Cowboys Signed Cornerback Alex Austin to Practice Squad
The Dallas Cowboys added secondary depth following a defensive tryout session held this week in Frisco.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Football
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The Dallas Cowboys have signed cornerback Alex Austin to the practice squad after conducting tryouts for five defensive players in Frisco. The move comes as the team looks to bolster its secondary due to several injuries impacting key defensive starters.
Why it matters
The signing provides immediate roster flexibility and secondary depth for the Cowboys. It follows a series of recent injuries that have sidelined multiple defensive players, necessitating a quick evaluation of available talent.
Alex Austin recorded 31 tackles, eight passes defended, and one interception across 29 career games with the New England Patriots. He initially entered the NFL as a seventh-round draft selection by the Buffalo Bills in 2023.
The players
Alex Austin
He is a 25-year-old cornerback who previously played 29 games for the New England Patriots.
Dallas Cowboys
They are a professional football team based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area that competes in the NFL.
The details
The Cowboys evaluated five defensive prospects, including Austin, Thomas, Bartholomew, Funderburk, and Pratt, during a workout on Tuesday. The team faces ongoing challenges in the secondary with Cobie Durant dealing with a hamstring injury and Jalen Thompson also sidelined.
Timeline
Alex Austin entered the NFL as a seventh-round draft pick in 2023.
The Dallas Cowboys conducted defensive player tryouts in Frisco on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The addition of Austin reflects a tactical effort to maintain defensive integrity amid a wave of injuries affecting the roster. Managing depth at the cornerback position remains critical as the team navigates the challenges of the regular season schedule.
The signing establishes a new depth option in the secondary, potentially impacting rotation decisions while key starters recover. Austin will work with the practice squad as the team prepares for upcoming games without several injured defensive contributors.
The takeaway
Depth signings during the season are vital for teams managing recurring injury issues within their defensive backfield. Teams often utilize open workout sessions to identify immediate plug-and-play solutions for their practice squads.
Further reading
For more updates on roster moves and team developments, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ClutchPoints.
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