If the cutting is ready to be planted, it probably has excess root anyway. Breaking a few of the roots shouldn't hurt at all.

If you plant in the ground (now may not be a good time for that especially if planted in full sun or light shade), don't dig further than the bottom of the rootball. When you place the plant in the hole (bowl shaped holes are generally best), the roots (or many of them at least) should rest on the bottom of the hole. Gently cover with dirt pressing down a little to eliminate air pockets as you fill the hole.

If you're going to plant in a pot, use a loose airy type of soilless potting mix (I noticed Lowes had some especially formulated for shrubs and trees. If you have a lot of plants, it might be worth getting a bag of that or just use plain potting mix). When the pot is half full (or to the point where the bottom of the rootball needs to go), firm the soil to that level. Then plant similarly to the way you would if planting in the ground.

To sum all this up in one sentence...Just plant them and don't worry about it.

And, (Sorry about all the (parentheses). I think maybe I set a record with this post.)

I was just going back over you post. If the roots are that short, I would plant them in a pot of soilless mix now and plant them in the ground this fall. With roots that short, I'd be surprised if they made it if planted directly in the ground right now.

Also, with roots that short, just fill the potting mix in around the stem, and I doubt any of them will be broken.