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Underdog · 08-31-2008, 10:06 PM

Tweaking The Roster
Davis Agrees To Terms; Practice Squad In Place

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IRVING, Texas - The Saturday following the final preseason game is always the big cut-down day. But in no way does it signal the end of roster moves.

This year was no exception as the Cowboys have agreed to terms with safety Keith Davis, who was recently cut by the Dolphins. The veteran has spent five years with the Cowboys, including the last four before he signed a free-agent deal with Miami in the off-season.

But injuries just before camp kept him out of practice and ultimately made him expendable for the Dolphins. However, Davis should immediately help the Cowboys on special teams, which has struggled somewhat on the coverage units in the preseason.

However, Davis is not expected to officially sign with the Cowboys until next week, possibly as late as Tuesday or Wednesday. That should give the club plenty of time to find room for Davis on the 53-man roster.

Making a move at defensive back seems likely, not only considering Davis plays safety and could add some depth at the position, but the Cowboys currently have 11 players in the secondary, including seven cornerbacks.

The Cowboys also went heavy on the offensive linemen, keeping 11 on the roster.

But Sunday was a busy afternoon for the Cowboys as well as the club formed its eight-man practice squad.

Wide receivers Danny Amendola and Mike Jefferson both cleared waivers and were signed to the practice squad, along with fullback Julius Crosslin, defensive end Marcus Dixon, linebacker Tearrius George, tight end Rodney Hannah and running back Alonzo Coleman.

All of those players were among the 21 cuts the Cowboys made on Saturday as all NFL teams were forced to trim the rosters down to 53 players.

The Cowboys were hoping to retain rookie linebacker Erik Walden, a sixth-round pick from Middle Tennessee State. However, Walden was claimed by the Chiefs and will join Kansas City's 53-man roster.

By the end of the weekend, the Cowboys had filled officially seven of the eight practice-squad spots. It also appears that quarterback Richard Bartel will be added to the practice squad before Monday's practice.

However, Bartel's future with the Cowboys is rather unclear.

That's because the club is looking into signing a third quarterback to the active roster behind starter Tony Romo and veteran backup Brad Johnson.

Although Chris Simms, who was cut by the Buccaneers on Saturday, has been linked to the Cowboys, it appears they have their eyes set on another veteran signal caller.

Brooks Bollinger, who played against the Cowboys last Thursday and was cut by the Vikings, could join the Cowboys next week, possibly after Week 1 of the regular season. Vested veterans, (five years of NFL experience) on an active roster on the first Tuesday of the regular season have a guaranteed contract all season long.

That is why teams will usually wait to sign some veterans until after the first week of the regular season and that seems to be the case with Bollinger.

Although things can certainly change between now and then and if history tells us anything, they likely will.

Since the Cowboys' 21 roster cuts on Saturday and signing veteran guard Larry Allen and moving him to a Reserved/Retired list, here's a list of the Cowboys' roster moves for the rest of the weekend:

Agreed To Terms:
Keith Davis

Signed To Practice Squad:
Danny Amendola
Alonzo Coleman
Tearrius George
Rodney Hannah
Mike Jefferson
Marcus Dixon
Julius Crosslin

08-31-2008, 10:06 PM	#1162
Underdog Moderator Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: 41.21.1 Posts: 36,143	Tweaking The Roster Davis Agrees To Terms; Practice Squad In Place link IRVING, Texas - The Saturday following the final preseason game is always the big cut-down day. But in no way does it signal the end of roster moves. This year was no exception as the Cowboys have agreed to terms with safety Keith Davis, who was recently cut by the Dolphins. The veteran has spent five years with the Cowboys, including the last four before he signed a free-agent deal with Miami in the off-season. But injuries just before camp kept him out of practice and ultimately made him expendable for the Dolphins. However, Davis should immediately help the Cowboys on special teams, which has struggled somewhat on the coverage units in the preseason. However, Davis is not expected to officially sign with the Cowboys until next week, possibly as late as Tuesday or Wednesday. That should give the club plenty of time to find room for Davis on the 53-man roster. Making a move at defensive back seems likely, not only considering Davis plays safety and could add some depth at the position, but the Cowboys currently have 11 players in the secondary, including seven cornerbacks. The Cowboys also went heavy on the offensive linemen, keeping 11 on the roster. But Sunday was a busy afternoon for the Cowboys as well as the club formed its eight-man practice squad. Wide receivers Danny Amendola and Mike Jefferson both cleared waivers and were signed to the practice squad, along with fullback Julius Crosslin, defensive end Marcus Dixon, linebacker Tearrius George, tight end Rodney Hannah and running back Alonzo Coleman. All of those players were among the 21 cuts the Cowboys made on Saturday as all NFL teams were forced to trim the rosters down to 53 players. The Cowboys were hoping to retain rookie linebacker Erik Walden, a sixth-round pick from Middle Tennessee State. However, Walden was claimed by the Chiefs and will join Kansas City's 53-man roster. By the end of the weekend, the Cowboys had filled officially seven of the eight practice-squad spots. It also appears that quarterback Richard Bartel will be added to the practice squad before Monday's practice. However, Bartel's future with the Cowboys is rather unclear. That's because the club is looking into signing a third quarterback to the active roster behind starter Tony Romo and veteran backup Brad Johnson. Although Chris Simms, who was cut by the Buccaneers on Saturday, has been linked to the Cowboys, it appears they have their eyes set on another veteran signal caller. Brooks Bollinger, who played against the Cowboys last Thursday and was cut by the Vikings, could join the Cowboys next week, possibly after Week 1 of the regular season. Vested veterans, (five years of NFL experience) on an active roster on the first Tuesday of the regular season have a guaranteed contract all season long. That is why teams will usually wait to sign some veterans until after the first week of the regular season and that seems to be the case with Bollinger. Although things can certainly change between now and then and if history tells us anything, they likely will. Since the Cowboys' 21 roster cuts on Saturday and signing veteran guard Larry Allen and moving him to a Reserved/Retired list, here's a list of the Cowboys' roster moves for the rest of the weekend: Agreed To Terms: Keith Davis Signed To Practice Squad: Danny Amendola Alonzo Coleman Tearrius George Rodney Hannah Mike Jefferson Marcus Dixon Julius Crosslin __________________ These days being a fan is a competition to see who can be the most upset when your team loses. That proves you love winning more. That's how it works.