IRVING, Texas – It's been expected for nearly a week now, but the Cowboys officially moved Tony Romo and Gavin Escobar to injured reserve on Friday afternoon.
In their place, the team has promoted two practice squad members to the active roster – rookie quarterback Jameill Showers and third-year defensive tackle Casey Walker.
The two roster moves were necessitated during last Saturday's loss to the New York Jets. Escobar tore his Achilles tendon during the tail end of that game and had surgery earlier this week. Romo broke his collarbone back on Thanksgiving Day, but the Cowboys left him on the 53-man roster until they were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.
With the postseason now officially out of reach, the Cowboys may get a look at the two promising players in these final two weeks. Walker signed with the Carolina Panthers after going undrafted in 2013, and he has also spent time with the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens.
Dallas added Walker to its practice squad on Oct. 21 ahead of their Week 7 game against the New York Giants.
Showers is one of the more intriguing practice squad rookies in recent memory. The Cowboys signed him undrafted out of Texas-El Paso this past spring, and he has played a variety of roles during his one season with the team.
He competed primarily at quarterback during training camp, working behind Romo, Brandon Weeden and Dustin Vaughan. He appeared in three of the Cowboys' four preseason games, completing 13-of-32 passes for 125 total yards with one touchdown and one interception. Showers also carried the ball five total times for 37 rushing yards.
Showers' versatility has also seen him line up in different positions. He got looks at safety during training camp, and he recorded five special teams tackles on the kick coverage team during the preseason.
