IRVING, Texas -- With the possibility of Justin Durant returning to action Sunday against the New Orleans Saints after a two-game absence because of a groin injury, the Dallas Cowboys waived linebacker Keith Smith, who was called up from the practice squad last Saturday.

Durant went through an extensive pregame warm-up before the Cowboys’ win against the St. Louis Rams and the hope is he can practice and return to man either the weakside or middle linebacker spots, depending on the health of Rolando McClain. McClain did not play against the Rams because of a groin injury and his availability for practice this week is uncertain.

Smith played in two defensive and nine special-teams snaps against the Rams. If he clears waivers, then the Cowboys will re-sign him to the practice squad.

The Cowboys will re-sign defensive end Lavar Edwards to take Smith’s spot. He was released in order to make room for Smith. The Cowboys acquired Edwards in a trade from the Tennessee Titans after the final cuts for a conditional seventh-round draft pick. If he is on the 53-man roster for 10 regular-season games, the Cowboys will have to give up a seventh-rounder in 2015.