Cowboys promote linebacker Orie Lemon, release cornerback Mario Butler as part of prep for Bucs

The Cowboys promoted linebacker Orie Lemon to the 53-man roster and released cornerback Mario Butler on Saturday, one day before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Lemon, a first-year player out of Oklahoma State, stood out on special teams in training camp. He had 18 tackles in the preseason games, second-most on the team, and three on special teams. He spent all of last season on the practice squad.

Butler also spent all of last year on the practice squad after making the team as an undrafted rookie out of Georgia Tech. He made 12 tackles in the preseason games, plus a sack and a pass defensed, while also adding safety work.

The move of Lemon on to special teams could mean Phillip Tanner is free for other action, like returning kickoffs.

-- Carlos Mendez

Twitter @calexmendez