Dallas Cowboys: Breaking down the initial 53-man roster
The Dallas Cowboys trimmed down their roster from 90 players to 53 on Saturday. We breakdown the Cowboys initial 53-man roster with more changes to come.
The Dallas Cowboys had 90 players on their roster before this holiday weekend started. Now, that number is down to only 53.
The Cowboys released or waived a whopping 37 players on Saturday in order to meet the NFL’s requirement to have just 53 players on their roster by 3:00 p.m. CT. You can view the entire list of those cuts here.
With Dallas’ depth chart tentatively set, let’s take a look at the “final” roster with the understanding there are likely more moves to come in the next couple days…
Quarterbacks
Dak Prescott, Cooper Rush
Note: Cooper Rush outplayed Kellen Moore and deserves to be on the final 53. Although, Moore could be back on the roster soon or placed on the practice squad, if he clears waivers.
Running Backs
Ezekiel Elliott, Darren McFadden, Alfred Morris, Rod Smith
Note: A lot depends on the results of Elliott’s appeal. But it currently appears, even if his six-game suspension is upheld, the pending court battle afterwards could allow Zeke to play for the foreseeable future.
Fullback
Wide Receivers
Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, Ryan Switzer, Brice Butler, Noah Brown
Note: The Cowboys actually decided to carry six wide receivers this season and that was due to how impressive seventh round rookie Noah Brown looked through training camp and the preseason.
Tight Ends
Jason Witten, James Hanna, Geoff Swaim, Rico Gathers
Note: Word is Gathers could be shifted to the Injured Reserve designated to return list, which will have him sidelined for at least the first eight games of the season. As he’s currently in concussion protocol, Rico will likely need that time to recover and to continue the transition from a college basketball star to a NFL tight end.
Offensive Line
Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, Zack Martin, La’el Collins, Jonathan Cooper, Chaz Green, Byron Bell, Joe Looney
Related Story: Dallas Cowboys 53-man roster cuts tracker updated
Defensive Tackles
Maliek Collins, Stephen Paea, Tyrone Crawford, Cedric Thornton
Defensive Ends
Taco Charlton, Benson Mayowa, DeMarcus Lawrence, Charles Tapper
Note: The suspensions for David Irving (four games) and Damontre Moore (two games) have opened up spots for a couple of these defenders. Who remains when these two return from their bans will be a big storyline to watch in the coming weeks.
Linebackers
Sean Lee, Anthony Hitchens, Jaylon Smith, Damien Wilson, Justin Durant, Kyle Wilber, Mark Nzeocha
Note: Anthony Hitchens might be transitioned to the IR-designated to return list in the next couple days. But early indications are hinting at the fact “Hitch” may be able to return much sooner than his estimated eight weeks from a knee injury. If Dallas wants to add a player or two from the waiver wire, Mark Nzeocha could be the player that the Cowboys decide to move on from to make room.
Cornerbacks
Orlando Scandrick, Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis, Nolan Carroll, Anthony Brown, Bene Benwikere
Note: The Cowboys traded a future 2019 late round selection to the Cincinnati Bengals for cornerback Bene Benwikere. The move gives Dallas a little security in a defensive backfield dealing with inexperience and injury.
Safeties
Byron Jones, Jeff Heath, Xavier Woods, Kavon Frazier
Note: Both Kavon Frazier and rookie Xavier Woods make the roster for now. But that could change due to the fact that second round selection, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, could also play safety in a pinch. Moving Woods or Frazier could open up a roster spot if the Cowboys decide there is a free agent available that they like more.
Special Teams
Dan Bailey, Chris Jones, L.P. Ladouceur
Next: Cowboys trade for Bengals’ cornerback Bene Benwikere
According to one NFL personnel director, the league could be dealing with a record amount of waiver claims this weekend. If the Dallas Cowboys are part of that group, expect more changes to be made to this tentative roster in order to accommodate anyone they win off the wire or sign.