The Dallas Cowboys' roster cuts are starting to get a little spooky. Undrafted darlings Traeshon Holden and Rivaldo Fairweather headlined Dallas' initial wave of cuts, but they have since been upstaged by Deuce Vaughn, Jalen Brooks and Princeton Fant.
Well, the hits are still coming as the Cowboys have released defensive back Israel Mukuamu, a longtime fan favorite who signed a one-year deal in March to return to Dallas.
The Cowboys played Mukuamu all over the secondary in camp and the preseason, including safety, outside cornerback and nickel cornerback. While that versatility seemed to hint at his roster security, it turns out the coaching staff was indecisive about where Mukuamu fit best rather than being comfortable with him at all three positions.
Cowboys make their most emotional cut yet in DB Israel Mukuamu
It would be great to get Mukuamu back on the practice squad. As a fifth-year player, he won't be subjected to waivers. Other teams might be tempted by his versatility, though, and no one would blame him if he signs with a team that offers a clearer path to playing time.
As sad as it is to Mukuamu get the axe, his release likely means that undrafted standout Zion Childress will make the team. That would be a win.
Mukuamu battled Childress and fifth-year man Kemon Hall for the starting nickel job this summer. Childress and Hall seemed to pull away in the final stages of camp, as Mukuamu played more safety in camp and the preseason.
A lot of Cowboys fans were concerned if Childress would make the team. Mukuamu was seen as the one player - outside of Hall - who could keep Childress off the 53.
With Trevon Diggs still a question mark for Week 1 despite returning to practice on Monday, Dallas probably wants to keep Hall and Childress. Until Diggs is cleared to play, the Cowboys will probably start DaRon Bland and Kaiir Elam on the outside with one of Hall or Childress in the slot.
Childress is arguably the better fit and athlete, but he's also an undrafted rookie. Hall appeared in six games for Dallas last season, so he at least has a feel for NFC East division games.
As far as the roster is concerned, though, the biggest takeaway is that Childress (likely) isn't going anywhere. If that is confirmed at the deadline, it would be nothing less than he deserved after making waves all camp and continuing to shine in preseason action.