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They say that the first cut is the deepest, and this is certainly true for fans of Cowboys defensive end Ben Gardner, as Gardner was the first player cut by the Cowboys as they cut their roster to 53 players.
The #Cowboys are cutting DE Ben Gardner, source said. A bit of a surprise. Need edge depth.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 4, 2015
Gardner was a 2014 7th-round pick who missed all of rookie season with shoulder injury, but gained a cult following among Cowboys fans. The Cowboys are likely going to try to get him on the practice squad.
Thanks to the cowboys for the opportunity. Nothing but love for the guys in that locker room. Lookin forward to my next shot with a new team
— Ben Gardner (@BennyG49) September 4, 2015
Running back Ben Malena, who was only signed on August 15 this year, is the second known player to be cut today.
Told RB Ben Malena, DE Ben Gardner have been informed of release. Both could be practice squad candidates
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) September 4, 2015
By 4 PM EST on Saturday, all NFL teams must be down to their 53-man roster. The Dallas Cowboys are no exception. We'll be tracking their cuts as we receive them and posting them here.
UPDATED Cuts:
DE Ben Gardner - The Cowboys will be very lucky if Gardner makes it through waivers, but it is also a good sign for the depth of the defensive line that they had to let him go.
RB Ben Malena - Malena is in his second stint with the Cowboys. He was brought in late as an injury replacement this year, but showed some nice runs in last nights game.
FB Ray Agnew - Agnew was signed as a free agent on March 19, but was clearly outplayed by fellow fullback Tyler Clutts.
RB Gus Johnson - Gus The Bus showed a lot of promise after joining the Cowboys late in July. So much so that Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle reports the Cowboys would like to stash Johnson on the practice squad.
C Shane McDermott - The rookie center never had a chance at making the OL room.