Cowboys cut kicker following game-winning field goal, sign former Aggie

The Dallas Cowboys have made a few roster moves heading into their Monday night match-up against the Philadelphia Eagles. Dallas has moved on from one player and brought another one in after their late-game win against the Los Angeles Chargers. According to Cowboys reporter Michael Gehlken, the Cowboys have released kicker Lirim Hajrullahu. After opening that roster spot, they have signed former Texas A&M receiver Damion Ratley.

Insurance at kicker

The Cowboys brought in Hajrullahu for kicking depth after starting kicker Greg Zuerlein struggled in their Thursday Night Football season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Zuerlein spent the majority of the preseason rehabbing from a back injury.

In week one, their veteran kicker went three for five on field goals in the game — missing one from 31 yards, a distance less than an extra point try. With uncertainty looming around their kicker’s ability to play, the Cowboys played it safe and brought in an extra leg. After Sunday’s performance in Los Angeles, where Zuerlein hit a game-winner from 56 yards, Dallas is moving on from their insurance plan.

The Cowboys receiver woes

Ratley is a six-foot-two receiver out of Texas A&M that the Cleveland Browns selected in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. After two years in Cleveland, he spent last year playing for the New York Giants and Houston Texans. He signed with the Detroit Lions in the offseason but was waived as a part of the team’s cut down to a 53-man roster. Over his career, he is made 29 catches for 470 yards and has one receiving touchdown.

Ratley’s signing comes after owner Jerry Jones expressed concern over the status of Amari Cooper ahead of their Eagles matchup. Cooper is tied with a league-high 16 receptions on the year. He also has 163 yards receiving and two touchdowns. He is currently listed as questionable with a rib injury, according to ESPN. If Cooper is unable to go Monday, he’ll be the fourth Cowboys receiver to be ruled out for the game. The Cowboys currently have Malik Turner and Michael Gallup on their injured reserve. And, rookie wideout TJ Vasher is still out nursing a knee injury.

Monday night’s game against the Eagles will be an important early-season test. The winner of that game will take over first place or at least have a share heading into week four.

The Cowboys division may not be the best in the NFL. But, the Eagles firepower could give them fits. Having all their wideouts will help them fire back on Monday Night Football.