Irving, TX -- (Sports Network) - Quarterback Richard Bartel, who was looking to make the Dallas Cowboys as a third-string quarterback, was among the 21 players released as part of the team's "cut-down day" maneuvers on Saturday.

The advancing age of primary backup QB Brad Johnson, who turns 40 on Sept. 13, was seen as a mark in favor of the 25-year-old Bartel making the roster. But the former star at Division II Tarleton State didn't do enough to prove himself during a preseason that saw him compile a 70.2 passer rating, and thus was released.

Joining him on the list of cuts were wide receiver Danny Amendola, tight end Drew Atchison, nose tackle Remi Ayodele, wide receiver Mark Bradford, running back Alonzo Coleman, fullback Julius Crosslin, safety Dowayne Davis, defensive end Marcus Dixon, linebacker Tearrius George, tackle Ryan Gibbons, tight end Rodney Hannah, receiver Mike Jefferson, running back Keon Lattimore, tackle Cory Lekkerkerker (waived/injured), receiver Todd Lowber, linebacker Darrell Robertson, nose tackle Junior Siavii, defensive end Marcus Smith, linebacker Tyson Smith and linebacker Erik Walden.

Notables among that group include Ayodele, who played in seven games as a member of the Cowboys last season; Lattimore, the younger brother of Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowler Ray Lewis; and Siavii, a former second-round pick of the Chiefs who was attempting to revive his career after two years away from the field.

The Cowboys will begin their 2008 slate on Sept. 7, when they travel to meet the Cleveland Browns.