Meet the Dallas Cowboys' initial 53-man roster: Coaching staff made difficult choices during cuts

The Dallas Cowboys have done it: They've cut their roster to 53 players ahead of the 2024 NFL regular season.

Naturally, this is only their initial roster, and changes to it are imminent. Perhaps they'll occur right away or in a few days. For now, this is what the team looks like. Get to meet your 2024 Cowboys below! 

Note: Players with one asterisk (*) represent 2024 draft picks and players with double asterisks (**) represent 2024 undrafted free agents.

Quarterback (3)

• Dak Prescott
• Cooper Rush
• Trey Lance

Despite five picks, Trey Lance was always going to make the roster after the Cowboys gave up a fourth-rounder for him and committed themselves to paying him $5 million guaranteed in 2024.

Running back (4)

• Rico Dowdle
• Ezekiel Elliott
• Hunter Luepke (FB)
• Deuce Vaughn

This is one of the first positions the Cowboys had to make a tough cut: Malik Davis likely generated some interest from ST coach John Fassel but the Cowboys vote in favor of Deuce Vaughn, who was a promising playmaker. The Dalvin Cook decision awaits. Fans should be happy about Vaughn getting a spot for now, though. 

Wide receiver (5)

• Brandin Cooks
• Jalen Tolbert
• KaVontae Turpin
• Jalen Brooks
• Ryan Flournoy

Lamb remains on the "Did Not Report" reserve list and his activation is imminent, which will prompt a move when it happens. Chuma Edoga to IR could be the corresponding move when we get there.

No surprises here. The Cowboys coaching staff clearly loves Jalen Brooks and he should be looked at as a roster lock. The last spot goes to Ryan Flournoy after the sixth round rookie ended camp and the preseason on a very strong note.

Tight end (4)

• Jake Ferguson
• Luke Schoonmaker
• John Stephens Jr.
• Brevyn Spann-Ford

Despite 25 games to his name, Peyton Hendershot is now off the team. The team going with three tight ends is viable given they expect Luepke to play TE efficiently. UDFA gem Brevyn Spann-Ford made the cut. 

Offensive line (10)

• Tyler Guyton*
• Tyler Smith
• Cooper Beebe*
• Zack Martin
• Terence Steele
• T.J. Bass
• Brock Hoffman
• Asim Richards
• Matt Waletzko
• Chuma Edoga

Good news: The Cowboys seem to have a strong offensive line with the rookies hitting the ground running. Bad news: It's hard to feel good about the swing tackle situation. Matt Waletzko didn't look good in the preseason. Edoga is banged up and they could send him to IR. 

EDGE (5)

• Micah Parsons
• DeMarcus Lawrence
• Marshawn Kneeland*
• Chauncey Golston
• Tyrus Wheat

The Cowboys need a big season from Kneeland. He's off to a hot start. If he puts the game together as a pass rusher, he'll make a big impact on Mike Zimmer's defense. Cutting Lawson was a surprise although he may be sneaked back onto the practice squad. 

Defensive tackle (4)

• Osa Odighizuwa (3T)
• Mazi Smith (NT)
• Jordan Phillips (3T)
• Linval Joseph (NT)

It's crazy to think two of these names were last-minute additions. At the end of the day, this room will look great if Mazi Smith takes the second year jump. Otherwise, it'll be somewhere around average. 

Linebacker (5)

• Eric Kendricks
• Damone Clark
• DeMarvion Overshown
• Marist Liufau*
• Buddy Johnson

What a difference a year makes. Zimmer has a fun group of versatile linebackers and he'll likely rotate them, including Micah Parsons, who will play primarily at DE.

Cornerback (5)

• Trevon Diggs
• Jourdan Lewis
• Caelen Carson*
• Israel Mukuamu
• Andrew Booth Jr.

Bland's injury means the All-Pro will start on Injured Reserve. As of today, it appears fifth-round rookie Caelen Carson will start opposite of Trevon Diggs while Jourdan Lewis mans the nickel. 

Safety (4)

• Malik Hooker
• Donovan Wilson
• Juanyeh Thomas
• Markquese Bell

The Cowboys are loaded at safety. Juanyeh Thomas and Markquese Bell could start for several teams in the NFL. UDFA standout Julius Wood misses the cut after a great summer in Oxnard and in the preseason games. 

Specialists (4)

• Brandon Aubrey (K)
• Bryan Anger (P)
• Trent Sieg (LS)
• C.J. Goodwin (ace)

Goodwin will be a difference maker here after the Cowboys lost him to injury last year.