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Tim Heitman/USA TODAY SportsBen Bass played in two games and made two tackles before landing on injured reserve with five games left in the season.

Ben Bass

Position: Defensive lineman

How acquired: Undrafted free agent, Texas A&M

What he did: No player was more of a surprise to stick with the Cowboys than Bass, a native of Plano, Texas, who had a middling career at Texas A&M. He was offered a tryout at the rookie minicamp and turned that into an invite to training camp. He played well in the preseason -- five tackles, one sack -- to earn a spot on the practice squad.

Because of injuries he was called up to the active roster on Nov. 14 and played in two games. He made two tackles but an ankle injury landed him on injured reserve with five games to play.

Where he fits in the future: He was a good fit for the Cowboys' 3-4 defensive scheme last season, but at 6-foot-5, 283 pounds he might be a better fit as the Cowboys make the move to the 4-3 under new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin.

He possesses good natural strength and moves well for a bigger player. The best hope as the Cowboys go forward is that he can be a rotational player, but it might be asking too much to view him as a possible future starter. He has some versatility that will serve him well, but he will be a player who will face competition as the team looks to upgrade the defensive line.