The Dallas Cowboys have released Gerald McCoy via an injury waiver in the veteran defensive tackle's contract, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

McCoy had an injury waiver on his quad as part of the three-year, $18 million deal he signed with Dallas this offseason. If McCoy injured the quad, which he did in Monday's practice, they could cut him, the source told Schefter.

McCoy can keep his $3 million bonus, according to the source, but the Cowboys appear not to owe him any more money. The move comes a day after McCoy tore his right quadriceps in practice, an injury that requires season-ending surgery.

McCoy, 32, indicated Monday in a text to ESPN's Ed Werder that he planned to maintain a leadership role with the Cowboys.

"I will remain the mentor I am to the young guys and do my part to make sure that this team goes where it needs to," McCoy told Werder in the text.