IRVING, Texas – The Cowboys have signed yet another defensive end to the mix, adding Jason Vega, who was recently cut by the Patriots.
Vega has played the last two seasons in the CFL with Winnipeg, but signed with New England in January. He spent all offseason with the Patriots but was released last week.
The 6-4, 255-pounder was on the field Wednesday wearing No. 61. The Cowboys had open roster spots after releasing three players on Monday.
Vega joins a crowded group of backup ends along with George Selvie, Jabari Fletcher, Jerome Long and Thaddeus Gibson.
- The Cowboys welcomed back rookie safety J.J. Wilcox to practice Wednesday. The third-round pick from Georgia Southern left the team to be with his family and mourn the death of his ailing mother, who passed away last week. Wilcox was back in his normal spot, working with the second unit on defense and on a few special teams units.
- The club appeared to be working on a few contingency plans on the offensive line Wednesday. The first unit consisted of Doug Free playing right guard and Jermey Parnell at right tackle. That move would also deplete the tackle depth, considering Parnell is expected to be the swing tackle. Free has only played tackle in his career but in the offseason, team owner Jerry Jones hinted Free had the versatility to move inside.
The Cowboys are likely working on different looks until Ron Leary (knee scope) returns. [embedded_ad]
- No big surprises Wednesday in terms of attendance. Offensive players not practicing included Lance Dunbar, Ron Leary, Nate Livings and Ryan Cook. On defense, Morris Claiborne, Matt Johnson, Eric Frampton, Brandon Magee, Ernie Sims, Jay Ratliff and Anthony Spencer were not participating.
- Wednesday's practice was one of the few sessions in camp in which the team practiced in shoulder pads and shorts. However, a few selected vets such as DeMarcus Ware and Jason Witten appeared to have the day off from shoulder pads.
