East Texan cut by Cowboys; Tatum's Stephen Hodge placed on the IR

EAST TEXAS - The Dallas Cowboys released Gilmer native Manuel Johnson during the final round of roster cuts Saturday. The former Oklahoma standout could still make the practice squad if another team doesn't pick him up. It'd also allow him to make a pretty decent salary as a practice squad player but he'd miss out on opportunities like traveling with the team.

The NFL mandates league trim their rosters to 53 players.

The Cowboys trimmed their roster to 52 players, giving them an open spot to sign or claim a player on the waiver wire.

Three players selected in the April draft were released Saturday and another was placed on injured reserve.

Fifth round pick DeAngelo Smith and seventh round picks Mike Mickens were waived along with Johnson. Sixth round pick Stephen Hodge was placed on injured reserve.

This means Hodge's season is void, but his contract remains intact with the Cowboys. He won't be able to practice with the team and will get another shot next season.