Dallas Cowboys will release quarterback Kellen Moore
After the excellent play of an undrafted rookie, the Dallas Cowboys have apparently decided to part ways with veteran backup quarterback Kellen Moore.
During the preseason, the biggest story concerning the Dallas Cowboys was expected to be the debut of former 2016 second round selection, linebacker Jaylon Smith, as he returned from a devastating knee injury. But the narrative in Dallas soon turned to the battle under center between incumbent backup quarterback Kellen Moore and an undrafted rookie named Cooper Rush.
Coming into training camp, Moore was the defacto primary backup to starting quarterback Dak Prescott. After a solid outing in the Hall of Fame game against the Arizona Cardinals, where Moore threw for 182 yards, a touchdown and an interception while completing 12 of his 17 passes, his job in Dallas seemed more secure than ever.
But Rush would also have a nice game that evening, throwing for 87 yards and a score in his professional debut. The former four-year starter out of Central Michigan continued to post amazing performances with each preseason outing, while Moore did quite the opposite.
The rookie passer would end up throwing for 398 yards and six touchdowns with no interceptions. Rush did so completing 74.5% of his passes, through four preseason games. In turn, Moore had a completion rate of 54.2%, passing for 392 yards, one touchdown and one interception in that same span.
It was clear that Rush had handily outplayed the veteran, and earned himself a spot on the Cowboys final 53-man roster. The only question remaining was if Moore would join him. Now, that question has been answered.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Moore is being released by the Cowboys Saturday. But Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports the 28-year old quarterback could be added to Dallas’ practice squad if he clears waivers. There is also a chance Moore is placed on the active roster if Dallas opts to place a player or two on the Injured Reserve designated to return list in the next couple days.
The #Cowboys are releasing QB Kellen Moore, sources say. Could be back at some point, though.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 2, 2017
In a related roster move, Rapoport reports that the Cowboys will also released veteran quarterback Luke McCown.
The #Cowboys will release QB Luke McCown, source said. They hope to put Kellen Moore on the practice squad.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 2, 2017
Next: Dallas Cowboys 53-man roster cuts tracker updated
Regardless of whether Kellen Moore is retained or not, Cooper Rush has exceeded expectations this offseason. It appears the Dallas Cowboys could have struck gold twice in back-to-back years finding themselves a couple quality quarterbacks.