National Football League

Report: Cowboys intend to sign Michael Sam to practice squad

Published Sep. 2, 2014 5:29 p.m. ET

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The Dallas Cowboys plan to bring free agent defensive end Michael Sam in for a physical Wednesday with the intention of signing him to the practice squad, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Tuesday, citing an unnamed source.

Sam is attempting to become the first openly gay player in the NFL. A former standout at Missouri, Sam revealed he is gay prior to the draft. He was drafted in the seventh round, No. 249 overall, by the St. Louis Rams, who released him last weekend.

Although a media circus is certain to follow Sam, he could help a Cowboys defensive line that has been depleted by injuries and defections. Sam had an impressive preseason with three sacks and 11 tackles, but the Rams are deep in defensive linemen.

On Tuesday, the Cowboys placed defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, their second-round pick from Boise State, on the returnable injured reserve list. Lawrence suffered a broken foot in the first days of training camp.

The Cowboys also signed defensive end Jack Crawford, who was let go by the Raiders.

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