Cowboys sign RB Ryan Williams

The Cowboys are in the process of signing running back Ryan Williams after he worked out for team officials on Saturday afternoon. 

To make room for Williams, the Cowboys have to release a player. 

Toward the end of the Saturday afternoon practice for rookies, Williams met with team owner Jerry Jones at midfield. 

Williams, the 38th overall pick of the 2011 NFL draft, was cut by the Arizona Cardinals this week. He played in just five games over three seasons due to injuries. 

He missed the 2011 season after rupturing the patella tendon in his right knee. In 2012, he played in five games before a shoulder injury ended his season. 

Then last season, he didn’t participate because he was rehabbing. 

But outside of stumbling while catching a pass, Williams looked good during his workout in front of Cowboys officials, which included team executive vice president Stephen Jones. 

Running backs coach Gary Brown conducted the nearly 30-minute workout after the morning practice for the rookies. 

“I’ve worked my tail off to get to this point,” Williams said after the workout. “It was a rocky road, but I got it done. Regardless of how anybody sees my career going, it was beneficial for me not to play last year and the other year I got hurt with my shoulder. It just gives my knee more time. This isn’t an easy injury to come back from at all. It worked for me.” 

Once the deal is finalized, the Cowboys will have six running backs on the 90-man roster: DeMarco Murray, Lance Dunbar,Joseph Randle, Ben Malena, Glasco Martin and Williams. 

The team also is trying out two running backs this weekend inJosh Harris and Jyruss Edwards. 

Coach Jason Garrett said Saturday tryout players have pushed players off the 90-man roster in the past.