Roster

The Cowboys have released kicker Kris Brown, making David Buehler their placekicker for the 2011 season. Brown made 4 of 5 field goals last season with the Chargers and was signed to the Cowboys roster before the end of the year.

The Cowboys have signed defensive end Anthony Hargrove to a one-year deal. He's expected to provide depth along the defensive line.

The Tennessean reports the Titans released quarterback Nick Stephens and running back Herb Donaldson Sunday.

Notable cuts by the Chargers on Saturday include: LB Kevin Bentley, DB Quinton Teal, LB Bront Bird, DE Mike Blanc, RB Curtis Brinkley, CB Ramon Broadway, DE Charlie Bryant, TE Charles Davis, DE Carl Ihenacho, DE Ogemdi Nwagbuo, RB Isaac Odim, RB Dean Rogers, CB Traye Simmons, FB Frank Summers, TE Brad Taylor, QB Scott Tolzien and LB Kion Wilson.

The Packers announced a number of roster cuts Friday, as they continue to try to trime their roster down to 53 men in time for the start of the season. Among the players let go were defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove, who is suspended for the first eight weeks of the season for his part in the Saints' bounty scandal. The team also released wide receiver Andy Brewer, safety Micah Pellerin, defensive back Dion Turner and tackle Herb Taylor.

Dallas defensive back Barry Church will miss the rest of the season after tearing his Achilles on Sunday of Week 3 against Tampa Bay. Church left the game after making three tackles and was unable to finish the previous two games for Dallas. Church will have season-ending surgery Monday.

Dallas tight end James Hanna saw a couple looks in the Week 15 game against Pittsburgh Sunday. Hanna caught two passes for 45 yards from quarterback Tony Romo. Hanna was targeted twice and his long catch went for 29 yards.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Cowboys tight end Jason Witten said he’ll give rookie tight end Gavin Escobar all the help he needs. He said he's not going to pull the offended veteran trick and hold anything back from him. “There’s no ego there for me,” he said. “It’s all about winning. That’s part of being a leader and a captain — is to help other guys play at a high level. There’s no hard feelings from that standpoint.”

Cowboys linebacker Bruce Carter told the official team website that "everything is back to normal" after healing from a dislocated elbow suffered last Thanksgiving.

Cowboys fullback Lawrence Vickers caught two passes for 18 yards Sunday at Cincinnati. He played sparingly but was in on some third-down plays.

The Cowboys moved up and took LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne with the sixth overall pick in the draft, but he wasn't their only defensive pick. The Cowboys also picked up Boise State defensive end Tyrone Crawford, Wake Forest linebacker Kyle Wilber, Eastern Washington safety Matt Johnson and Montana linebacker Caleb McSurdy. Wilber led the Demon Deacons in sacks the last two seasons and could get some time to rush the passer this season. Johnson's a raw project-type player, McSurdy was the Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year who can smack defenders and Crawford has some potential as a 3-4 defensive lineman.

Cowboys running backs Lance Dunbar and Phillip Tanner will see their roles greatly reduced on Thursday, as Felix Jones -- who had been battling a knee injury all week -- was declared active for the Thanksgiving game against Washington.

The Cowboys released TE Martin Rucker and LB Isaiah Greenhouse on Tuesday, while signing DB Frank Walker to help a banged up secondary.

After acquiring defensive lineman Brian Price in a trade with Tampa Bay in late July, the Bears cut him to re-sign defensive tackle Amobi Okoye, who was cut recently from the Bucs.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports the Cowboys continued a Tony Romo-friendly draft Friday night with their first pick in the third round, adding speedster Baylor receiver Terrance Williams. The Cowboys invested in the Baylor standout with the No. 74 pick that they got in the first-round trade with the 49ers. It was their third offensive player taken in three picks, joining center Travis Frederick and tight end Gavin Escobar. Williams caught 202 passes for 3,334 yards, averaging 16.5 yards, and 27 touchdowns in a four-year career at Baylor. As a senior, he caught 97 passes for 1,832 yards, averaging 18.9 yards, with 12 touchdowns. He was also a kickoff and punt returner as a sophomore and junior at Baylor.

The Cowboys released cornerback Vince Agnew Tuesday.

The Cowboys added DL/OL Jermey Parnell to their 53-man roster on Thursday.

The Dallas Morning News reports that QB Jon Kitna has informed the Cowboys that he intends to retire. A lingering back injury forced Kitna onto injured reserve in 2011. Stephen McGee is slated to be the Cowboys backup quarterback going forward.

Cowboys linebacker Kyle Wilber suffered a broken thumb in the first half of Monday's preseason game against Oakland and is expected to be sidelined three to four weeks, the Dallas Morning News reports. Team owner Jerry Jones said Wilber, the Cowboys' fourth-round pick out of Wake Forest in last April's draft, will likely need surgery. His status for the start of the regular season is questionable.

The Cowboys and receiver Anthony Armstrong agreed to a new contract according to ProFootballTalk.com.

Lance Dunbar played sparingly for the Cowboys but did have a 6-yard catch at Cincinnati in Week 14.

ESPN reports that the Cowboys announced that linebacker Anthony Spencer signed his franchise tender at $10.6 million on Tuesday. Spencer, who was given the franchise tag for the second year in a row, led Dallas with 95 total tackles and had 11 sacks in 14 games last season.

Notable players waived or released by the Bengals on Friday include: FB Jourdan Brooks, TE Colin Cochart, LS Bryce Davis, FB James Develin, DE DeQuin Evans, DT Nick Hayden (injury settlement), WR Vidal Hazelton, CB T.J. Heath, RB Daniel Herron, LB Grant Hunter, DE Micah Johnson, LB Emmanuel Lamur, CB Chris Lewis-Harris, DT Vaughn Meatoga, LB Roddrick Muckelroy and QB Zac Robinson.

The Cowboys continued trimming their roster Friday in preparation for the regular season and released the following players: defensive linemen Clifton Geathers, Rob Callaway and Ben Bass; linebackers Baraka Atkins, Orie Lemon and Adrian Hamilton; wide receivers Saalim Hakim and Tim Benford; quarterback Rudy Carpenter; tight end Andrew Szczerba; defensive backs Eddie Whitley, Lionel Smith, Teddy Williams and Akwasi Owusu-Ansah; and running back Shaun Chapas.

Cowboys RB Sammy Morris has rushed for 82 yards on 25 carries in two games this season and could be in for another slow performance in Week 17 against the Giants. New York ranks 22nd in the league in run defense, giving up over 126 yards per game, and has allowed an average of 17 Fantasy points to opposing running backs.

The Steelers continued trimming their roster Friday in preparation for the regular season and released the following players: defensive backs Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith, Terrence Frederick and Josh Victorian; linebackers Brandon Hicks and Marshall McFadden; defensive linemen Corbin Bryant, Ikponmwosa Igbinosun and Jake Stoller; quarterback Jerrod Johnson; running back DuJuan Harris; and wide receivers Tyler Beiler, Toney Clemons, David Gilreath, Marquis Maze and Derrick Williams.

Cowboys defensive lineman Jay Ratliff is free on bond after his arrest Tuesday on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. The 31-year-old nose tackle was arrested shortly after midnight after his pickup truck sideswiped a semitrailer truck on Texas 114 in eastern Grapevine, 20 miles northwest of Dallas. No one was injured, but Ratliff failed a field sobriety test and was taken to city jail, said Grapevine police Officer Sam Shemwell. Ratliff declined a breath test, but police obtained a blood sample for testing, Shemwell said. Cowboys spokesman Rich Dalrymple declined comment. The case will go to the Tarrant County district attorney's office in Fort Worth, Shemwell said. If convicted, Ratliff could get up to six months in jail. Ratliff was limited to six games this season with ankle and groin injuries.

Groin - Probable for start of training camp

The Cowboys waived tight end Colin Cochart Tuesday.

Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey wasn't asked to do much during Sunday's season finale at Washington in Week 17. Bailey converted a 48-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter and also added an extra point in a 28-18 defeat.

The Cowboys signed veteran safety Charlie Peprah Wednesday.

Dez Bryant told the Cowboys official team website his broken finger could give him some side effects following surgery and rehab but that it won't affect his play. "It’s never going to be normal, but I promise you it’s never going to be an issue. I’m ready to go,” he said.

Back - Probable for start of training camp

After scoring his last time out, Cowboys wide receiver Dwayne Harris was held in check during Sunday's season finale against the Redskins in Week 17. Harris was targeted just four times as he finished with just one catch for a 25-yard gain in the second quarter. He also added a two-point conversion in the fourth quarter of a 2818 defeat.

Dallas DL Jason Hatcher recorded two solo tackles in Week 13 versus Ariozona. He also notched one of five sacks on Kevin Kolb.

The Chiefs waived linebacker Cameron Sheffield Tuesday.

Dallas linebacker Ernie Sims left in the first quarter of Week 16 against New Orleans with an apparent concussion. Sims, who also dealt with a concussion last week, received a concussion test on the sideline and his return is questionable. He tallied two tackles before departing.

The Cowboys announced safety Gerald Sensabaugh will sign a one-day contract with the team to retire.

The Eagles continued trimming their roster in preparation for the regular season Friday and released the following players: defensive backs Phillip Thomas, Joselio Hanson and Oshiomogho Atogwe; tight ends Emil Igwenagu, Chase Ford and Brett Brackett; linebackers Ryan Rau, Adrian Moten and Keenan Clayton; wide receivers Mardy Gilyard, Marvin McNutt and Chad Hall; and defensive linemen Ollie Ogbu, Landon Cohen, Monte Taylor and Frank Trotter.

Cowboys rookie running back Joseph Randle is recovering from thumb surgery the team claims it knew about before drafting him in April. He's expected to be in a cast for six to eight weeks but will do individual drills and take mental reps during offseason minicamps. "It's certainly a restriction on his thumb, but I think candidly there are a lot of things we can do out here in OTAs and get that thumb clubbed up and he’ll get a lot of work in, a lot of valuable repetition," owner Jerry Jones said. "And we made that decision when we drafted him. Was he going to be able to be ready and that is mentally as well, prepared, to get out here to camp and not have to make up all the lost time in OTAs? I think he will be."

Hand - Probable for start of training camp

Dallas has placed defensive lineman Ben Bass on injured reserve, ending his season, Saturday. Bass has an ankle injury and is a rookie out of Texas A&M. Dallas signed cornerback Sterling Moore off the Patriots' practice squad to take his place on the roster.

Dallas has placed defensive lineman Ben Bass on injured reserve, ending his season, Saturday. Bass has an ankle injury and is a rookie out of Texas A&M. Dallas signed cornerback Sterling Moore off the Patriots' practice squad to take his place on the roster.

The Cowboys have taken safety J.J. Wilcox of Georgia Southern with their second of two picks in the third round of the NFL Draft. The Cowboys took the prospect from the Football Championship Subdivision, a tier below the top level of college football, with the 80th overall selection Friday night. Wilcox moved to safety full-time from receiver for his senior season and finished second on the team with 88 tackles. He had two interceptions. He also returned kickoffs. The 5-foot-11, 214-pound Wilcox had 45 catches for 898 yards and four touchdowns in three seasons as a receiver. Dallas has a need at safety after dumping Gerald Sensabaugh in a salary cap move.

Notable players cut by the Packers on Saturday include: WR Diondre Borel, S Anthony Bratton, NT Chris Donaldson, LB Ricky Elmore, CB Josh Gordy, WR Tori Gurley, QB Graham Harrell, FB Jon Hoese, LB Cardia Jackson, DE Eli Joseph, LB Elijah Joseph, S Anthony Levine, RB Dimitri Nance, CB Brandian Ross, NT Jay Ross, RB Brandon Saine, WR Kerry Taylor, S/CB Brandon Underwood and WR Chastin West.

With starting RB Felix Jones (hamstring) listed as questionable for Week 16, Dallas signed RB Chauncey Washington from its practice squad on Friday. Washington has been on the team's practice squad all season after being released by St. Louis

The Cowboys signed defensive lineman Brian Schaefering Wednesday.

The Cowboys placed defensive back Orlando Scandrick on IR on Saturday, reports ESPN. Scandrick has a hand injury. The team called up NT Rob Callaway from the practice squad to take his place on the roster.

The Cowboys placed defensive back Orlando Scandrick on IR on Saturday, reports ESPN. Scandrick has a hand injury. The team called up NT Rob Callaway from the practice squad to take his place on the roster.

Cowboys receiver Miles Austin told the official team website he's been working on strengthening his hamstrings in anticipation of another busy season. Austin is aiming to stay healthy and effective after playing 16 games last year and catching 66 passes for 943 yards and six scores.

Ankle - Probable for start of training camp

Dallas wide receiver Cole Beasley finished the Week 15 game against Pittsburgh with two catches. Seeing two targets from quarterback Tony Romo, Beasley made both catches for 14 yards in the game. He did not score.

ESPN reports that the Cowboys agreed to a two-year contract with former Lions linebacker Justin Durant that will be signed once the team creates more cap space. Durant visited the Cowboys' facilities on Monday and took a physical for the team. Durant started 14 games for the Lions last season and finished second on the team with 103 total tackles. He also had half-a-sack and three pass breakups. Durant played outside linebacker in the 4-3 defense. He had half-a-sack and three pass breakups last season. The projected strong-side linebacker in the Cowboys defense is Kyle Wilber, but the team would like more competition at that spot. Alex Albright is another possible starter.

Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Ware expects to be ready for training camp this summer after telling the Fort Worth Star-Telegram he has regained full motion in his right shoulder. He's begun lifting weights and hopes to practice on a limited basis in the Cowboys' upcoming minicamp. Ware will move from linebacker to DE as part of the Cowboys' new 4-3 defense, a move that he thinks will be a piece of cake. "I think it's going to be an easy transition," Ware said. "There are three or four defensive fronts you've got to learn. Everything else comes off of technique and effort."

Shoulder - Probable for start of training camp

After being held to just two touchdowns through 15 games, Cowboys tight end Jason Witten was able to finish the season on a high note as he found the end zone during Sunday's season finale at Washington in Week 17. Romo connected with Witten for a 9-yard strike in the second quarter. He finished with seven catches on eight targets for 56 yards and a touchdown in a 28-18 defeat. He was the second-leading receiver behind Dez Bryant, who caught four passes for 71 yards on the night.

Cowboys defensive back Morris Claiborne finished with 10 tackles, including nine solo stops, and two passes defended during Dallas' 34-31 overtime loss to New Orleans in Week 16. It was the first time during his rookie season Claiborne topped double digits in tackles.

The Cowboys signed defensive back Eric Frampton Tuesday to make up for the loss of Barry Church, who is out for the season.

ESPN reports the Cowboys have signed safety Will Allen, who started eight games for the Steelers last year.

Notable players waived by the Panthers on Friday include: WR Seyi Ajirotutu, CB Darius Butler (waived/injured), WR Jared Green, LB David Nixon, DT Ogemdi Nwagbuo, RB Tauren Poole (waived/injured), CB R.J. Stanford, DL Ryan Van Bergen and LB Kion Wilson.

The Cowboys moved up and took LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne with the sixth overall pick in the draft, but he wasn't their only defensive pick. The Cowboys also picked up Boise State defensive end Tyrone Crawford, Wake Forest linebacker Kyle Wilber, Eastern Washington safety Matt Johnson and Montana linebacker Caleb McSurdy. Wilber led the Demon Deacons in sacks the last two seasons and could get some time to rush the passer this season. Johnson's a raw project-type player, McSurdy was the Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year who can smack defenders and Crawford has some potential as a 3-4 defensive lineman.

Cowboys quarterback Kyle Orton threw his first touchdown pass of the season in Week 4 against the Bears. Orton, who entered the contest late in the fourth quarter with the game already decided, was able to find Jason Witten on a 5-yard scoring strike. He finished 9 for 10 for 89 yards and a score in his lone series of work.

Sean Lee told the Dallas Morning News he would be ready for a game if one was coming up but would play through some nagging pain. Lee tore ligaments in his right big toe in Week 7 last year. "I'm pretty much 100 percent," Lee said. "I'll be going through all the OTAs and it’s getting better and better every week. Other than some soreness after practice, I’m pretty much 100 percent."

Toe - Probable for start of training camp

The Colts said farewell to the following players on Friday: DE James Aiono, DT Chigbo Anunoby, LB Jerry Brown, RB Darren Evans, LB Tim Fugger, RB Deji Karim, CB Brandon King, LB Greg Lloyd, TE Kyle Miller, WR Kashif Moore, DB Mike Newton, WR Jeremy Ross, DT Jason Shirley, TE Andre Smith, LS Justin Snow and DB Latarrius Thomas.

The Cowboys signed quarterback Tony Romo to a six-year, $108 million extension, the team announced Friday. Romo, who is now the highest paid player in franchise history, will receive a $25 million signing bonus and receive $57 million over the first three years of his deal. “I want to thank the entire Jones family for believing and trusting in me to finish my career as a Dallas Cowboy,” Romo said in a statement. “There will be no greater reward, besides winning a Super Bowl, than playing my entire career as a Dallas Cowboy."

Cowboys rookie linebacker Caleb McSurdy, a seventh-round pick out of the University of Montana, suffered a torn Achilles during Wednesday's practice and will miss the entirety of the season, according to NFL.com

The Jets waived the following players Saturday: TE Josh Baker, LB Matthias Berning, WR Michael Campbell, WR Dan DePalma, DT Jarron Gilbert, RB Chris Jennings, LB Eddie Jones, S Byron Landor, CB Ellis Lankster, LB Joey LaRocque, WR Scotty McKnight, S Davon Morgan, CB Julian Posey, LB Brashton Satele, WR Patrick Turner, DE Lorenzo Washington, QB Drew Willy, S Tracy Wilson and TE Keith Zinger.

Dallas defensive end Sean Lissemore recorded his first sack of the season in the Week 15 overtime win over Pittsburgh. Lissemore added three tackles for the Cowboys in the win.

The Cowboys claimed cornerback Michael Coe off waivers from the Dolphins Tuesday.

Dallas cornerback Brandon Carr found a way to silence thousands of Terrible Towel-waving Pittsburgh fans at Cowboys Stadium Week 15 Sunday. Carr intercepted a Ben Roethlisberger pass in overtime, returned it 36 yards to the one yard line, and Dan Bailey kicked a 21-yard field goal for a 27-24 win over the Steelers on Sunday. Carr finished with four tackles in the game.

The Jaguars released wide receiver Carlton Mitchell on Saturday in order to clear a roster spot for running back Will Ta'ufo'ou from the practice squad. Mitchell, who was released by Cleveland in the preseason, was signed by Jacksonville earlier this week.

The Cowboys signed linebacker Brady Poppinga Monday.

Cowboys receiver Danny Coale told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram he's only focused on his rehab from a torn ACL suffered in his knee last November. He was not medically cleared to participate in the team's rookie minicamp even though he was allowed to by the NFL. "The thing I've been focusing on is what I can control and that's my rehab," he said. "Does that get better every day? Does it get better every week? It has to this point. I'm going to focus on that, and we'll worry about the receiver stuff at a later point. The first thing I've got to focus on is getting this right."

Knee - Questionable for start of training camp

Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray told ESPN he's not going to change his running style in an attempt to conform to new league rules on leading with the crown of a helmet. Murray did it a number of times in the past and is going to stick with it. "I'm not changing my running style," Murray said. "If I get fined, hopefully, [Tony] Romo will take care of the first couple [of fines]."

The Cowboys kept safety Danny McCray when he signed his restricted free-agent tender. He'll be a free agent again in 2014.

The Dallas Morning News reports Cowboys tendered contracts to six exclusive rights free agents, including Patrick Crayton. Terrance Copper, Willie Pile, and Jacques Reeves have been tendered contracts worth $385,000. Lousaka Polite and L.P. Ladouceur were tendered at $310,000.

Although Dallas QB Tony Romo (bruised hand) is expected to play without issue in Week 17, the Cowboys signed QB Chris Greisen from the practice squad on Saturday. Greisen takes the roster spot of OG Daniel Loper, who was released on Saturday.