FRISCO, TX – The Cowboys are officially down to 53 after a wild day of transactions at the front office. There is still work to do on the roster before week one in New York but a lot of ground was covered today.
What got the roller coaster of a day started was the only trade of the day for the Cowboys, cornerback Kelvin Joseph was traded to the Miami Dolphins in return for cornerback Noah Igbinoghene.
The Cowboys are stacked in some areas and light in others. Here is a breakdown of each position after Tuesday’s transactions.
Quarterback (3):
Dak Prescott
Cooper Rush
Trey Lance
Earlier this week third string QB Will Grier was informed the Cowboy’s will be releasing him after the last preseason game after snagging San Francisco 49’ers Trey Lance. Grier had a phenomenal last game with the Cowboy’s but was released on Tuesday. Head coach Mike McCarthy said in Tuesday afternoon’s press conference if Grier does not get picked up by another team he would love to have Grier on the practice squad this season.
Running back (4):
Tony Pollard
Rico Dowdle
Deuce Vaughn
Hunter Luepke
There was big competition all training camp and preseason at the running back position. With Ezekiel Elliott out and Tony Pollard becoming RB1, the question was who is going to take the most reps at RB2. Rico Dowdle, Malik Davis, and Deuce Vaughn all had great camps and did well in the preseason games. Vaughn being the clear favorite for RB2 right now, the next question was between Dowdle and Davis. Davis was released on Tuesday but could make the practice squad if he clears waivers.
The story of the day was Hunter Luepke. He was one of the three undrafted free agents that made the 53-man roster on Tuesday. After a great performance in the last preseason game he secured a spot.
Wide Receivers (6)
CeeDee Lamb
Brandin Cooks
Michael Gallup
Jalen Tolbert
KaVontae Turpin
Jalen Brooks
The battle at training camp was over Jalen Brooks, Dennis Houston, and Simi Fehoko. Brooks won the battle. Houston and Fehoko were waived on Tuesday.
Tight End (3)
Jake Ferguson
Luke Schoonmaker
Peyton Hendershot
With Dalton Schultz off to Houston in the offseason the TE1 position was available. The Ferg took the role undoubtedly. Ferguson and Hendershot are in their second NFL season so they are “the vets” in the room.
Offensive Line (8)
Tyron Smith
Tyler Smith
Tyler Biadasz
Zach Martin
Terence Steele
Matt Waletzko
Asim Richards
T.J. Bass
Bass is one of the three undrafted free agents that made the 53-man roster. The offensive line is a little light and needs some work. Help at center is needed and should come on Wednesday. Waletzko (shoulder) will be placed on IR. With him being put on IR that gives the opportunity for Chuma Edoga to be re-signed. Josh Ball injured his groin/hip Saturday in the last preseason game against the Raiders. He is out for the season.
Defensive Line (11)
Micah Parsons
DeMarcus Lawrence
Dorance Armstrong
Osa Odighizuwa
Johnathan Hankins
Dante Fowler Jr.
Mazi Smith
Sam Williams
Neville Gallimore
Chauncey Golston
Viliami Fehoko Jr.
This has been par the course the entire offseason and during camp. No surprises here, they are locked and loaded here and confidence in this area has been consistent.
Linebacker (4)
Leighton Vander Esch
Damone Clark
Markquese Bell
Devin Harper
LB Jabril Cox was released on Tuesday. That was one of the more noticeable transactions of the day. After Demarvion Overshown tore his ACL (he is out for the season) Bell moved from Safety to take his place. The Cowboys have short numbers between linebacker and tight end, don’t be surprised if we see Malik Jefferson, who was released on Tuesday, to return on the practice squad and then elevated for week one against the Giants.
Cornerback (7)
Stephon Gilmore
Trevon Diggs
DaRon Bland
Jourdan Lewis
Eric Scott Jr.
Noah Igbinoghene
Nahshon Wright
Jourdan Lewis has returned after a terrible foot injury he got last October. He has come back strong and has avoided the PUP list and is ready to return back to practice. Wright (ankle) will be put on IR. Technically, after the injuries the Cowboys have six strong cornerbacks.
Safeties (5)
Jayron Kearse
Malik Hooker
Donovan Wilson
Israel Mukuamu
Juanyeh Thomas
Another big story of the day was Juanyeh Thomas. He has a remarkable story on how he got to the NFL. He made the 53-man roster on Tuesday and it was well reserved.
Specialists (2)
Brandon Aubrey
Bryan Anger
