Cowboys Release Hughes, Four Others

The Dallas Cowboys cut five players on Tuesday, the most intriguing of which was kicker Connor Hughes, a former Arena League star who figured for some time to compete with David Buehler for the place-kicking job.

Instead, the management has given Buehler--a kick-off specialist last season--yet another vote of confidence in the form of Hughes' release. Whether anything will change between now and the beginning of the season, no one can know; but for now, Buehler is pretty clearly the Cowboys' guy, with respect to the kicker position.

Dallas also bid adieu Tuesday to cornerback Marquis Floyd, wide receiver Rashaun Greer, tight end Nick Tow-Arnett and guard Chet Teofilo. These were all stark longshots to make the team, and if you've never heard of them, we won't hold it against you.

With the five releases, there are 81 players on the Cowboys' roster. By the beginning of training camp, on July 24, that number must shrink to 80.