Nothing in the NFL is final. What looks like a done deal today is out the window tomorrow.
Considering the Cowboys have trimmed the roster to 52 players, leaving one spot available, it's certain the team will make at least one more move this weekend.
But among the notable cuts include wide receiver Isaiah Stanback and rookie defensive backs Mike Mickens and DeAngelo Smith.
On this day, the waiver wire is filled with names - some of them noteworthy, but most of them are the less-heralded players. But expect that the Cowboys, like all teams, are keeping a close eye on the wire, trying to determine if anyone else's expendables are better than what they've got.
The deadline to claim players is 11 a.m. (CDT) Sunday, so it's likely the Cowboys will make a move, if not two or three.
That's the way it works in the NFL. But for now, this is what we've got. You've got your list of the guys that were released. Here's how the roster stacks up for now. Once again, always subject to change.
Quarterback (3)
Tony Romo
Jon Kitna
Stephen McGee
Summary: After three straight seasons of keeping just
two quarterbacks on the roster to open the season, the Cowboys are
going with three, thanks to the addition of rookie Stephen McGee.
However, the fourth-round pick from Texas A&M might not be
available for a few weeks because of a sprained MCL. Because of that,
the Cowboys might have to keep Rudy Carpenter, who played about three
quarters against Minnesota, on the practice squad to run the scout team
for a few weeks, if not longer. Overall, the Cowboys feel more
confident in their backup for Romo. While Kitna is an experienced
veteran, he figures to give the Cowboys a more competitive chance than
Brad Johnson did a year ago, should he be called upon.
Running Back (4)
Marion Barber
Felix Jones
Tashard Choice
Deon Anderson
Summary: No surprises here, and no changes from last
year. The difference is experience and expectations. Entering their
second seasons, Jones and Choice both had success in limited
opportunities last year. Jones' rookie season started off electric but
ended with injury. So far, he looks as dynamic as we all remember. But
don't forget about Barber, the true workhorse of the offense. If all
three backs stay healthy, it could be a formidable backfield trio.
Anderson has missed a month after undergoing knee surgery back in camp.
He hasn't returned to practice yet but obviously the Cowboys felt
comfortable with his progress to let go of Crosslin, who had to play
the entire second half as the tailback because of an injury to Keon
Lattimore. The Cowboys would probably like to get Crosslin back to the
practice squad if possible.
Wide Receiver (5)
Roy Williams
Patrick Crayton
Sam Hurd
Miles Austin
Kevin Ogletree
Summary: The surprise of the group - only if you
haven't been watching training camp or the preseason - is Ogletree, the
only undrafted rookie to make the roster. Regardless of the receiver
numbers or his competition, Ogletree simply made too many plays not to
keep him. In fact, Jerry Jones said Friday night that Ogletree is the
type of young player the Cowboys could even build around. The only
other surprise is that the Cowboys decided to end their experiment with
Stanback, who had trouble staying healthy and, consequently, making the
transition from college quarterback to NFL receiver.
Tight End (3)
Jason Witten
Martellus Bennett
John Phillips
Summary: This position played out as expected. Witten
looks ready for another All-Pro season, while Bennett has emerged as a
potential star. The Cowboys will use a lot of two-tight end sets, but
look for Phillips to have a role as well. He has surprised the Cowboys
with his athleticism, but he's a solid blocker as well. What a
situation for Phillips, who has two different but talented tight ends
from whom to learn.
Offensive Line (10)
Flozell Adams
Kyle Kosier
Andre Gurode
Leonard Davis
Marc Colombo
Cory Procter
Pat McQuistan
Doug Free
Montrae Holland
Duke Preston
Summary: All of the uncertainties seem to surround the
backup positions. That's not exactly a comforting situation, but at
least the starters are back. And that includes Kyle Kosier at left
guard, who hasn't shown any lingering effects from the foot injury that
kept him out of 13 games last year. The Cowboys kept 10 lineman,
including backups Cory Procter, Montrae Holland and newly-acquired
lineman Duke Preston. This position may not stand like this when the
season starts, but for now, the Cowboys are going with 10.
Defensive Line (6)
Marcus Spears
Jay Ratliff
Igor Olshansky
Jason Hatcher
Stephen Bowen
Junior Siavii
Summary: Unless the Cowboys make a change over the
weekend, which is always possible, it appears the club is prepared to
give Siavii his first chance to play since 2006. He is expected to back
up Pro Bowler Jay Ratliff in the middle. Other than that, the Cowboys
have some experienced depth at end with Bowen and Hatcher providing a
deep rotation. Olshansky has looked to be a solid replacement for the
departed Chris Canty. The Cowboys obviously had high hopes for Marcus
Dixon, whose groin injury two weeks ago stunted his chances of making
the team. Getting him back on the practice squad seems to be a high
priority.
Linebacker (9)
DeMarcus Ware
Bradie James
Keith Brooking
Anthony Spencer
Bobby Carpenter
Steve Octavien
Victor Butler
Jason Williams
Curtis Johnson
Summary: The bad part about this position is the
injuries that occurred over the course of camp. The good thing is that
most of it was towards the end of the depth chart. The Cowboys' four
starters have been set and Carpenter is expected to be the nickel
linebacker. After that it's been shaky, thanks to rookies Brandon
Williams and Stephen Hodge both going to IR, and Jason Williams out
another 3-5 weeks with a high ankle sprain. It gave Octavien a chance
and forced the Cowboys to claim Curtis Johnson (waived by the Colts)
last week.
Cornerback (4)
Terence Newman
Mike Jenkins
Orlando Scandrick
Alan Ball
Summary: The big news here centers on the recent
decision to rotate both Jenkins and Scandrick as starters at right
cornerback. This should be the first time in three years that Newman
will enter the regular season healthy. He's looked sharp in the
preseason, especially as a spot-duty punt returner. Ball missed the
last game after having a concussion in the third preseason game, but
should be ready for Tampa. Jerry Jones mentioned Ball's versatility to
play safety as a key attribute to his value. The Cowboys took a strong
look at Mike Mickens, but opted to part ways at this time.
Safety (4)
Ken Hamlin
Gerald Sensabaugh
Pat Watkins
Mike Hamlin
Summary: Watkins had likely already earned a roster
spot before the Minnesota game, but he erased any other doubts with a
stellar performance in the preseason finale. He'll be the third safety
behind starters Ken Hamlin and Sensabaugh. Mike Hamlin is out probably
another month with a broken wrist and although the Cowboys like the
versatility of DeAngelo Smith, who also played cornerback in college,
he didn't survive Saturday's cuts.
Specialists (4)
K Nick Folk
K David Buehler
P Mat McBriar
LS L.P. Ladouceur
Summary: The only change is the addition of Buehler,
who figures to be the kickoff specialist. While the Cowboys are hoping
he helps provide better field position, there may be some weeks the
Cowboys can't afford to keep two kickers active for the game. Since he
only attempted one field goal, it's likely the Cowboys would go with
Folk to handle both duties if keeping them both active on the 45-man
game day roster isn't an option. McBriar looks healthy again after last
year's broken foot and Ladouceur has been rock-solid for about five
years now.
Here is a complete list of the Cowboys' roster moves to reach the 53-man limit:
Injured Reserve:Stephen Hodge
Waived:
Travis Bright
Courtney Brown
Rudy Carpenter
Scott Chandler
Julius Crosslin
Marcus Dixon
Tearrius George
Ryan Gibbons
Jeremy Haynes
Jesse Holley
Mike Jefferson
Manuel Johnson
Keon Lattimore (waived/injured)
Mike Mickens
Willie Reid
Derreck Robinson
Asaph Schwapp
Jonas Seawright
DeAngelo Smith
Isaiah Stanback
Matt Stewart
DeAngelo Willingham

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