NFL Roster Day: Tyron Johnson, A.J. Green, Jordan Brailford, Chris Lacy Cut

In the category of bittersweet 2020 milestones, we have arrived on NFL roster day. It’s bitter because several NFL hopefuls will be dealt a crushing blow, but sweet because it signifies the upcoming start of a long-awaited NFL season.

At 3 p.m. CST on Saturday all NFL teams had to shave their rosters down to 53. That makes for some tough conversations with fringe players still fighting to realize their pro dream.

Several former Cowboys found themselves on the bubble. So we’ll keep you updated on the cuts and then circle back to who made the final rosters as we continue to preview the season.

First off, the bad news. (It’s important to remember that those cut could still find their way onto an NFL practice squad.)

Here are the former Cowboys who were released before the deadline.

Tyron Johnson — Los Angeles Chargers

The former Uni Heisman winner and Oklahoma state championship hurdler (Bedlam trials) did not make the final 53 roster for the relocated Chargers, unfortunately.

A.J. Green – Cleveland Browns

The undrafted rookie didn’t make the final cut for his first NFL fall camp, but he should get an opportunity to earn a spot either on Cleveland’s practice squad or elsewhere. We’ll see where he lands when everything settles.

Chris Lacy — Detroit Lions

The productive Oklahoma State wideout has had his ups and downs with multiple cuts and signings since landing in Detroit two years ago.

The Lions are cutting receiver Chris Lacy, per @TomPelissero

— kyle meinke (@kmeinke) September 4, 2020

He had a TD in a preseason game but has only mustered three total catches in eight career games.

Jordan Brailford — Washington Redskins

Washington has waived DE Jordan Brailford, per source. He seemed to play well in camp and would make sense for the practice squad. Seventh-rounder out of Oklahoma State in 2019. @BenStandig first.

— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) September 5, 2020

The former OSU sack leader and Big 12 first-teamer was taken by the Redskins in the seventh round last year, but yet another injury setback — in a career full of them — landed him on the physically unable to perform list before last season even started and then on Injured Reserve.

Codey McElroy — Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

The former OSU hooper became a fun story to follow for Cowboys and Bucs fans alike when he converted his only career target for a 30-yard reception last season.

Codey McElroy just made his first NFL catch. His story is wild:
-Played baseball at Texas. Was drafted by the Atlanta Braves
-Played two years in the minors before going to play basketball at Oklahoma State
-Went undrafted out of SE Oklahoma State
-Activated by Bucs on Thursday pic.twitter.com/gkGuA3zRNc

— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) December 21, 2019

Madre Harper — Las Vegas Raiders

The former Cowboy DB was released from the program during the 2017 season before landing at Southern Illinois where he finished his final two years productively, starting 15 games.