Australian punter Sam Irwin-Hill's hopes of playing with the Dallas Cowboys appear doomed after the NFL team signed their veteran Chris Jones to a hefty contract extension.
Bendigo-born Irwin-Hill impressed and showed his utility value for the Cowboys in last week's pre-season opener against Arizona Cardinals when he also handled goal kicking duties and booted the game-winning field goal.
The Cowboys, however, signed incumbent punter Jones on Wednesday to a four-year $US8.7 million ($A11 million) contract that included a $US2.5 million ($A3.2 million) signing bonus.
Irwin-Hill also faces a tough task to usurp veteran Dallas kicker Dan Bailey, who has not missed a field goal in training camp, is one of the most accurate in the NFL with 89.5 per cent career field goal accuracy and is signed with the Cowboys until 2020.
Irwin-Hill made the Cowboys' training roster after a two-year stint with University of Arkansas Razorbacks.
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The 26-year-old received rave reviews for his dual punting-kicking role in the Cowboys' 20-18 win against the Cardinals last week so should receive interest from other NFL teams if he is cut.
NFL teams have to reduce their 90-man rosters to 53 by September 2.
Meanwhile, Australian offensive guard David Yankey had a solid opening pre-season hit out for Carolina Panthers in their 27-17 win over Houston Texans on Wednesday.
The Sydney-born 198cm tall, 145kg, Yankey was drafted by Minnesota Vikings in 2014 but he spent last year with the Panthers and is hoping to make the team's 53-man roster.
In his NFL pre-season debut, Deshaun Watson, Houston's first round draft pick, completed 15 of 25 passes for 179 yards and ran for a touchdown despite the loss.
