The Dallas Cowboys need to finalize roster cuts today, here are the biggest decisions we know about so far
Today is the day. By 4 p.m. ET, the Dallas Cowboys must finalize roster cuts to reach the 53-player limit.As of this writing, we have yet to find out about the bulk of the coaching staff’s decisions. But we do know about a few very important ones. To kickstart what will be a hectic day […]
Today is the day. By 4 p.m. ET, the Dallas Cowboys must finalize roster cuts to reach the 53-player limit.
As of this writing, we have yet to find out about the bulk of the coaching staff’s decisions. But we do know about a few very important ones. To kickstart what will be a hectic day in the Cowboys world, I’m listing the biggest decisions you should be aware of.
Let’s dive in.
1. CB Trevon Diggs placed on active roster
This is the most impactful roster decision the Cowboys will make ahead of the regular season. Diggs was activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list (PUP) and placed on the active roster. That means the All-Pro cornerback won’t be required to miss four weeks, as he would have had to otherwise.
Diggs’ return doesn’t have a firm date. Week 1 looks like a longshot considering he needs a ramp-up period. But on Monday, Diggs returned to practice (non-padded). His return is near and it is major for the Cowboys defense.
2. Rookie RB Phil Mafah to be placed on Injured Reserve
One of the biggest concerns among Cowboys fans was the possibility of losing seventh-round rookie Phil Mafah to waivers. Early reports indicated veteran Miles Sanders had a leg up over Mafah for the final roster spot at running back, leaving many wondering if the Cowboys would waive the rookie. Now, we know they’re not.
Instead, Mafah is being placed on Injured Reserve with a shoulder injury, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Chances are the fans’ preseason darling won’t be activated unless the Cowboys RB room is hit hard by injuries. But the move keeps the Clemson product in The Star for the foreseeable future.
3. NT Mazi Smith rumored to be on the 53-man roster
Going into roster cuts, several insiders hinted at the possibility of Smith—a third-year, former first-rounder—being in jeopardy. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer admitted earlier in the week the nose tackle has been inconsistent. Though it remains unofficial, however, it appears he’s safe.
Multiple reporters, including 105.3 The Fan’s Bobby Belt and Bryan Broaddus, as well as Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Nick Harris, are alluding to Smith surviving roster cuts. Broaddus wrote in a matter-of-fact post: “He’s on the squad.” Harris listed him among several roster bubble players that he sees on the team “after talking to some folks.”
Now the question is what his role will look like. Smith has played one-tech and three-tech reps this preseason. He was playing deep into the preseason finale, suggesting he’s not going to start over the likes of Solomon Thomas, who added nose tackle responsibilities to his plate during training camp.
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