The Cowboys have promoted cornerback Leon McFadden from the practice squad to the active roster in advance of Sunday’s game against the Browns, according to Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News (Twitter link). Dallas just signed McFadden to its taxi squad in late October.
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Given that both cornerback Morris Claiborne and safety Barry Church are expected to miss several weeks with injuries, the Cowboys can use all the help they can get in the secondary. Specifically at corner, Orlando Scandrick — returning from his own health issue — is likely to slot in opposite Brandon Carr, with sixth-round rookie Anthony Brown playing behind them. McFadden, then, will be one of only four corners on the Dallas roster, meaning he could see action this weekend.
McFadden, 26, was chosen by the Browns in the third round of the 2013 draft, but flamed out after only a single season with Cleveland. After appearing in seven games over the next two years with the 49ers and Giants, McFadden signed a futures deal with New York this offseason and made it until final roster cuts, when he was waived. All told, McFadden has played in 25 games during his career (two starts), and while he’s never intercepted a ball, he has defensed two passes.
McFadden was seemingly chosen for promotion over fellow cornerback Sammy Seamster, who will remain on the Cowboys’ practice squad for the time being.