23 George Iloka SS

Iloka signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys on Saturday, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

The 28-year-old has plenty of experience as a five-year starter with the Bengals, but Iloka started just three games with the Vikings in 2018. Archer adds Iloka can play both safety positions, and the Cowboys plan to have him replace Jeff Heath as the starting strong safety while keeping Xavier Woods as the free safety.

Iloka moved to a reserve role and just one tackle in Sunday's win over Detroit. He played just one snap on defense.

Iloka had started the previous two games at strong safety with Andrew Sendejo out with a groin injury. Anthony Harris got the start as it looks like Iloka lost the starting role due to performance and not injury.

Iloka started at strong safety and had eight total tackles in Sunday's win over Arizona.

Iloka played 43 of the defense's 58 snaps while filling in for Andrew Sendejo (groin). It's not clear when Sendejo may return, so Iloka could retain some short-term IDP value.

Iloka is expected to start at strong safety Sunday against the Cardinals with Andrew Sendejo (groin) already ruled out for the contest, Andrew Kammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Iloka, who signed with the Vikings on Aug. 22, was limited exclusively to a special-teams role until Week 4. Despite his lack of in-game defensive reps this season, he boasts plenty of familiarity with coach Mike Zimmer's scheme from their time in Cincinnati together. The starting assignment could set Iloka up for a decent tackle count Sunday, as Sendejo had averaged 5.4 stops per game through the first five weeks of the season.

Iloka signed with the Vikings on Wednesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports.

Iloka's release from the Bengals on Sunday surprised many around the league, but financial restrictions ultimately forced Cincinnati's' hand. Projecting how Iloka will fit in with the Vikings is somewhat difficult, as the team seems comfortable with Harrison Smith and Andrew Sendejo (calf) at the safety spots. At the very least, Iloka provides added depth on the back end of the defense and figures to find a way onto the field in some capacity.