The Facts: Following up on a previous item. ... The Cowboys are expected to officially cut the backup quarterback in a move that will likely be made official on Wednesday.

Diehards Line: Orton did not participate in any of the Cowboys’ offseason practices or workouts, missing all of the OTAs and minicamp sessions. Although Orton has not made public comments this offseason, it has been believed he has hinted at retirement. However, if he retired under contract, he could be required to pay back $3 million to the Cowboys from his signing bonus. Now that it appears Orton will be waived, he instead adds to the club’s dead money total. However, by cutting him the Cowboys won’t pay his $3.25 million base salary. The cap savings of about $1 million this year will be helpful considering they are looking to sign Dez Bryant to a long-term contract this season. Meanwhile, the move means Brandon Weeden is the top candidate to be the No. 2 quarterback behind Tony Romo. A first-round pick of the Browns in 2012, Weeden took nearly all of the first-team snaps this summer with Orton sitting out and Romo still cautiously rehabbing a herniated disk injury in his back that required surgery last December. Veteran Caleb Hanie and rookie Dustin Vaughan will join Romo and Weeden as the four quarterbacks on the roster heading into camp.