The Dallas Cowboys' Michael Sam walks along the sideline during...

The Dallas Cowboys' Michael Sam walks along the sideline during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014, in Arlington, Texas. Credit: AP / Brandon Wade

The Dallas Cowboys have released Michael Sam from the practice squad, another setback as the NFL's first openly gay player tries to make an active roster during the regular season for the first time.

Sam was signed to Dallas' practice squad on Sept. 3, four days after he was among the final cuts by the St. Louis Rams at the end of the preseason.

The Rams drafted Sam late in the seventh round of the NFL draft in May. The former SEC defensive player of the year at Missouri was pick No. 249 out of 256.

While releasing Sam on Tuesday, the Cowboys added linebacker Troy Davis of Central Florida and defensive tackle Ken Bishop of Northern Illinois to their practice squad.

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