Most significant move: If the Dallas Cowboys are going to continue experimenting with Dustin Vaughan as a possible backup quarterback of the future, it will have to be with him on the practice squad. Vaughan was one of 20 players cut by Saturday's deadline.
Vaughan made the Cowboys' 53-man roster last year as an undrafted free agent from West Texas A&M as the third quarterback behind Tony Romo and Brandon Weeden.
The Cowboys had hoped he could push Weeden for the No. 2 job in training camp but it never materialized even with Weeden missing two games with a concussion. Vaughan completed 35 of 67 passes for 343 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. He was sacked nine times.
He possesses a big arm and is smart. He just needs more time to develop. The Cowboys are taking a chance in exposing him to the waiver wire, but if he clears he is expected back on the practice squad.
See you later: The Cowboys placed defensive end Greg Hardy and linebacker Rolando McClain on the suspended list but Hardy could still take the NFL to court to seek a further reduction in his four-game suspension.
If Hardy elects that route, he could be eligible to play Week 1 against the New York Giants.
But if Hardy accepts the suspension, he will not be able to be with the team until Oct. 5, like McClain. Their returns Oct. 11 against the New England Patriots could be big boosts to defense, especially with Tom Brady's suspension vacated.
While McClain will not be allowed to practice with the team, he has been granted permission to continue his work out at the facility because he was suspended under the substance-abuse policy, like Jakar Hamilton last year. Since Hardy's suspension falls under the personal conduct policy, he will not be allowed at the facility.
What's next: Players on the bottom of the roster should not feel comfortable just yet.
The Cowboys have historically made a few waiver-wire claims and can still work low-level trades to fill needs. The best time to feel safe for these guys will be Tuesday; however, the Cowboys have shown much more willingness to churn the roster under Jason Garrett than they did with Wade Phillips. A big part of that reason is the job senior director college/pro personnel Will McClay has done in finding players the last three years.
Cowboys' moves/cuts: LB Rolando McClain (reserve/suspended), DE Greg Hardy (reserve/suspended), RB Ben Malena, RB, Gus Johnson, FB Ray Agnew, LB Ka'Lial Glaud (injured), OL Ronald Patrick, DE Ben Gardner, QB Jameill Showers, QB Dustin Vaughan, C Shane McDermott, LB Donnie Baggs, WR Clyde Gates, OT Laurence Gibson, WR Nick Harwell, LB Dakorey Johnson, WR A.J. Jenkins, DE Efe Obda, CB Joel Ross, S Tim Scott, CB Rod Sweeting (injured), OL John Wetzel.