Cowboys Make Roster Move On Offensive Line, Wednesday Practice Report Missing Numerous Names

The Dallas Cowboys gathered at Valley Ranch today, focusing on the upcoming game against the New York Giants, their first game in the division. The afterglow of the win in Seattle fades as a new task comes into view, one complicated by the loss of right tackle Doug Free. In a sure sign that Free will miss a bit of time (estimates are 3-4 weeks), the Cowboys added an offensive tackle today and released a defensive lineman. Current Cowboy defensive end Lavar Edwards was released and Tony Hills, an offensive tackle, was plucked from the Miami Dolphins practice squad. Hills played college ball at Texas and was drafted in the fourth round in 2008. He will add depth at tackle along with current reserve Donald Hawkins. Jeremy Parnell will be stepping into the starter's role with Free out.

The Cowboys practice on Wednesday was missing some key players. As is customary, Tony Romo is sitting out but he might also miss Thursday's practice while nursing injuries to his ribs and his ankle. Just as long as it's not the back. DeMarco Murray was out with an illness. Doug Free and Bruce Carter will be out this week, Carter states that he's hopeful he can return next week. For some reason Tyron Smith was only watching during the early drills, he may be nursing some injury, we'll have to wait and see.

Rolando McClain will miss both the Wednesday and the Thursday practice as he travels back to Alabama to attend to a custody situation. The Dallas Morning News noted that the Cowboys had known about this and it was no surprise. It's doubtful McClain would have practiced much this week anyway as he continues to recover from his sore groin.