The Dallas Cowboys had some tough choices to make on Tuesday as NFL teams had to reduce their roster to 53 players by the afternoon.

Head coach Mike McCarthy repeatedly mentioned during his news conference that he hopes some of the players that were released can later be added to the team’s 16-man practice squad.

“The goal is always to keep 69 to 70 of these guys,” said McCarthy. “It’s a chess match and these are conversations that you don’t look forward to having.”

McCarthy said he has been a part of drafting and developing pro talent since 2006, but cut day does not get any easier.

“When you look a young man in the eye, and you know he’s done everything you asked him to do, and he definitely has earned an opportunity to be on the 53, and you don’t have enough spots based off how you think this whole thing is going to evolve,” said McCarthy.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 10: Jabril Cox #14 of the Dallas Cowboys and defensive end Chauncey Golston (59) tackle Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants during an NFL game at AT&T Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Some of the more surprising cuts included linebacker Jabril Cox, TE Sean McKeon and DL Quinton Bohanna.

QB Will Grier, the star of the preseason finale, was also cut.

OG T.J. Bass and RB/FB Hunter Luepke made the team as undrafted rookies.

OT Josh Ball, WR David Durden, LB DeMarvion Overshown and TE John Stephens Jr. were added to the reserve/injured list.