Cowboys Release Ex-TCU Star to Start 53-Man Roster Cuts: Report

The Dallas Cowboys started reducing to 53 players with a young talent entering his second year.

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The first notable cuts were defensive end Ben Banogu and offensive lineman Alec Lindstrom, while QB Will Grier was informed of his departure two days earlier.

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Lindstrom and Banogu's release was originally reported by Dallas Morning News reporter Michael Gehlken. Banogu was hoping for a Dallas homecoming after starring at TCU, but he may have to go elsewhere.

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Cowboys have started the onerous task of cutting roster to 53 players. Some moves today. The majority Tuesday AM. A person familiar with the decision said center Alec Lindstrom was waived.

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Gehlken wrote on X that he practiced with Dallas in 2022. A person familiar with the decision said Cowboys notified DE Ben Banogu he was dismissed. The 2019 second-round pick and former TCU star played four seasons for the Colts.

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Banogu hasn't lived up to his draft billing, and Lindstrom was a Cowboys practice squad player in 2022 after being undrafted last year.

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Banogu always faced an uphill struggle with the Cowboys. Dallas has one of the league's best DEs with Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Sam Williams, and Dorance Armstrong Jr.

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Banogu may also struggle to play consistently in the NFL. Pro Football Reference reports that the Nigerian defensive end failed to make an impression with the Colts in the three years after a strong debut season in 2019 with 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble.

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