Teddy Williams broke the 10-second 100-meter mark as a sprinter.

SAN ANTONIO - The Cowboys got their depleted defensive line some practice help Thursday by signing rookie free agent Jimmy Saddler-McQueen, while also inking former Texas-San Antonio track star Teddy Williams for a look at defensive back and possibly returns.

To make room for both on the 80-man training camp roster, the club released rookie kicker/punter Delbert Alvarado as well as defensive end Lorenzo Washington, who missed the first eight practices with a pulled hamstring.

Williams wore No. 29 in Thursday's single afternoon practice; Saddler-McQueen wore No. 66.

Although he hasn't played football since starring at receiver for John Tyler High (Tyler, Texas), Williams was a four-time All-America sprinter at UTSA. His high school football career ended when he suffered a serious ankle injury as a senior.

Williams decided to forego his final year of college eligibility and sign with Dallas.

"Every day I stepped on the track I missed it," Williams said. "I put everything I had into track and field, and who knows, track and field may come up again later in my life. But right now I'm a football player for the Dallas Cowboys."

Saddler-McQueen provides at least some temporary depth while defensive end Jason Hatcher (hyper-extended elbow) and rookie defensive lineman Sean Lissemore (strained groin) are out. An All-Lone Star Conference selection as a senior, Saddler-McQueen originally signed with the Bears after the draft.

Alvarado kicked well in practice but wasn't considered a real threat to front-runner David Buehler. Alvarado's release means Buehler and punter Mat McBriar are now the lone players at their respective positions.