Dallas Cowboys make 16 cuts to finalize 53-man roster

FRISCO, Texas (AP) - The Dallas Cowboys released two veterans who played all 16 games for them last season in cornerback C.J. Goodwin and linebacker Justin March as they cut their roster to the 53-man limit Saturday.

Goodwin and March mostly played on special teams but saw some action on defense because of injuries. Because of special rules created to deal with coronavirus limitations, all players regardless of experience are eligible for the practice squad.

Linebacker Sean Lee was among those making the cut despite missing almost of all of training camp because of an injury coach Mike McCarthy hasn’t specified. The 11-year veteran is expected to go on injured reserve with a chance to return.

Francis Bernard, an undrafted linebacker out of Utah, was among the camp standouts to get cut. He will be on the 16-player practice squad if he clears waivers. The practice squad was expanded from 10 players for this year because the pandemic wiped out offseason workouts and preseason games.

Goodwin, a seven-year veteran, has spent the past two seasons with the Cowboys. March has been with Dallas two-plus seasons after a rookie year in Kansas City. Both were undrafted out of college.

The Cowboys had already cut safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, receiver Devin Smith and offensive linemen Adam Redmond, Cody Wichman and Wyatt Miller.

Players already waived included running back Darius Anderson, defensive end Joe Jackson, a 2019 draft pick; tackle Pace Murphy; tight ends Cole Hikutini and Charlie Taumoepeau; and quarterback Clayton Thorson.

The other offensive players released Saturday included tackle Isaac Alarcon, center Marcus Henry, fullback Sewo Olonilua and receivers Jon’vea Johnson, Tevin Jones and Aaron Parker.

The other defensive players cut were linemen Ron’Dell Carter, Justin Hamilton and Ladarius Hamilton, cornerbacks Deante Burton, Saivion Smith and Chris Westry and safety Luther Kirk.