FRISCO, Texas – "Injury creates opportunity," is the saying Cowboys coach Jason Garrett loves to use, and it appears that will be the case Sunday against Tampa Bay.
After battling a back injury throughout the week, DeMarcus Lawrence has been ruled out for this weekend's game against the Buccaneers. With a shortage of options along the defensive line, the Cowboys are calling up practice squad defensive end Zach Moore to fill the void.
"When I got the news, it was an overwhelming feeling. I've worked hard for this," Moore said.
Moore is in his third season in the league, but this is his first shot at game action since roughly a year ago. With Lawrence ruled out and Cedric Thornton questionable with an ankle injury, he said he's willing to do anything he can to help the Cowboys.
"The more you can do, the better," Moore said. "I'm just taking that and doing real good in my preparation – studying film in all positions. Just making sure that if my number's called to play any position, that I'm familiar with it and ready to go."
Originally selected in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL Draft by New England, Moore appeared in eight games as a rookie before being cut at the outset of the 2015 season.
He spent most of his second season with the Minnesota Vikings, who signed him to their practice squad after final roster cuts. He was promoted to the active roster for one game against the Chicago Bears last September.
The Vikings cut Moore at the end of training camp this summer, and he immediately signed in Dallas – where he has remained ever since. After three months of hard work on the practice squad, he may just get his opportunity this weekend.
