Coleman likely to replace Watkins at free safety

COWBOYS NOTES
Coleman likely to replace Watkins at free safety
By MAC ENGEL
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
IRVING - Marcus Coleman, your turn.

After starting rookie fifth-round draft pick Pat Watkins at free safety for the first six games of the season, the Cowboys are looking to an old Bill Parcells favorite.

Free safety has been a sore spot, as Watkins has been in on the coverage of at least four long plays this season, three of them touchdowns.

Watkins said he has not been practicing with the first-teamers this week. All signs point to Coleman making his first start Sunday night.

Coleman, 32, played for the first time last week but only on special teams. The NFL suspended Coleman for the first four games of the season because he violated the league's substance-abuse policy.

"I feel really good," said Coleman. "It didn't take me long to get back and feel the same."

Keith Davis, who was the starter at free safety last season, could also see time there Sunday.

Watkins has 22 tackles, three passes defended and one fumble recovery this season.

Hatcher misses practice

Defensive end Jason Hatcher (ankle) did not practice and is unlikely to play Sunday.

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