The cuts have been made – not just in Dallas, but in Philadelphia, D.C. and the Meadowlands, as well. With all the late moves and, additions and attempts at roster churning happening at Valley Ranch, it's only logical to assume the same is happening at the other team facilities in this division.
Here's a look at the biggest changes – whether they be additions or subtractions – for the Eagles, Giants and Redskins. If you think back to how different the Cowboys' roster looked when camp opened in late July, it's fair to say the same goes for everyone else.
Here's a look at the biggest changes for all three of the Cowboys' NFC East rivals as they prepare for Week 1:
New York GiantsThe Cowboys are experiencing the relief of getting some key pieces back this week, and the same goes in New York. It isn't clear how much Jon Beason will be able to do in the season opener against Detroit, but the linebacker practiced Monday after missing all of training camp – that sound familiar? Beason is New York's best linebacker, and he should be able to bolster the unit when he does in fact return.
Meanwhile, several injuries highlight the offensive side of the ball, which was pretty woeful in five preseason efforts. One of the Giants' biggest offseason acquisitions, Geoff Schwartz, injured his toe in the preseason game against the Jets and looks like he'll be unavailable for the first month or so of the season – short-term injured reserve hasn't been ruled out. Again, sound familiar? In his place, rookie Weston Richburg will be forced into the left guard spot.
Super Bowl hero Mario Manningham is on injured reserve and done for the season with lingering leg injuries. First-round draft pick Odell Beckham sat out throughout training camp with a hamstring problem and appears to be several weeks away from practicing.
Philadelphia EaglesLet's just keep the Cowboys similarities going, shall we? Travis Long wasn't expected to start for the Eagles' defense, but after spending the 2013 season on injured reserve, there was excitement about the ways he'd be able to contribute. Unfortunately, Long tore his ACL last week and is done for the season.
The linebacker corps will survive, as Trent Cole, Conner Barwin, Mychal Kendricks, DeMeco Ryans and Brandon Graham are all good to go. It's still a blow, and it will likely mean earlier playing time for first-round pick Marcus Smith.
The Eagles also parted ways with fourth-year kicker Alex Henery, whose percentage dropped every year of his time in Philadelphia. He converted just 82.1 percent of his kicks last season, and he lost his job to rookie Cody Parkey.
Washington RedskinsWashington made news with a big-name addition after roster cuts when they added Duke [embedded_ad]
Ihenacho, the veteran safety who started during Denver's Super Bowl run last year. That news undoubtedly upset some Dallas fans who unhappy with the talent level on the Cowboys' defense – especially after the decision to release Ahmad Dixon.
Ihenacho should help offset the loss of starter Brandon Meriweather to a two-game suspension, leaving longtime veteran Ryan Clark and second-year draft pick Bacarri Rambo on the other side. Fellow 2013 draft pick Phillip Thomas was added to the practice squad.
Much to the dismay – or maybe excitement – of Texas-based Cowboys fans, Lache Seastrunk didn't make Washington's final cuts. I thought Seastrunk had absolutely wrapped up a roster spot when he ripped off an 80-yard touchdown reception last week in the Redskins' preseason finale. First-year coach Jay Gruden didn't seem to agree with me, however. The sixth-round pick out of Baylor was released, and he wasn't added to the practice squad.
For the time being, Seastrunk hasn't been added to anyone's roster or practice squad. I'm positive the shifty back has work to do on his blocking and other aspects of the position, but a team somewhere will give the speedster a shot, I'm sure.
