IRVING, Texas – The Cowboys ensured they'd have a healthy punter for Monday night's matchup against the Bears and returner Devin Hester by bringing in veteran punter Brian Moorman.
Just days after being released by the Buffalo Bills, Moorman is expected to sign with the Cowboys by Thursday. As of early Wednesday evening, Moorman passed his physical and was in Dallas and punting for a workout at Cowboys Stadium.
The 36-year-old Moorman played in all 16 games during each of his previous 11 seasons in Buffalo. The Cowboys could use a healthy punter, after Chris Jones came up hobbling with a sprained knee this week.
Jones had a punt blocked against Seattle and nearly had a second one blocked against the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay's Dekoda Watson was called for a roughing the kicker penalty on Jones, diving into the punter's knee on the failed attempt. It's unclear at this point how long Jones will be sidelined, but he'll have the bye week to rest before being reevaluated.
Moorman was the Bills' punter since 2001, setting numerous punting records in Buffalo. He was a two-time Pro Bowler, who has averaged 43.9 yards per punt in his career. His average was 45.5 yards per punt in three games this season, but his net average was down to a career-low 32.7 yards per punt this season.
The Bills elected to replace Moorman with the younger Shawn Powell, who punted for the Bills during training camp.
