Dallas Cowboys release quarterback Ben DiNucci in final round of roster cuts

The Dallas Cowboys have released quarterback Ben DiNucci as part of their final round of roster cuts before the regular season begins. DiNucci was a seventh-round pick by Dallas in the 2020 NFL Draft, and has been a part of the backup unit for Dallas over the past two seasons. With his release, the Cowboys will carry Cooper Rush and Will Grier as backups for Dak Prescott into this year’s season.

Dallas Cowboys cut Ben DiNucci

“The Cowboys will release quarterback Ben DiNucci, a 7th-round pick in 2020,” detailed ESPN’s Todd Archer on Sunday. “He started one game and appeared in three as a rookie. He spent last season on the practice squad. Backup quarterback job between Cooper Rush, Will Grier.”

In his limited playing time on the field during the 2020 season with Prescott injured, DiNucci made one start and appeared in three games for Dallas. DiNucci was given a starting opportunity in 2020 after Andy Dalton was injured as well, but had a very rough start against the Philadelphia Eagles. The next week, Dallas opted to start Garrett Gilbert in his place.

If he never returns to the Cowboys’ roster, he would finish his Dallas career with an 0-1 record, 23-of-43 passes completed for 219 yards and zero touchdowns.

From here, if DiNucci isn’t picked up by another team it is possible he could stay with Dallas on the practice squad — although there is no indication yet if the Cowboys would intend to do so. DiNucci went through a similar situation last season where Dallas opted to make Grier their third quarterback and put DiNucci on the practice squad. With another chance to make the main roster this preseason, it seems like DiNucci could be on the same path this year.

The former Pitt quarterback saw most of his college action in the 2017 season where he played 10 games for the Panthers. He finished his college career with 1,107 passing yards with six touchdowns and seven interceptions.