DALLAS -- The Dallas Cowboys, unsuccessful in an attempt to trade seven-year veteran running back Ron Springs, put him on waivers Monday as one of the moves needed to trim their roster to the league-limit of 45.
Springs, facing a trial on assault charges in connection with a night club disturbance, had been the subject of trade talks with the Buffalo Bills.
But once those talks proved fruitless Springs was let go to make room for former U.S. Football League standout John Williams.
Also waived Monday were wide receiver Duriel Harris, defensive backs Carl Howard and Ricky Easmon and linebacker Scott Strasburger. In addition the Cowboys released rookie Ron Jenkins from the injured reserve list.
The Cowboys will thus begin the regular season with seven rookies - punter Mike Saxon, wide receiver Karl Powe, running back Rober Lavette, linebacker Jesse Penn, offensive guard Crawford Ker, wide receiver Leon Gonzalez and defensive end Kevin Brooks.
Other than Springs, the major surprise from Monday's moves involved Harris. He was in his 10th year in the NFL, having been acquired on waivers from Cleveland last year.
Harris had begun to display signs of adapting to the Cowboys system late in preseason, but Coach Tom Landry opted to go with Powe at the wide receiver spot.
