The Dallas Cowboys decided they no longer needed five safeties on the roster and released 10-year veteran Will Allen.

Allen was brought in because the Cowboys were unsure about who could play safety beside Barry Church and he was familiar with Monte Kiffin's defense. After starting all through camp and into the first two games of the season, Dallas turned to rookie J.J. Wilcox who so far has acquitted himself very well. With Danny McCray and Jeff Heath available as backups, the Cowboys decided they could use the spot more effectively somewhere else.

With the move the Cowboys now have only 52 players on the roster allowing them flexibility to bring up a practice squad player or bring in someone from the outside. Jay Ratliff is eligible to come off the PUP list next week. It seems like a long shot that this move is related to that, unless the Cowboys feel confident they can elevate a practice squad player for this week, then move Ratliff in next week if healthy. Given we've yet to see the veteran defensive tackle workout at any practices yet, even just along the sidelines, no one really knows how far along Ratliff is in rehab. As was reported earlier today Ratliff is rehabbing at two different places, one of them away from Valley Ranch. There seems to be some tension between Ratliff and the Cowboys strength and conditioning guys including medical staff.