IRVING, Texas -- Eric Frampton won the Dallas Cowboys’ safety sweepstakes Tuesday, earning a roster spot after a workout with the team.

PODCAST
ESPN NFL analyst Ed Werder weighs in on the Seattle-Green Bay game and the implications that it holds for NFL officiating. Listen

Frampton was one of five defensive backs to audition for the team at Valley Ranch. He will take Barry Church’s spot on the roster after Church had season-ending Achilles tendon surgery Tuesday.

Frampton has not started a game in his career, playing mostly on special teams. He was cut by Minnesota this summer after a five-year run with the Vikings. He led the Vikings with 22 special teams’ tackles last season.

The Cowboys also worked out Antwaun Molden, Aaron Rouse, Tyrone Culver and Don Carey.

Frampton’s addition could help the Cowboys’ special teams more with safety Danny McCray becoming a bigger part of the defense. McCray is expected to take over for Church in the starting defense. However, last week against Tampa Bay, the Cowboys used cornerback Brandon Carr at safety in their nickel defense and Mike Jenkins at cornerback.

UPDATE:

The Cowboys also signed cornerback Mario Butler to the practice squad.

He was cut last week from the active roster to make room for linebacker Orie Lemon.

Butler, who can also play safety if needed, spent all of last season on the practice squad.