Cowboys make first wave of roster cuts with 8 players

The Dallas Cowboys have made their first official cuts to the roster as the coaching staff looks to trim down to 53 players before the NFL regular season.

Dallas Cowboys tight end John Stephens Jr. runs with the ball as Baltimore Ravens cornerback Reuben Lowery defends | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for the start of the NFL regular season, but not before having to do one of the toughest things the front office and coaching staff have to do every season.

Roster cuts are never easy. In order for the Cowboys to get down to a 53-man roster, many will hear the worst news before Tuesday's deadline for roster cuts.

MORE: Cowboys roster cuts tracker: List of players released on way to 53-men

On Monday, the Cowboys officially announced their first wave of cuts, which included 8 players, one of whom was veteran offensive lineman La'el Collins, who, with more than four years of accrued NFL experience, can skip the waiver wire and sign directly with a new team.

Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins indicates he is an eligible receiver entering the game against the Minnesota Vikings | Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

The full list of players includes:

Waived
OG Nick Broeker
DT Denzel Daxon
WR Josh Kelly
TE Tyler Neville
CB Troy Pride
TE John Stephens Jr.

MORE: Cowboys release veteran OT after pouring his heart out to fanbase

Released
OT La'el Collins

Waived/Injury
CB Christian Matthew

There were not a lot of surprises in the first wave of cuts.

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Denzel Daxon reacts after a sack against the Los Angeles Chargers. | Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

The news of Collins' release was revealed on Sunday, and Matthew's unfortunate injury put him in a tough spot.

MORE: Dallas Cowboys potential answer to CB concerns just became available

Expect more roster news to trickle out today and tomorrow. Most teams would rather not drag on such a difficult situation for those waiting to hear about their future. It's never easy, but the job of an NFL player is one that only a select few can claim they have ever done.

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Troy Pride Jr. and Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker defend a pass. | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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