DALLAS -- The Dallas Cowboys reduced their roster to the league mandated limit Monday, leaving them with eight rookies as they prepare for next Monday night's season opener against the Washington Redskins.
The first five Dallas draft picks, headed by defensive back Kevin Smith and middle linebacker Robert Jones, made the final roster.
Jones will be in the starting lineup when the season starts.
There were few surprises among the final cuts, even though the release of running backs Chuck Weatherspoon and Michael Beasley left the team with only three experienced ball carriers capable of playing against the Redskins. Emmitt Smith, Tommy Agee, Daryl Johnston and rookie Jay Hillman fill out the depth chart at running back and fullback with Curvin Richards also protected on the final list.
Richards, however, is suffering from a lacerated kidney and may now be placed on the injured list with the intention of bringing him back four games deep in the season. If a player is put on the injured reserve list prior to the final cuts, he is out for the season.
Other than Weatherspoon and Beasley, one of whom may be brought back on the roster if he is not claimed by another NFL team, Monday's cuts included receiver Gerald Alphin, linebacker Reggie Cooper, linebacker Maurice Crum, tight end Chad Fortune, quarterback Jason Garrett, defensive end Kevin Harris, guard Dale Hellestrae, quarterback Craig Kupp, receiver Tony Lomack, guard Tom Myslinski, wide receiver Derrick Shepard and tight end Fallon Wacasey.
Kicker Brad Daluiso was cut from the team Sunday, leaving rookie Lin Elliott as the Cowboys place kicker this season.
The Cowboys have only two quarterbacks on their roster -- Troy Aikman and Steve Beuerlein.
