Cowboys 2021 Training Team: Ben DiNucci joins team and heads 16-man unit in Dallas

With initial cuts in the roster now completed around the NFL, teams are focused on waiver requirements and filling out their 16-man training team. For the Dallas Cowboys, the more pressing of all positions was the role of backup quarterback, and they hope the third-round pick Will Grier will help solve the problem behind Dak Prescott — after resigning from both Garrett Gilbert and Ben DiNucci on Tuesday . When designing the Cowboys' 53-man roster ahead of the NFL deadline, there were several notable players who predicted returning to Dallas if they clear exemptions, and some familiar faces have already accepted terms, the most prevalent being DiNucci.

The previous election in the seventh round in 2020 may not seem to find any kind of groove at the professional level, but the Cowboys are not giving up on their forearm yet. The 24-year-old will continue to try to develop alongside others like Isaac Alarcon - who has an exemption from the squad and will not count against the team’s 16-man roster - and JaQuan Hardy, a backup back who did not show enough to take on himself the role of RB3 in the wake of Rico Dowdle being lost for the year with a broken hip; but made the case more time in Dallas with the possibility of being called up next season (in case of injury).

A quick reminder of the rules for 2021: teams can pick up players from the training squad for the playing day list a total of twice and move them back the following week without risking them for exemptions. The third time they are called, if they are released, they can not be moved back to the training team and will instead hit the waiver thread - unless they are a veteran who is not covered by exemptions (in which case ‘will immediately be a free agent ).

That said, here’s a look at the Cowboys training team so far, sources confirm to CBS Sports, with more names coming:

• Ben DiNucci, QB
• Isaac Alarcon, OL (IPP)
• Darian Thompson, S
• Nick Ralston, FB
• JaQuan Hardy, RB
• Braylon Jones, OL
• Kyron Brown, DB
• Brandon Smith, WR
• Osirus Mitchell, WR
• Deante Burton, CB

Alarcon is an exemption from rosters that can now be activated in 2021 under new IPP rules, and the Cowboys are playing a bit of chess by keeping him around this way because it will not cost them a roster (on either the active roster or training team) but guarantees that he is in tow to play in the future.

However, they did not get all they wanted, as defensive lineman Ron’Dell Carter was a good example of a dice roll coming out of snake eyes. The team discussed adding Carter to the training team before he was released, sources say, but while the promising young pass rusher cleared dispensations on Wednesday, he has agreed to enter into terms with the Arizona Cardinals to join their training team instead - say the same sources . Carter came on strong in camp and this year’s preseason after spending time on both Cowboys’ training squads in 2020 (was protected several times before being poached by the Indianolis Colts and then returning to the Cowboys to end the season).

Carter is a highly coveted selected free agent by 2020, and he is trying his hand in the desert — by learning from JJ Watt and potentially Chandler Jones in the process.

The situation at backup QB in Dallas is obviously the most exciting of all, because while CBS Sports projected Gilbert to join DiNucci on the training team, it has not yet emerged, making that situation one to watch. Gilbert entered training camp as a front-runner for QB2, but eventually lost to Rush, and not necessarily because of poor play - more because of familiarity and comfort with Rush by offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and the Cowboys front office. Gilbert can now choose where he wants to play, provided he gets more offers, and it would definitely benefit the Cowboys to keep him going.

Grier will challenge Rush for QB2 now, if that does not quickly replace him for the role, so stay tuned for any potential move on the latter, as Rush’s release may affect what does or does not happen to Gilbert. As usual, roster control at this time of year is a bowl of spaghetti - as more players are on their way to damaged reserve with some also to be activated from the COVID / Reserve list this week - so the “last” watch list in Dallas will not be put in a few days now.

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