FRISCO, Texas – The Cowboys released rookie wide receiver Dennis Houston on Tuesday, creating a vacant spot on the 53-man roster heading into Week 3.
Houston came to the team as an undrafted Western Illinois rookie after an impressive training camp. With the Cowboys without Michael Gallup (knee) and James Washington (injury reserve/foot) to start the season, Houston played 60 snaps in the first two games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cincinnati Bengals, catching two passes for 16 yards.
Gallup could make his season debut Monday night against the New York Giants depending on how practice week goes. He has had limited involvement so far, but the Cowboys hope to continue to increase his workload. Releasing Houston also creates a path for third-round pick Jalen Tolbert to potentially be active for the first time in his career, perhaps early in Week 3.
The move also gives the Cowboys some roster flexibility for the week. The team can raise two practice players each week, but there is now an open roster spot if another player perhaps needs to be added before the Giants game. Backup quarterback Will Grier is expected to be elevated again as backup to backup starter Cooper Rush, and center Alec Lindstrom was also elevated to offensive line depth last week with Connor McGovern (high ankle sprain) injured. Veteran offensive tackle Jason Peters continues to increase his practice work, and perhaps tight end Sean McKeon could also be an option, depending on whether starter Dalton Schultz (sprained knee) can play this week.
Houston will be eligible to sign with the practice squad if he is not claimed by another team.
