Cowboys cut Ryan Williams, 2 others

The Dallas Cowboys released running back Ryan Williams on Tuesday, possibly signaling the end of the line for a player selected early in the second round of the 2011 draft.

Williams' career never properly got started. The former Virginia Tech runner ruptured his patella tendon in his first preseason as a pro and never fully recovered.

Williams signed with the Cowboys in May 2014 but failed to make the team. The Cowboys stashed him on their practice squad last season in hopes Williams would compete with Joseph Randle, Darren McFadden, and Lance Dunbar for touches in a post-DeMarco Murray world.

Sadly, that won't be happening. Williams had another knee surgery after June's minicamp and likely won't be healthy in time for camp.

The Cowboys also released linebacker Cam Lawrence and offensive lineman Ryan Miller. In their places, the team signed running back Gus Johnson, offensive lineman Ronald Patrick, and linebacker Justin Anderson.