Cowboys DT Josh Brent active for first time since fatal car crash

Cowboys defensive tackle Josh Brent is active for Thursday night's game against the Bears, the team announced. Brent has not played since December 2012, when he

Cowboys defensive tackle Josh Brent is active for Thursday night's game against the Bears, the team announced.

Brent has not played since December 2012, when he crashed his car, killing Cowboys practice squad member Jerry Brown. Brent was convicted of intoxication manslaughter and served a six-month prison term. He was reinstated by the NFL in September but suspended for 10 games. Stacy Jackson, Brown's mother, said she was "very happy" that Brown was reinstated.

Brent was added to the 53-man roster on Nov. 11 but was not on the 46-man gameday roster for the Cowboys' games against the Giants and Eagles in Weeks 12 and 13. 

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Brent played 39 games for the Cowboys between 2010 and 2012, making five starts. He recorded 44 total tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Brent will take defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence's spot on the roster. Lawrence has a rib injury which he re-aggravated in practice.

- Dan Gartland