me, then let me play. If you don't believe in me, then let somebody else play. I understand that."
Coach Bill Parcells said Davis is more of strong safety and is an excellent special teams player.
"Bill and I communicate well," said Davis, who does not have an interception in 20 career starts. "At the same time, I feel like I can do whatever I'm asked to do, free or strong, just give me an opportunity. That's all I can ask."
Bright spot: Miles Austin returned five kickoffs for 148 yards, a 29.6 average, against the Saints.
"I'm watching a lot of tape of Tyson Thompson," Austin said, referring to player he replaced. (Thompson is out for the season with a leg injury.) "I'm getting more and more used to the position."
Briefly: FB Oliver Hoyte (knee) missed practice. If he can't play Saturday, expect Lousaka Polite to start. Jason Witten and Anthony Fasano also could move there.
E-mail cwatkins@dallasnews.com
