IRVING, Texas -With veteran Kenyon Coleman going to injured reserve after undergoing surgery Tuesday to repair torn triceps, the Cowboys won't look very far to find his replacement.
Rookie defensive end Ben Bass, who has been on the practice squad all season will be signed to the 53-man roster.
Bass, an undrafted rookie from Texas A&M, shined in the preseason opener against the Raiders in Oakland, where he was active the entire second half, registering five tackles and several quarterback pressures. Towards the end of the preseason, it appeared Bass had an outside shot to make the roster and avoid waivers and the practice squad, but the Cowboys took their chances. Bass was retained to the practice squad, where he has been on the scout team each week.
Coleman's season ends with 22 tackles, good for 11th on the defense with two quarterback pressures. But as a defensive end in a 3-4 scheme, his job is to clog up the middle. The coaching staff has been high on Coleman for the last two seasons, for that very reason.
He'll likely be replaced in the starting lineup by either Marcus Spears or Tyrone Crawford, or possibly a combination of both. Jason Garrett said Monday no decision had been made in terms of the starter or playing time. Bass could also work into the rotation as well.
With Bass moving up to the roster, the Cowboys will have two practice squad holes to fill. Cornerback Vince Agnew moved up last weekend and played Sunday against the Eagles.
