Stoner Rumors but Likely Going To Get a Chance To Stay in Vegas
STILLWATER – Cut down day in the National Football League and it was kind to some Cowboys and not so kind to others. The real mystery cut was in Las Vegas where beat writers are reporting that the Raiders waived former Cowboys slot receiver and returner and undrafted rookie free agent Dillon Stoner. Stoner has had a strong preseason returning both punts and kicks, making tackles on special teams cover kickoffs, and blocking and leading the Raiders in receiving in the final preseason game against San Francisco. It was thought that Stoner was a “Jon Gruden” type gym rat of a player. The reports are that the Raiders want Stoner to pass through 24-hour waivers and then sign him as a practice squad player. Other Cowboys were fortunate enough to make the 53-man roster as the cuts were required by 3 p.m. central on Tuesday.
As expected, draft choices Chuba Hubbard and Tylan Wallace made it with their teams. Hubbard got a lot of playing time in the preseason and is expected to be the backup to Christian McCaffery this upcoming season. Hubbard showed the ability to run the ball and also make catches out of the backfield.
Wallace had a tough first preseason game with no receptions but was much better in week two against Carolina and then caught his first ever NFL touchdown pass in the final preseason game at Washington. Wallace is another gym rat type player that never passes an opportunity to do something to better his abilities.
A surprise may have been in Los Angeles where linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga came out strong in the first preseason game with eight tackles and rode that to making the squad. Another player that came out strong with nine tackles and a fumble recovery in the opening preseason game with the crosstown New York Jets was late draft pick Rodarius Williams. The media and the Giants brass pumped up Williams a lot throughout camp and he has a chance to start for the Giants at the nickel corner position.
Also in New York, kicker Matt Ammendola as a free agent went three-for-three on field goals with the Jets against the Packers including a 52-yard make and Ammendola is going to be the Jets kicker.
The highest Cowboy and Big 12 player drafted was offensive tackle Teven Jenkins, who barely practiced with the Chicago Bears in camp and had his camp end with back surgery.
Other cut day or victims of earlier releases in camp were corner Kevin Peterson (Tennessee), defensive end Jordan Brailford (Minnesota), linebacker Justin Phillips (Washington), linebacker Calvin Bundage (Pittsburgh), defensive tackle Cam Murray (Arizona), wide receiver Tyron Johnson (L.A. Chargers), and wide receiver Marcell Ateman (Las Vegas).
Much like Stoner, the reports in Seattle are that the Seahawks are releasing center/guard Brad Lundblade but intend to sign the veteran to their practice squad.
Veterans sticking around would be quarterback Mason Rudolph and wide receiver James Washington with the Steelers, defensive tackle Vincent Taylor with the Texans, defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah with the Dolphins, corner A.J. Green with the Browns, both running back Chris Carson and corner Tre Flowers with the Seahawks.