IRVING, Texas – The Cowboys have filled the empty roster spot with rookie linebacker Cameron Lawrence, who was signed off the practice squad Friday.
Lawrence, an undrafted rookie from Mississippi State, nearly made the active roster coming out of training camp and the preseason. The Cowboys decided to sign veterans Edgar Jones and Kyle Bosworth for special teams purposes. But Lawrence has remained on the practice squad and will likely play this week in his NFL debut.
"Hard work has paid off," a smiling Lawrence said on Friday, just minutes after he called his agent to inform him the news. "I was glad to be on practice squad but this is just a whole another level."
After the Cowboys waived [embedded_ad] veteran safety Will Allen, Lawrence said the practice squad players were told one of them would likely be added to the roster this week. Early speculation centered on Jakar Hamilton, a safety would seemingly would take Allen's spot. And last week the Cowboys nearly signed defensive end Jason Vega from the squad.
But Lawrence said hearing of that possibility got his attention.
"Automatically my eyes lit up," Lawrence said. "I had a good week of practice. I guess they liked what they saw. I fit the need that they needed. They told me today after practice."
With Justin Durant (groin) questionable for Sunday's game, adding Lawrence is a natural fit. But he also said he expects to be a full participant on special teams.
In college, Lawrence contributed on defense for four years at Mississippi State, where he was a two-time All-SEC standout.
In the preseason games with the Cowboys, Lawrence finished second on the team with 16 tackles with one quarterback pressure and one pass deflection.
