IRVING, Texas – The Cowboys released quarterback Kellen Moore on Tuesday afternoon, roughly six weeks after promoting him to the active roster.
To fill his vacated roster spot, the team is activating linebacker Mark Nzeocha from the Non-Football Injury list.
Moore signed to the team's practice squad before the start of the regular season, after he had been released from Detroit's training camp roster. His experience with offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, who he worked with for two seasons in Detroit, made him a viable developmental prospect.
The Cowboys promoted him to the 53-man roster on Sept. 23, just days after Tony Romo was lost for eight weeks to a broken collarbone. He served as Brandon Weeden's backup for two weeks while Matt Cassel learned the Cowboys' offense. He had been the team's No. 3 quarterback since Week 7, when Cassel assumed the starting position.
This is Nzeocha's first chance at live action since last fall, when he was playing his senior season for Wyoming. He tore his ACL last October, rendering him unavailable for training camp – but the Cowboys drafted him in the seventh round of the 2015 NFL Draft despite the injury.
Nzeocha rehabbed and conditioned throughout training camp, and he began participating in practice two weeks ago during the lead-up to his activation.
The Cowboys may need the extra body at linebacker, as it looks doubtful that Sean Lee will be available after sustaining a concussion in Sunday night's loss to the Eagles. Fellow linebacker Anthony Hitchens is also uncertain for this weekend's game against Tampa Bay, as he suffered an ankle injury on Sunday night.
Assuming he clears waivers, Moore would be eligible to re-join the Cowboys' practice squad later this week – should the Cowboys decide to go that route.
