NFL notebook: Locals among Cowboys' cuts
BY Associated Press
Sunday, September 04, 2011
9/04/11 at 5:04 AM
Demoted defensive lineman Igor Olshansky, last year's starting fullback Chris Gronkowski and veteran kickers Shayne Graham and Dave Rayner were among the players the Dallas Cowboys released on Saturday to get their roster down to 53.
The departure of the experienced legs means the Cowboys are sticking with David Buehler and former Oklahoma State standout Dan Bailey. Buehler almost certainly will handle kickoffs, with Bailey handling field goals.
Olshansky joined the Cowboys in 2008 to be reunited with Wade Phillips, who had been his defensive coordinator in San Diego. Between Phillips getting fired midway through last season, and Dallas signing Kenyon Coleman - who spent the past two seasons in Cleveland playing for the Cowboys' new coordinator, Rob Ryan - Olshansky's release was no surprise. The move saves Dallas more than $3.3 million against the salary cap.
Gronkowski made the team as an undrafted rookie last season. His tenure will best be remembered for a missed block that led to Tony Romo breaking his collarbone.
Also dumped were a pair of former Oklahoma Sooners, receiver Manny Johnson, a seventh-round draft pick in 2009; and linebacker Mike Balogun. Former Oklahoma State linebacker Orie Lemon also was released.
DT Tommie Harris released by Colts: Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Tommie Harris was one of 27 players waived by the Colts as the team trimmed its roster to the NFL's mandated limit of 53.
Harris made three straight Pro Bowls with the Bears from 2005-07 and was a key cog in the team's Super Bowl run during the 2006 season. He was hindered by injuries the past three seasons and was released by the Bears in February.
Dolphins release Johnson, keep Clay: Two-time Pro Bowl running back Larry Johnson was among those released Saturday by Miami to meet the NFL deadline for reaching the regular-season roster limit.
Johnson's contract was terminated. He signed last week after sitting out most of last season when his career was derailed by a series of off-the-field missteps.
Miami also terminated the contracts of cornerback Will Allen and fullback Lousaka Polite.
All six 2011 draft picks made the 53-man roster, including sixth-round pick Charles Clay. The former University of Tulsa standout, a fullback and tight end, will help fill Polite's role.
Vikings drop Iglesias: The Minnesota Vikings waived former Oklahoma wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias. The team had signed him off the Bears' practice squad in January.
Rams cut Toston: Former Oklahoma State running back Keith Toston was waived by the St. Louis Rams.
Chinasa waived: The Carolina Panthers cut former Oklahoma State defensive lineman Ugo Chinasa.
