Cowboys trim roster; rookie DBs cost vet a job

Four-year veteran defensive back Pat Watkins was officially released on Tuesday. He was outplayed during training camp by rookies Danny McCray and Barry Church.

“We like the safeties that we have,” Wade Phillips said. “Pat’s done a good job for us certainly overall. He came in and played for us and helped us win games. It’s a decision we made. I think somebody will pick him up today. We waived him today. I think somebody will pick him up and he’ll do well.”

The club also placed tight-end John Phillips on injured reserve and linebacker Stephen Hodge on reserve/PUP to get to the league-mandated 75-man roster by today's deadline.

-- Jan Hubbard