IRVING, Texas - The Cowboys have once again added another defensive lineman. This time, he's a little more well-known than some of the others.
The Cowboys have added Marvin Austin, a former second-round pick of the Giants in 2011. Austin missed all of his rookie season with a torn pectoral muscle and played in just eight games last year for the Giants, who cut him after the last preseason game. Austin was then picked up by the Dolphins but cut two weeks ago.
The Cowboys had an open spot on the roster having putting defensive end Edgar Jones (groin) on injured reserve.
Austin is a former college teammate of Cowboys linebacker Bruce Carter, who was also taken in the second round of the 2011 draft.
On Monday, coach Jason Garrett commented on Austin's versatility as a tackle, stating, "he can play both of those defensive tackle spots."
Garrett was asked why Austin didn't work out with the Giants or the Dolphins, but rather spoke on the aspects of [embedded_ad] Austin that he could answer on.
"What we know about him is a lot of really positive things," Garrett said. "There are some positive physical traits and some positive character personality traits you want to tap into it. You want to give a guy a blank slate when he comes in and hopefully the environment you create for him brings out the best in him."
Austin is yet another player high-profile college player whom the Cowboys have added to bolster the defensive line depth, along with George Selvie and Drake Nevis, a former LSU All-American and third-round pick. Selvie was a college standout at South Florida but taken in the seventh round.
The Cowboys have also signed veteran Jarius Wynn last week and played him in the game against Philadelphia. Jason Vega was signed last week to make his Cowboys debut with DeMarcus Ware ailing.
Overall, 14 different defensive linemen have suited up for the Cowboys in the first seven games. The Cowboys are hoping Austin is ready to become the 15th this weekend in Detroit.
