Notable Dallas Cowboys Cut, 53-Man For Now

Backup quarterbacks Cooper Rush, Will Grier, and Ben DiNucci were released. This leaves Dak Prescott as the only quarterback on the 53-man roster. Prescott did not play in any of the preseason matchups, but claims to be in “the best shape of his life.”

It seems crazy to think Dallas is relying on their starting QB to be healthy the whole season because he feels good. There is strategy behind cutting the three backups.

The team gambled when they released Grier and Rush. They expected both players would not get picked up, and the Cowboys were correct. Dallas resigned Rush and Grier to their practice squad. DiNucci was not brought back to the team.

The two QBs on the practice squad will fight for the backup position on game day. They will continue to get their reps, and the coaching staff will determine who is worthy of suiting up moving forward.

After Dallas dropped Lirim Hajrullahu, it revealed that Brett Maher won the kicking job. However, the recently signed Cowboys got cut on Tuesdays deadline. Dallas brought him back to the practice squad.

A kicker not on the 53-man roster? Again, this is the team for now. It would be ludicrous to not have a kicker on the Week 1 sidelines. Jerry Jones gambled with Maher as well, and he did not join another NFL team.

Maher will suit up for the first game against Tampa Bay. For now, he will have to wait for the Cowboys to make moves to clear a spot for Maher on game day.

The same situation occurred with long snapper Jake McQuaide. Although the Cowboys released on Tuesday, the team placed him on the practice squad, and he will play Week 1.

There should be no worries for the special teams. When the first game of the 2022 campaign opens up, the special teams will be ready to roll.

Wide receiver T.J Vasher and tight end Sean McKeon did not make the roster. Vasher, a 6-foot-6 pass catcher, made an eye-popping first impression with his one-handed catch early in training camp. The Dallas community loved him, especially because he stood taller than any receiver on the field. His size and athletic frame provides a high ceiling for himself.

McKeon played for the Mike McCarthy’s group for the last two seasons. Last year he dealt with injuries, limiting him to nine games in 2021.

The Cowboys drafted tight end Jake Ferguson in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and signed undrafted TE Peyton Hendershot.

Ferguson showed an impressive display in camp and the preseason games, and Hendershot surprised the Dallas coaching staff. In a tough decision, the Cowboys chose Hendershot over McKeon.

What’s Next for Dallas?

With less than two weeks until the season kicks off, Dallas will continue to watch their players carefully. Over time, the official 53-man roster will be set for their opening contest against Tom Brady and the Buccaneers. Do not worry, a backup QB and kicker will be in uniform.

To see the entire list of cuts for Dallas, check it out here.