The Dallas Cowboys went with a familiar face in bolstering its linebacker depth going into training camp.
The Cowboys signed Justin Durant on Thursday, clearing a spot on the roster by releasing defensive back Jeremiah McKinnon.
By adding Durant, the Cowboys protect themselves with the possibility that Mark Nzeocha could be placed on the physically unable to perform list before camp as he recovers from knee surgery. Linebacker Jaylon Smith is also coming back from severe knee surgery and is expected to go every other day in the early part of camp.
Durant, 31, played in 13 games with the Cowboys last season.