IRVING, Texas – The Cowboys have officially placed Josh Brent back on the 53-man roster.
The move occurred Tuesday afternoon as the Cowboys made a spot for Brent by cutting linebacker Tim Dobbins.
Brent's 10-game suspension has been served and as the team enters their bye week, Brent is now eligible to be on the roster. However, it's not certain he will be ready to play as early as the Giants game on Nov. 23.
Head coach Jason Garrett said Brent is working back into shape but isn't quite football-ready.
"He's had a couple of good weeks of practice. He's too heavy right now," Garrett said Tuesday. "He's got to get his weight down. He's got to get more into football shape. But the move we're going to make is to put him on the 53 and see where he is here for the next couple of weeks."
Garrett said Brent has had good battles with center Travis Frederick during practice, giving off the impression that both players have been challenged.
Brent hasn't played in a game since the December 2012 accident that resulted in the death of practice squad player Jerry Brown. Brent was convicted of intoxication manslaughter and was sentenced to 180 days in jail, although the last 45 days he was on probation at a rehabilitation facility.
Brent officially retired from football last season before he was convicted of the charges last spring.
Garrett refused to specify just how many pounds Brent needed to trim to be ready to play.
What this means for the defensive tackle position is the addition of another experienced inside presence that has been known for his strength. While Brent has yet to play in a 4-3 scheme in the NFL, he'll likely play the 1-technique spot and rotate with the likes of Nick Hayden and Terrell McClain.
Another defensive tackle that might be in the mix is Amobi Okoye. The Cowboys have to make a decision on him this week whether to activate him from the NFI (Non-Football Injury) list. If so, the Cowboys would again have to create a roster spot.
