Have Cowboys' safety problems increased their interest in acquiring one from another team?

ARLINGTON -- Xavier Woods' recent hamstring injury has turned safety into the unquestioned weakest position on the Cowboys' roster.

Many had suggested Dallas should sign veteran George Iloka, who was surprisingly released by the Bengals on Sunday. Iloka signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings on Wednesday.

The Cowboys view Iloka as a strong safety, much like they do with well-known free agent Eric Reid. Woods plays free safety, the position they need to address most. Seattle's Earl Thomas, who hasn't reported to training camp in hopes of landing a contract extension, would be the free safety addition most feel would answer all of Dallas' problems. Thomas, however, remains a member of the Seahawks.

Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones joked about "being a little short at safety" during a Wednesday morning news conference to announce AT&T Stadium's hosting of the PBR Global Cup in February.

"Injuries are a part of this and we got to have some guys step up and do a good job here," Jones said after noting that Woods may not be ready for Week 1. "Obviously, [Jeff Heath] has played back there and done a good job for us back in the past. If we're going to have to replace [Woods] with a more of a strong safety, then that's what we'll do to get the job done."

Heath and Kavon Frazier have been the first-team safeties this week. Kam Kelly and Tyree Robinson, who make up the second-team group, have never appeared in a regular-season NFL game.

Thomas wasn't specifically mentioned, but Jones was asked if their issues at the position have increased their interest in trying to acquire a player from another team.

"Well, we're always looking to improve ourselves," Jones responded. "I say it time and time again, it's 365 days a year, and if we get the opportunity to improve our football team, we'll certainly take a look at it.

"Obviously, all teams go through this. You're not as deep as you'd like to be everywhere. With these bumps we're having in the offensive line and the situation at safety, we certainly understand that if we can get better there, we'd do it."