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NFL roundup: Latest league news from Tuesday, Aug. 31

The Dallas Cowboys culled their quarterback room on cutdown day.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport reported that Dallas waived quarterbacks Garrett Gilbert and Ben DiNucci, per sources informed of the decision. The Cowboys have since announced their release and have reached a 53-man roster.

The moves make Cooper Rush the backup to Dak Prescott in 2021.

The Cowboys could bring one of the signal-callers back to the practice squad after they clear waivers.

A 2020 seventh-round pick, DiNucci famously started one game for the Cowboys last year, completing 21-of-40 passes for 180 yards in a blowout loss to Philly. The QB's play caught the ire of owner Jerry Jones following the game, and DiNucci was put on ice for the rest of the season.

Garrett, a former sixth-round pick in 2014, also started one game last season in the Cowboys' lost campaign. He went 21-of-38 for 243 yards, a TD and an INT.

Rush was the best of the backups during preseason action and is in line to take over if another injury strikes Prescott -- who is coming off ankle surgery and dealt with a shoulder issue during camp.

Jerry Jones told 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday that Rush earned the backup role with his consistency.

“I just think he has shown he can run the complete offense,” Jones said, via Jon Machota of The Athletic. “Credit to him. He had some tough competition. He’s had a lot of reps. All of those things make us feel real comfortable here.”

The Cowboys are also waiving defensive end Ron'Dell Carter, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported.

Preseason news

Roster cuts

Injuries/COVID-19

  • The New Orleans Saints have officially placed wide receiver Michael Thomas on the PUP list, meaning he won't be eligible for return until Week 7. Thomas underwent surgery in June to repair damaged ligaments in his ankle.
  • Houston Texans defensive end Whitney Mercilus is dealing with a hamstring injury and isn't practicing on Tuesday, a source tells Rapoport.
  • Chicago Bears running back Tarik Cohen has been placed on the PUP list to start the season and will be eligible for return on Week 7. Cohen is still recovering from an ACL tear suffered in Week 3 of last season.
  • The Green Bay Packers are keeping All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari (knee) on the PUP list into the season, Rapoport reported, per a source familiar with the situation. The move means he’ll miss the first six weeks.
  • New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore (quad) will start the season on the PUP list and won't be eligible for a return until Week 7, a source tells Rapoport.
  • Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Kyle Long has been placed on the PUP list and won't be available until Week 7, the team announced.
  • Carolina Panthers rookie long snapper Thomas Fletcher was placed on season-ending injured reserve, the team announced. Veteran J.J. Jansen earns the role.
  • The Cleveland Browns placed guard Drew Forbes (knee) and tackle Greg Senat (knee) on injured reserve.
  • Detroit Lions quarterback Tim Boyle is expected to miss about 6-8 weeks following thumb surgery, a source tells Garafolo.
  • The Pittsburgh Steelers placed quarterback Joshua Dobbs on season-ending injured reserve.

Signings

  • The Cleveland Browns are expected to sign quarterback Nick Mullens to their practice squad after the 53-man roster is set later today, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports, per a source. Mullens was recently released by the Eagles.
  • Los Angeles Rams punter Johnny Hekker will remain with the team after restructuring his contract, a source tells Rapoport. Hekker stays in L.A. as Corey Bojorquez, who gave the veteran great competition during camp, was traded to the Packers.

Trades

  • The Green Bay Packers are acquiring punter Corey Bojorquez from the Los Angeles Rams via trade, Pelissero reports, per source. The Packers give up a 2023 sixth-round pick in exchange for Bojorquez and a 2023 seventh-round pick. Green Bay cut longtime P J.K. Scott after acquiring Bojorquez.
  • The Philadelphia Eagles have traded offensive lineman Matt Pryor and a 2022 seventh-round pick to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a 2022 sixth-round pick, the teams announced.
  • The Denver Broncos are acquiring linebacker Jonas Griffith and a 2022 seventh-round pick from the San Francisco 49ers for a 2022 sixth-round pick and 2023 seventh-round pick, Pelissero reported.
  • The Detroit Lions are acquiring receiver Trinity Benson and a 2023 sixth-round pick from the Denver Broncos for 2022 fifth- and seventh-round picks, Pelissero reported.
  • The New York Giants are trading a 2022 fourth-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for guard Ben Bredeson, a 2022 fifth-round pick and a 2023 seventh-round pick, Pelissero reports, per a source.
  • The Minnesota Vikings have acquired tight end Chris Herndon via trade from the New York Jets, Rapoport reports. The Vikings are sending a 2022 fourth-round pick to the Jets for Herndon and a 2022 sixth-round pick, sources tell Rapoport.