The Dallas Cowboys culled their quarterback room on cutdown day.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport reported that Dallas waived quarterbacks Garrett Gilbert and Ben DiNucci, per sources informed of the decision. The Cowboys have since announced their release and have reached a 53-man roster.
The moves make Cooper Rush the backup to Dak Prescott in 2021.
The Cowboys could bring one of the signal-callers back to the practice squad after they clear waivers.
A 2020 seventh-round pick, DiNucci famously started one game for the Cowboys last year, completing 21-of-40 passes for 180 yards in a blowout loss to Philly. The QB's play caught the ire of owner Jerry Jones following the game, and DiNucci was put on ice for the rest of the season.
Garrett, a former sixth-round pick in 2014, also started one game last season in the Cowboys' lost campaign. He went 21-of-38 for 243 yards, a TD and an INT.
Rush was the best of the backups during preseason action and is in line to take over if another injury strikes Prescott -- who is coming off ankle surgery and dealt with a shoulder issue during camp.
Jerry Jones told 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday that Rush earned the backup role with his consistency.
"I just think he has shown he can run the complete offense," Jones said, via Jon Machota of The Athletic. "Credit to him. He had some tough competition. He's had a lot of reps. All of those things make us feel real comfortable here."
The Cowboys are also waiving defensive end Ron'Dell Carter, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported.
Preseason news
- New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton officially announced Jameis Winston as the starting quarterback. "Jameis is going to be our starter. He's earned that," Payton said, per USA Today. News of Winston winning QB1 duties over Taysom Hill was initially reported on Aug. 27.
Roster cuts
- The New England Patriots have released quarterback Cam Newton, Pelissero reported. New England also cut tight end Matt LaCosse, Pelissero reported. New England also released longtime backup QB Brian Hoyer and kicker Nick Folk, who will now be succeeded by rookie Quinn Nordin.
- The Arizona Cardinals cornerback Malcolm Butler was placed on the reserve/retired list, Garafolo reported. The team has since announced the move as the team gets down to a 53-man roster. Safety Chris Banjo, cornerback Daryl Worley and defensive lineman Margus Hunt are among notable cuts.
- The Atlanta Falcons were the first team to cut down its roster to 53 players on Tuesday. Backup quarterbacks Josh Rosen and Feleipe Franks made the team while running back D'Onta Foreman was among a list of cuts of waived players.
- The Green Bay Packers are waiving quarterback Kurt Benkert, Pelissero reported. The team plans to bring him back on the practice squad if he's not claimed, Pelissero added. Sources also tell Pelissero that the Packers are waiving wideout Equanimeous St. Brown and tight end Isaiah Kaufusi. Green Bay has since announce their initial 53-man roster, which includes these moves and the release of punter J.K. Scott.
- The Carolina Panthers have waived quarterback Will Grier, Rapoport reported. The team later announced the move, along with the release of veteran linebacker Josh Bynes and the waiving of receivers Omar Bayless, Keith Kirkwood and C.J. Saunders; running back Spencer Brown, defensive lineman Frank Herron, offensive linemen Mike Horton, Aaron Monteiro and Sam Tecklenburg; cornerback Jalen Julius, outside LB Christian Miller and tight end Stephen Sullivan. Carolina went on to announce the release of CB Rashaan Melvin , safety Kenny Robinson and the waiving of injured RB Reggie Bonnafon.
- The New Orleans Saints have released running back Devonta Freeman and quarterback Trevor Siemian, Pelissero reported. The team hopes to bring back Siemian later in the week, according to Pelissero. The Saints are also waiving fullback Alex Armah, per Pelissero. New Orleans is releasing offensive lineman Caleb Benenoch, per Rapoport. All transactions have been confirmed as the Saints reached its initial 53-man roster.
- The Washington Football Team released running back Peyton Barber, per Rapoport. The team is also waiving receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden, Pelissero reported. Washington later announced its final roster cuts, which included quarterback Steven Montez and cornerback Jimmy Moreland.
- The Seattle Seahawks are waiving cornerback John Reid just days after acquiring him from the Texans via trade, a source tells Pelissero. Veteran guard Jordan Simmons is also being waived but the team would like him on the practice squad, according to Pelissero. Both transactions have since been announced as the Seahawks reach the 53-man roster limit.
- The Philadelphia Eagles have waived wideout Travis Fulgham, a source tells Garafolo. Fulgham could be back on the practice squad, Garafolo adds. The Eagles are releasing RB/KR Jason Huntley, Pelissero reported. Both transactions have since been announced as the Eagles get to a 53-man roster. Running back Jordan Howard and tight end Richard Rodgers are notable veterans who did not make the cut.
- The Chicago Bears are releasing wide receiver Riley Ridley, Rapoport reports, per a source. Ridley, a former fourth-round pick, is the younger brother of Atlanta's Calvin Ridley. Pelissero reports the Bears are waiving rookie WR Dazz Newsome but the team would like to keep him on the practice squad should he clear waivers. The Bears have released cornerback Desmond Trufant, CB Artie Burns and running back Ryan Nall, per Pelissero. All transactions have since been announce the the team.
- The Buffalo Bills are releasing tight end Jacob Hollister, Pelissero reported. The Bills have announced the move along with several others including the release of quarterback Jake Fromm as the team reaches a 53-man roster. The team also released offensive lineman Jack Anderson, guard Jamil Douglas and receiver Tanner Gentry, Pelissero reported.
- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are releasing receiver/returner Jaydon Mickens, Garafolo reported. The team also released quarterback Ryan Griffin as the team reaches a 53-man roster.
- The Detroit Lions are releasing veteran receiver Geronimo Allison and waiving defensive tackle Bruce Hector, Pelissero reported. Detroit got down to a 53-man roster but don't currently have a kicker as the team released Randy Bullock and Zane Gonzalez. The team also released cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman.
- The New York Jets have released quarterback Josh Johnson, which means the backup QB spot has been given to Mike White, Rapoport reports. The Jets waived wideout Vyncint Smith, a source tells Pelissero. Garafolo reports the Jets are releasing running back Josh Adams. The Jets have since confirmed the transactions, along with the release of cornerback Lamar Jackson and tight end Ryan Griffin as they reach a 53-man roster.
- The New York Giants are waiving guard Chad Slade, Garafolo reported. The team is also releasing cornerback Madre Harper and receiver David Sills , Rapoport and Pelissero reported, respectively.
- The Indianapolis Colts are waiving running back Benny LeMay and defensive lineman Josiah Bronson, Pelissero reported. The Colts have since announced the transactions and the release of quarterback Tyler Huntley as the team gets down to a 53-man roster.
- The Los Angeles Rams released defensive lineman Eric Banks, Rapoport reported, via Banks' agency. Receiver Landen Akers was also waived, Garafolo reported. Pelissero reports the Rams are waiving cornerback Tyler Hall.
- The Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Chris Lammons has made the team after being told he was being waived, Garafolo reported. The team also released running back Darwin Thompson and waived quarterback Shane Buechele in order to reach a 53-man roster.
- The Las Vegas Raiders have released wide receiver John Brown upon his request, Pelissero reports, per a source. Las Vegas is also waiving cornerback Isaiah Johnson, a source tells Pelissero. Both moves have since been confirmed by the Raiders, as they cut down to a 53-man roster.
- The Jacksonville Jaguars are releasing defensive tackle Doug Costin, a source tells Rapoport. Linebacker Quincy Williams has also been waived, according to Pelissero. Both moves were confirmed by the team along with the waiving of wide receiver Collin Johnson. WRs Phillip Dorsett, Pharoh Cooper and Laquon Treadwell were notable releases as Jacksonville got down to 53 players on the roster.
- The Cincinnati Bengals are waiving running backs Jacques Patrick and Pooka Williams Jr. but the team wants them both on the practice squad if they clears waivers, a source tells Pelissero. Wideout Trent Taylor is also being waived, according to Garafolo, but the team wants him on the practice squad. Cincinnati released defensive lineman Mike Daniels and Noah Spence as the team gets the roster to 53.
- The San Francisco 49ers are releasing offensive lineman Senio Kelemete but the veteran is likely back on the practice squad, Pelissero reports, per a source. Center Jake Brendel is also being cut, according to Rapoport, but the team would also like him back on the practice squad. Pelissero reports the 49ers have released tight end MyCole Pruitt. San Francisco has since announced the moves as the team trims down to a 53-man roster, releasing safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and running back Wayne Gallman in the process.
- The Los Angeles Chargers are cutting kicker Mike Badgley, a source tells Pelissero. Tristan Vizcaino wins the Chargers' kicking job. The team has waived linebacker Emeke Egbule, a source tells Pelissero. Both transactions have since been announced as the team reaches the 53-man limit.
- The Cleveland Browns have released defensive tackle Sheldon Day and wide receivers KhaDarel Hodge and JoJo Natson among several cuts as the team reaches a 53-man roster. Defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley and Malik McDowell are among notable Browns making the roster.
- The Houston Texans are waiving quarterback Jeff Driskel but the team hopes to retain him on the practice squad, Pelissero reports, per a source. Houston also released cornerback Ka'Dar Hollman after acquiring him via trade last week, per Rapoport. Both moves have been announced by the Texans, along with the waiving of wideout Keke Coutee and defensive back Jonathan Owens as they reach a 53-man roster.
- The Minnesota Vikings have released offensive lineman Dakota Dozier but hope to retain the veteran on the practice squad, Pelissero reports, per a source. Everson Griffen was among those not making the 53-man roster along with running back Ameer Abdullah quarterback Jake Browning and OL Zack Bailey. The team hopes to retain Bailey and Browning on the practice squad, per Pelissero.
- The Tennessee Titans are waiving wide receiver Mason Kinsey but hope to keep him on the practice squad, a source tells Pelissero. Fourth-round rookie WR Dez Fitzpatrick and veteran cornerback Briean Boddy-Calhoun are among the Titans cuts as they get to a 53-man roster.
- The Miami Dolphins have waived quarterback Reid Sinnett, per Pelissero. The team hopes to add him to the practice squad. As Miami gets down to a 53-man roster, the team released cornerback Cre'von LeBlanc and waived linebacker Shaquem Griffin. The team hopes to retain Griffin on the practice squad, a source tells Pelissero.
- The Baltimore Ravens are waiving kicker Jake Verity, Pelissero reported. Rookie fullback Ben Mason is also being waived, per Garafolo. The Ravens released quarterback Trace McSorley and released linebackers Pernell McPhee and Anthony Levine as the team reaches a 53-man roster.
- The Pittsburgh Steelers released veteran punter Jordan Berry, which means rookie Pressley Harvin III won the job. The Steelers got down to a 53-man roster after several releases, including running back Trey Edmunds.
- The Denver Broncos reached a 53-man roster after the release of tackle Cam Fleming and wideout Tyrie Cleveland among others.
Injuries/COVID-19
- The New Orleans Saints have officially placed wide receiver Michael Thomas on the PUP list, meaning he won't be eligible for return until Week 7. Thomas underwent surgery in June to repair damaged ligaments in his ankle.
- Houston Texans defensive end Whitney Mercilus is dealing with a hamstring injury and isn't practicing on Tuesday, a source tells Rapoport.
- Chicago Bears running back Tarik Cohen has been placed on the PUP list to start the season and will be eligible for return on Week 7. Cohen is still recovering from an ACL tear suffered in Week 3 of last season.
- The Green Bay Packers are keeping All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari (knee) on the PUP list into the season, Rapoport reported, per a source familiar with the situation. The move means he'll miss the first six weeks.
- New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore (quad) will start the season on the PUP list and won't be eligible for a return until Week 7, a source tells Rapoport.
- Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Kyle Long has been placed on the PUP list and won't be available until Week 7, the team announced.
- Carolina Panthers rookie long snapper Thomas Fletcher was placed on season-ending injured reserve, the team announced. Veteran J.J. Jansen earns the role.
- The Cleveland Browns placed guard Drew Forbes (knee) and tackle Greg Senat (knee) on injured reserve.
- Detroit Lions quarterback Tim Boyle is expected to miss about 6-8 weeks following thumb surgery, a source tells Garafolo.
- The Pittsburgh Steelers placed quarterback Joshua Dobbs on season-ending injured reserve.
Signings
- The Cleveland Browns are expected to sign quarterback Nick Mullens to their practice squad after the 53-man roster is set later today, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports, per a source. Mullens was recently released by the Eagles.
- Los Angeles Rams punter Johnny Hekker will remain with the team after restructuring his contract, a source tells Rapoport. Hekker stays in L.A. as Corey Bojorquez, who gave the veteran great competition during camp, was traded to the Packers.
Trades
- The Green Bay Packers are acquiring punter Corey Bojorquez from the Los Angeles Rams via trade, Pelissero reports, per source. The Packers give up a 2023 sixth-round pick in exchange for Bojorquez and a 2023 seventh-round pick. Green Bay cut longtime P J.K. Scott after acquiring Bojorquez.
- The Philadelphia Eagles have traded offensive lineman Matt Pryor and a 2022 seventh-round pick to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a 2022 sixth-round pick, the teams announced.
- The Denver Broncos are acquiring linebacker Jonas Griffith and a 2022 seventh-round pick from the San Francisco 49ers for a 2022 sixth-round pick and 2023 seventh-round pick, Pelissero reported.
- The Detroit Lions are acquiring receiver Trinity Benson and a 2023 sixth-round pick from the Denver Broncos for 2022 fifth- and seventh-round picks, Pelissero reported.
- The New York Giants are trading a 2022 fourth-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for guard Ben Bredeson, a 2022 fifth-round pick and a 2023 seventh-round pick, Pelissero reports, per a source.
- The Minnesota Vikings have acquired tight end Chris Herndon via trade from the New York Jets, Rapoport reports. The Vikings are sending a 2022 fourth-round pick to the Jets for Herndon and a 2022 sixth-round pick, sources tell Rapoport.