FRISCO, Texas – The Cowboys signed free agent quarterback Jerrod Johnson on Thursday, giving them another option for snaps in Thursday night's preseason finale against the Houston Texans.
With Tony Romo sidelined for an undetermined period of time with a fractured bone in his back, and rookie Dak Prescott preparing to start the Sept. 11 season opener against the New York Giants, first-year quarterback Jameill Showers is likely looking at his largest workload of the preseason Thursday night at AT&T Stadium. Johnson provides some depth at the depleted quarterback position leading into the preseason finale.
After a productive college career at Texas A&M, Johnson has spent time with several NFL teams since 2011 but has not taken a regular-season snap. The Baltimore Ravens waived him earlier this week.
To make room for Johnson on the roster, the Cowboys waived defensive end/long snapper Zach Wood.
The Cowboys met with free agent quarterback Austin Davis on Wednesday but have not reached an agreement on a contract.
Romo is expected to return in 2016, but no clear timetable is set yet. In the meantime, team officials have said the organization will keep its eyes open on the waiver wire for potential veteran backup help entering the regular season. The league's final roster cuts are Saturday.
-Rob Phillips
