The Dallas Cowboys are moving on from one of their young quarterbacks.
According to Todd Archer of ESPN, the Cowboys are releasing quarterback Ben DiNucci. Archer notes that the backup quarterback job is now between Will Grier and Cooper Rush.
“The Cowboys will release QB Ben DiNucci, a 7th-round pick in 2020, according to sources,” via Archer on Sunday, August 28. “He started one game and appeared in three as a rookie. He spent last season on the practice squad. Backup QB job between Cooper Rush, Will Grier.”
Why the Cowboys Released DiNucci
The 25-year-old spent last season on the practice squad as Rush won the backup job and Grier served as the third-string quarterback as he was signed following his release by the Carolina Panthers.
DiNucci saw significant action during his lone start as a member of the Cowboys, a 23-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles during Week 8 of the 2020 season. The-then rookie quarterback completed just 21-of-40 passes for 180 yards, lost two fumbles and was sacked four times versus the 2-4-1 Eagles.
The third-year quarterback posted solid stats during the preseason, going 16-for-27 for 181 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. However, it was clear based upon reps during training camp and snaps during the preseason that DiNucci was a clear fourth quarterback on the team’s depth chart.
The Cowboys can bring back DiNucci on the practice squad if he clears the waiver process as noted by Inside the Star following the team’s final preseason game versus the Seattle Seahawks on Friday, August 26.
“Given the fact that Cooper Rush got the start and a low amount of snaps, I’m pretty sure he’s locked in as QB2 If they go 2 QBs I expect Grier on the Practice Squad, if they go 3 I expect Rush and Grier on the 53 and DiNucci on the Practice Squad,” said Inside the Star.
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Cowboys Release Several Other Players, Including TJ Vasher
The Cowboys also released a couple of other names as they attempt to trim their roster down to 53 players by Tuesday.
As noted by Mike Fisher of Sports Illustrated, Dallas also released wide receiver TJ Vasher, rookie offensive lineman Amon Simon, rookie defensive end Markaviest Bryant and UDFA center James Empey.
“On Sunday, the Cowboys waived Amon Simon, the rookie offensive lineman from Texas A&M-Commerce, and rookie defensive end Markaviest Bryant from Central Florida, the Dallas News is first to report,” said Fisher. “Additionally, fan favorite TJ Vasher is out at receiver. Joining the Texas Tech product is UDFA center candidate James Empey from BYU. And fourth-string QB Ben DiNucci, as first noted by ESPN, is also out.”
Vasher is the most notable name on the list outside of DiNucci. The 23-year-old had been a popular name during training camp, establishing himself as one of the better receiving candidates on the roster.
However, it appears Dallas will instead opt to go with youngster Simi Fehoko, special teams standout KaVontae Tuprin and veteran Noah Brown as the top reserve receivers to start the season.
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Cowboys Release Promising Quarterback to Begin 53-Man Roster Cuts