The Cowboys have placed Henry Melton on injured reserve, according to Todd Archer of ESPN.com (via Twitter). To take his place on the roster, Dallas has signed linebacker James Anderson.
Melton has a serious bone bruise bordering on a fracture, according to a source that spoke with Clarence Hill Jr. of the Star-Telegram (via Twitter). The defensive tackle signed a one-year with Dallas last offseason worth up to $5MM based on whether he could hit certain performance bonuses. Beyond that, the deal gives Dallas an option in this upcoming offseason that could tack on another three years to the lineman’s deal. If he remains on the roster through the first day of the 2015 league year, a three-year extension worth $8MM annually and $9MM guaranteed will kick in. If the injury isn’t more serious than what it’s currently believed to be, then it’s a mortal lock that he’ll remain on the roster.
Anderson, 31, was cut loose by the Falcons on Christmas Eve. He started all 16 games last season for the Bears, with Pro Football Focus’ metrics (subscription required) ranking him 33rd out of 35 qualified 4-3 outside linebackers. That poor grade was due in large part to subpar performance against the run — he was one of the league’s more effective linebackers in pass coverage. Still, he didn’t see any time on defense during an earlier stint this season in Tennessee, appearing exclusively on special teams, and during his time with Atlanta, he didn’t see the field at all.