The Cowboys have added yet another starter to injured reserve, although this one isn't much of a surprise.
Center Phil Costa hasn't played the last seven games with an ankle injury he suffered Oct. 21 in Carolina. The Cowboys placed him on IR on Wednesday and Costa will be out the rest of the season.
Taking his spot on the roster will be rookie offensive tackle Darrion Weems, who was signed off the Broncos' practice squad. Weems (6-5, 320) spent the year in Denver after being undrafted out of Oregon. The Cowboys are his fifth team already in his rookie season after stops in Minnesota, New England, Indianapolis and Denver.
"I'm excited about this opportunity," Weems said. "I just got here and I'm not sure exactly how it all works but I'm glad to be here and ready to work."
Weems said he arrived from Denver in time to get out on the field before the end of Wednesday's practice.
The Cowboys could use some depth at tackle, a position that has seen its share of problems this year with Doug Free's inconsistent play at right tackle. Tyron Smith hasn't fared much better and missed a game with an ankle injury two weeks ago.
Weems would be the fourth tackle on the 53-man roster behind Jermey Parnell, who started a game for Smith at left tackle on Thanksgiving.
In fact, the Weems signing could be similar to what the Cowboys did with Parnell, who joined the team from New Orleans' practice squad in 2010. Weems might not be ready to contribute at all this year, but the Cowboys could be looking at keeping him as a futures player and someone to develop.
The Cowboys also signed tight end Chase Ford to the practice squad. Ford replaces the spot vacated by fullback Jamize Olawale, who signed with the Raiders on Tuesday.
