IRVING, Texas – The Cowboys are taking their time with their roster evaluations, as they practiced Tuesday morning with 85 players – the last time they'll be able to do so.
NFL rules stipulate that all rosters must be at 75 by 3 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon, which gives the Cowboys just a handful of hours before they must make at least 10 cuts.
They began the process on Monday when they released Tom Hornsey, Casey Kreiter, Robert Steeples, Carlif Taylor and Phil Bates to move from 90 men to 85.
Instead of finishing the cuts before Tuesday's practice, the Cowboys opted to work with the remaining allotment.
Devin Street was at the morning practice after missing several days with a re-aggravated ankle injury. He didn't participate fully, as he worked separately with athletic trainers. With two weeks until the season opener, the Cowboys will no doubt be hoping they can bring him back to a unit that's short on experience behind the trio of Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley.
J.J. Wilcox was held out of practice for the second straight day – instead working with the strength and conditioning staff. Wilcox missed Monday's practice after suffering neck spasms, giving Byron Jones a chance to play first-team safety.
Anthony Hitchens also missed practice, as he continues to rehab a foot injury.
James Hanna reported to the practice field toward the tail end of the media session. He's been back in pads for several days now after spraining his MCL in the preseason loss to San Diego on Aug. 13, but the Cowboys have been cautious about his workload – as has been the case for seemingly all of their hobbled players this preseason.
Rolando McClain was also at practice for the second straight day after being activated from the Physically Unable to Perform List – in what will likely be his last work before his four-game suspension kicks in.
It's possible the veteran linebacker could play in the preseason finale on Thursday night against Houston, though it seems unlikely given the amount of time he has missed with an injured knee.
When the Cowboys' 53-man roster is finalized on Sept. 5, McClain will begin his suspension and will be unable to visit the team's facility or attend practice until Monday, Oct. 5.
