Cowboys waive O-lineman, sign 2 practice squad players to 53-man roster

The Cowboys did a bit of roster business just ahead of their date with the Patriots. Two players are being signed to the 53-man roster after seeing heavy special teams action through five weeks, and the release of one depth player may signal good news for a decorated superstar regarding his availability for Week 6.

Offensive tackle Brandon Knight was informed by the club on Saturday that he will be waived. The undrafted free agent out of Indiana has been on the field for just three snaps so far this season, all in the Cowboys’ Week 3 win over Philadelphia.

But the timing of his release may indicate that left tackle Tyron Smith will, in fact, be ready to start Sunday’s contest. The seven-time Pro Bowler was given a “questionable” designation on Friday’s injury report after a neck scare left him limited late in the week. An MRI came back “favorable,” but the Cowboys have officially maintained a wait-and-see approach with his status for this week’s matchup.

According to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News, Knight “is expected to join the practice squad Monday if he clears waivers, but [there is] no guarantee he goes unclaimed.”

Meanwhile, rookie fullback Nick Ralston and veteran tight end Jeremy Sprinkle are receiving contracts and being added to the regular roster after multiple weeks of practice squad elevations for both.

Both have contributed significantly to the third phase for Dallas this season; Ralston has logged nearly one-third of the club’s special teams snaps through Week 5 and will be signed to a two-year deal. Sprinkle has played almost half of the special teams snaps and has also been on the field for smattering of offensive plays.

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