The Associated Press

IRVING, Texas - Bill Parcells insists he wasn't sending a message to the rest of the Dallas Cowboys by cutting kick returner-cornerback Derek Ross just days before a big game.

The move came after Ross missed two team functions - a team run and hospital visits - and fumbled twice in a Thanksgiving Day loss to Miami. But the coach said Wednesday those aren't the reasons Ross is gone.

Parcells said Ross, a 2002 third-round pick from Ohio State who appeared to be a rising star, just didn't have a future with his Cowboys.

"I certainly don't do things impulsively," Parcells said in his first meeting with the media since cutting Ross on Tuesday. "I've been watching him in the offseason, minicamps, training camps, and you're hopeful things will go in a certain direction. Then, at some point in time, you become convinced they're not going to.

"When you get to that point, it's a waste of everybody's time to continue the relationship."

The Cowboys (8-4) play Sunday at Philadelphia (9-3) in a game filled with playoff implications. The Eagles have won seven straight since losing at Dallas, but the Cowboys can take a big step toward an NFC East title with a win.

Parcells and Ross clashed several times.

Parcells criticized Ross for relying on raw ability instead of technique when covering receivers, and carrying the ball loosely on kickoff returns. He lost one of his fumbles in the 40-21 loss to Miami. The coach also wasn't pleased how Ross handled a knee injury that kept him out of the first four games.

Zuriel Smith, inactive for five of the last six games since being replaced by Ross as the kick returner, could return to that role. Aveion Cason is another option.

Pete Hunter and Andrew Davison, a free agent signee who has been inactive his first 10 games, are candidates to take over for Ross at the nickel back.

Hunter had that position before Ross.

Ross played all but two games last season, starting nine and leading NFL rookie cornerbacks with five interceptions.

His stock with Parcells began falling when he violated curfew before a preseason game.

He didn't start that game as punishment, then he tore cartilage in his right knee once he got in.

Ross chose rehabilitation over season-ending surgery, then took eight weeks to return, about twice as long as doctors estimated.