NFL teams officially set their initial 53-man rosters Tuesday. What’s next for teams like the Dallas Cowboys?
Based on what head coach Mike McCarthy said after the roster trimming deadline, the team still has some work to do before it can fully focus on its season opener at the New York Giants. One of the remaining tasks includes building a 16-player practice squad.
Some of Dallas’ notable cuts included 2021 draft picks Jabril Cox and Quinton Bohana. Offensive tackle Chuma Edoga, long snapper Trent Sieg and cornerback C.J. Goodwin were released on a temporary basis and will be re-signed this week.
To join NFL practice squads, a few players will have to clear waivers. Here’s a look at some of the players Dallas could be interested in adding to its practice squad:
Cowboys waived WR Dennis Houston, a person familiar with the decision said. Houston took a positive step in his development during second NFL offseason. He’s a strong candidate for the practice squad if he clears waivers.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 29, 2023
Cowboys have waived LB Jabril Cox, a person familiar with the decision said. There is a chance the 2021 fourth-round pick could join practice squad if he clears waivers. Linebacker depth this season is expected to include Markquese Bell, who recently moved from safety.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 29, 2023
Cowboys waived RB Malik Davis, a person familiar with the decision said. He trailed Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn this summer, but the team has interest in re-signing him to practice squad if he clears waivers.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 29, 2023
Cowboys waived TE Sean McKeon, a person familiar with situation said. This was a tough one. Lots of back-and-forth and desire to keep McKeon aboard. Ultimately, there was room for only three tight ends on initial 53-man roster. Hope is for him to join practice squad.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 29, 2023
Cowboys informed LB Isaiah Land he’s been waived, a person familiar with the decision said. The undrafted rookie from Florida A&M flashed this preseason and will receive an invite to the practice squad if he clears waivers.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 29, 2023
Cowboys waived WR Jalen Cropper, a person familiar with the move said. Undrafted rookie from Fresno State showed skill in the slot this summer and is expected to join the practice squad if he clears waivers.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 29, 2023
Cowboys waived undrafted rookie CB D’Angelo Mandell, a person familiar with the move said. The former BYU standout is a strong candidate for the Dallas practice squad should he clear waivers.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 29, 2023
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said he knows Will Grier deserves to be on an NFL team’s 53-man roster, but if possible, “I’d love to have him back as a fourth quarterback.” Would be on practice squad.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 29, 2023
Cowboys have waived LB Tyrus Wheat, a person familiar with the decision said. Undrafted rookie from Mississippi State is a potential addition to the practice squad.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 29, 2023
Cowboys are waiving OT Earl Bostick Jr., a person close to the situation said. Bostick was an aggressive addition in the undrafted rookie signing period, receiving $220,000 guaranteed. He is expected to join practice squad if he clears waivers.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 29, 2023
Cowboys waived DT Isaac Alarcon, a person familiar with move said. He eventually could re-join team’s practice squad. Alarcon, a Mexico native, first joined the Cowboys in 2020 as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 29, 2023
Cowboys released LB Malik Jefferson, a person familiar with the move said. As a veteran, he does not go on waivers. He’ll likely be re-signed to the practice squad with a chance at Week 1 elevation vs. Giants.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 29, 2023
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