Dallas Cowboys release 2021 practice squad roster

The Dallas Cowboys have released their initial practice squad roster for the 2021 season just one day after cutting down their active roster to 53, per The Athletic’s Jon Machota. With waiver claims now complete, the Cowboys are able to bring back 14 players to the roster, including some fan favorites from the HBO Series Hard Knocks.

Headlined by quarterback Ben DiNucci and running back JaQuan Hardy, the 14-man practice squad roster includes eight offensive players and six defensive players who will continue working with the organization throughout the season. Under the loosened NFL roster rules, these players will be able to move to the active roster on Sundays with more ease than past seasons.

Cowboys practice squad roster

Ben DiNucci, quarterback

JaQuan Hardy, running back

Nick Ralston, fullback

Brandon Smith, wide receiver

Osirus Mitchell, wide receiver

Jeremy Sprinkle, tight end

Braylon Jones, offensive lineman

Isaac Alarcon, offensive lineman

Justin Hamilton, defensive lineman

Austin Faoliu, defensive lineman

Deante Burton, cornerback

Kyron Brown, cornerback

Darian Thompson, safety

Tyler Coyle, safety

Breeland Speaks, defensive lineman

Transaction notes

Ben DiNucci is placed on the practice squad after being waived on Tuesday. Despite losing the backup position to Cooper Rush, the Cowboys decided to stick with the Hard Knocks star on the practice squad as a potential third or fourth option.

Running back JaQuan Hardy impressed throughout camp but with established running backs Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard both fully healthy, the team opted to only keep two running backs on the active roster to start. They later added former Eagles running back Corey Clement to the active roster.

Undrafted rookie wide receiver Osirus Mitchell signed with the Cowboys in May but is no longer with the team. Mitchell was a three-year starter for Mississippi State who compiled 107 catches for 1,413 yards and 14 touchdowns.

According to Cowboys.com, Jeremy Sprinkle is also a candidate to return to the roster after tight end Sean McKeon is moved to the injured reserve list.

The Cowboys also cut offensive guard Isaac Alarcón on Tuesday. The Mexican lineman who was profiled on HBO’s Hard Knocks has been a positive presence in Dallas. In addition, Alarcón was part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program in which he trained with NFL players at IMG Academy after being selected at an international combine in Germany in 2019.

Rookie defensive lineman Austin Faoliu is a former Oregon player.. He recorded 113 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and six sacks for the Ducks.