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.

The Cowboys official team website reports that running back Phillip Tanner has looked good with DeMarco Murray and Joseph Randle having been sidelined with injuries during OTA workouts. The report says Tanner has "physically remade his body. He looks lighter and quicker with the ball in his hands. He doesn’t play sluggish and lumber through the hole. There is some wiggle with power in his game." The report also indicated Tanner has improved as a receiver out of the backfield. And it says to "keep an eye on him this summer and see if he continues to work his way back in the mix."

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 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.

Cowboys pass rusher Anthony Spencer hyperextended his knee in OTA workouts last week and missed the first day of the team's minicamp. He told ESPN he also had a bone bruise but would try and practice later this week.

Knee - Probable for start of training camp

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.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant is hoping to pick up where he left off last season when he was dominant as a third-year breakout. “I think by me doing everything and going out there with the knowledge I have, you can say I’m more comfortable and confident as I have ever been,” Bryant said. “I am just fired up about this upcoming year.” Bryant had 50 receptions for 879 yards and 10 touchdowns in the second half of last season, scoring at least once in nine of the last 10 games. He said earlier this offseason that he is capable of a 2,500-yard season. “I know I just started playing football,” Bryant said. “I just started a long time ago just being Dez. I love this game. I felt like people needed to say that. I just went out there and gave it my all each and every play.”

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 Joseph Randle disclosed he actually had two thumb surgeries this offseason, causing him to miss all of the team's offseason workouts. He told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram he'll get the cast off in a week and wear a brace. Randle also said he's put on close to 10 pounds since last year. He's expected to be ready for the start of training camp.

Thumb - 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 Jaguars spent four draft picks on defense in April, none higher than the second-round choice on Clemson defensive end Andre Branch. Joining him are Nevada linebacker Brandon Marshall, FSU cornerback Mike Harris and Ashland defensive tackle Jeris Pendleton.

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 said taking some time off to rest his hamstrings did him a world of good. He's now expected to be 100 percent for the start of training camp, where he'll likely be spelled here and there. "There’s not many things you can really control," Austin said per the Dallas Morning News. "You can control your effort, but other things are going to happen. I've always been working on my conditioning since I got here. I feel really good right now, hopefully it stays that way."

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.

Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo told the Dallas Morning News he plans on being 100 percent healthy by the middle of June. Romo had back surgery to remove a cyst, costing him practice time in OTAs and minicamp. Romo should be fine for training camp.

Back - Probable for start of training camp

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 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 is over a hamstring tweak that sidelined him in late May and is at full speed in practice according to the Dallas Morning News. "I definitely feel like I’m back to where I need to be," Murray said Wednesday after practice. "But it’s still early. I’m excited to continue to work hard and get to training camp. ... I can’t go out there thinking too much and getting a couple of the same things drilled in my head. I've got to go out there and make plays. That’s it."

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.

The Cowboys signed tight end Dante Rosario on Monday. Rosario is entering his seventh year in the league, where he’s best known for his four-year stint with the Panthers. Carolina drafted him in the fifth round in the 2007 NFL Draft. Since leaving Carolina, Rosario has made stops in Miami, Denver and San Diego. He played 13 games for the Chargers in 2012, hauling in 10 receptions for 95 total yards and three touchdowns and adding five tackles and a fumble recovery on special teams.

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.