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The third week of the 2024 NFL preseason unfolded on Saturday, as teams began to shift their focus toward the impending regular season.
This weekend’s final preseason games represent crucial opportunities for many players to demonstrate their worth before the Tuesday 4 p.m. ET deadline arrives for the 53-man roster cut-down.
NFL Nation reporters will provide insights into their roster predictions following each game. To keep you informed on the most significant roster questions ahead of Tuesday, they will detail the latest updates on final roster spots and position competitions.
Saturday’s Games
Seahawks: Kenny McIntosh seemed to secure his roster position before Saturday’s preseason conclusion; however, he is competing for touches as the third running back. After not seeing any offensive plays last season, McIntosh showcased his potential for a change-of-pace role with a 56-yard touchdown run on his only carry, finishing the preseason strong. Dee Eskridge, after being largely overlooked during the summer due to another hamstring issue, returned a punt for a 79-yard touchdown, reminding everyone of the explosiveness that led to his selection as a second-round pick. Could his special teams performance earn him an unexpected roster spot? — Brady Henderson
Season Opener: vs. Denver Broncos (4:05 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 8)
Brady Henderson’s Final 53-Man Roster Projection (ESPN+)
Browns: Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Tyler Huntley both made compelling cases for the role of No. 3 quarterback for the Browns. Thompson-Robinson completed 11 of 20 attempts for 115 yards, which included a 46-yard touchdown, while playing the majority of the first half. Huntley took charge for the entire second half, throwing three touchdown passes. General manager Andrew Berry expressed a preference for keeping three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, provided all are qualified, which gives Cleveland that advantage. The player who ultimately does not make the cut as the third quarterback may become a trade prospect before the final deadline. — Daniel Oyefusi
Season Opener: vs. Dallas Cowboys (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 8)
Daniel Oyefusi’s Final 53-Man Roster Projection (ESPN+)
Jets: With quarterback Aaron Rodgers and other starters not participating, the Jets took the opportunity to assess players vying for remaining roster spots. Running back Israel Abanikanda, a fifth-round pick from 2023, bolstered his case with 83 yards on nine carries, featuring a 45-yard touchdown. Defensive end Takkarist McKinley, selected in the first round by the Falcons in 2017, concluded a strong preseason with 2.5 sacks. McKinley has likely secured his spot on the roster, particularly with Haason Reddick still in holdout status. This preseason was notable as coach Robert Saleh opted to rest his starters, which is believed to be unprecedented for the franchise. (The only exception was center Joe Tippmann’s brief appearance in the first)
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game.) The objective was to minimize key injuries and enhance depth. — Rich Cimini
Season opener: at San Francisco 49ers (8:20 p.m. ET, Monday, Sept. 9)
Rich Cimini’s final 53-man roster projection (ESPN+)
Giants: Tommy DeVito played the entire game at quarterback against the Jets but failed to impress. This performance may not significantly impact his position. Backup Drew Lock (hip/abdomen) was limited in practice this week, and starter Daniel Jones has a long injury history. Unless DeVito’s struggles in this game, compounded by issues with the offensive line, lead to major reassessment, he is likely to stay as the third quarterback. However, this performance likely did not help his case. DeVito completed 14 of 27 passes for 103 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions and was sacked eight times during the game. — Jordan Raanan
Season opener: vs. Minnesota Vikings (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 8)
Jordan Raanan’s final 53-man roster projection (ESPN+)
Chargers: As this game approached, it appeared that wide receivers Brenden Rice and Simi Fehoko were in close contention for a place on the 53-man roster. It seems improbable that the Chargers will keep seven receivers, especially with their focus on a run-heavy offense. Fehoko concluded a solid preseason with a 78-yard touchdown in the second quarter. He recorded seven catches for 170 yards, while Rice managed just one reception throughout the preseason. Fehoko remained on the sidelines for the remainder of the game alongside the team’s starters and other players whose roster spots were secure, indicating he has likely made the team. — Kris Rhim
Season opener: vs. Las Vegas Raiders (4:05 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 8)
Kris Rhim’s final 53-man roster projection (ESPN+)
Cowboys: At times, not participating in the preseason can be as significant as playing. Rookie Cooper Beebe was in uniform but did not see any action against the Chargers, suggesting he will be the starting center in Week 1. Similarly, first-round selection Tyler Guyton, starting at left tackle due to Chuma Edoga’s toe injury, represents a pivotal choice.
With DaRon Bland requiring 6-8 weeks for recovery from impending foot surgery, the depth at cornerback will face scrutiny. Andrew Booth, acquired through a trade from Minnesota earlier in camp, surrendered a 78-yard touchdown a week after allowing a 48-yard catch against the Raiders. Caelen Carson was absent from Saturday’s game, another indicator that the Cowboys might rely heavily on their rookie fifth-round pick. It is possible the Cowboys will seek additional cornerback assistance during the final cut-down process.
Deuce Vaughn made a compelling case for a running back position. The coaching staff will need to devise ways to involve him in the offense, as he brings unique dynamism compared to the other running backs. — Todd Archer
Season opener: at Cleveland Browns (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 8)
Todd Archer’s final 53-man roster projection (ESPN+)
Packers: Perhaps the Packers lack a definitive No. 1 receiver—this subject seems to cause some frustration for coach Matt LaFleur, in
His expression was clear: “want to vomit.” However, they may have seven players deserving of a spot on the roster. They have previously retained that many; the most recent occurrence was in 2022. Malik Heath demonstrated his worth by catching 4 of 5 passes for 39 yards, which included an 18-yard touchdown from Sean Clifford. Both Clifford and rookie Michael Pratt tossed touchdown passes while Jordan Love observed from the sidelines. Pratt initially had a stronger performance before throwing an interception in the third quarter. On another note, kicker Anders Carlson left fans puzzled about his roster status after missing a 32-yard field goal. — Rob Demovsky
Season opener: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Sao Paulo, Brazil (8:15 p.m. ET, Friday, Sept. 6)
Rob Demovsky’s final 53-man roster projection (ESPN+)
Ravens: Injuries during the preseason finale could influence how the Ravens approach their running back and offensive line decisions as the final roster cuts approach. There is considerable uncertainty concerning Baltimore’s No. 3 running back following Owen Wright’s cart-off during Saturday’s game. Though rookie fifth-round pick Rasheen Ali seems to have the advantage, he did not participate in Saturday’s proceedings. Is it possible the Ravens will go with just two running backs (Derrick Henry and Justice Hill) on the initial 53-man roster? Furthermore, questions loom regarding the offensive line after rookie seventh-round pick Nick Samac was carted off with a lower leg injury. Samac had been gaining momentum by starting at center in the preseason finale, but now his situation may create a roster opportunity for a veteran blocker off waivers. — Jamison Hensley
Season opener: at Kansas City Chiefs (8:20 p.m. ET, Thursday, Sept. 5)
Jamison Hensley’s final 53-man roster projection (ESPN+)
Panthers: This preseason debut for quarterback Bryce Young in Dave Canales’ scheme was all about him — despite facing mainly Buffalo’s backups. One moment truly encapsulated his performance. On a fourth-and-3, Young shifted to his left, evaded a tackle, and delivered a cross-body 17-yard completion to Diontae Johnson. He concluded the 12-play drive going 6-for-8 for 70 yards, capped off with an 8-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jordan Matthews. The absence of two starting linemen led to some protection issues. Carolina must hope that newly acquired Michael Jackson can effectively complement corner Jaycee Horn. Nonetheless, Young exhibited sharpness and confidence following a challenging rookie year. — David Newton
Season opener: at New Orleans Saints (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 8)
David Newton’s final 53-man roster projection (ESPN+)
Bills: Most playing time unfolded as anticipated, but upcoming roster decisions regarding bubble players will hinge on whom the coaching staff believes might be claimed off waivers. Under GM Brandon Beane, the Bills have a track record of having players they wish to keep on the practice squad being claimed by other teams. This year, potential candidates include linebacker Joe Andreessen, a local native, and defensive end Kingsley Jonathan, among others. With ongoing injuries, it’s crucial for the Bills to safeguard players they want to nurture.
Another noteworthy situation is kicker Tyler Bass’ struggle with his performance. Issues with long-distance kicks persisted during camp, highlighted by Bass missing a 51-yarder on Saturday. Although his salary and the team’s trust in him mitigate any immediate danger, it’s certainly worth keeping an eye on. — Alaina Getzenberg
Season opener: vs. Arizona Cardinals (1 p.m. ET, Sunday
, Sept. 8)
Alaina Getzenberg’s final 53-man roster projection (ESPN+)
Lions: Second-year QB Hendon Hooker faced a challenging start in his inaugural pro game, being sacked five times in the first half as Detroit fell behind 14-0. However, Hooker settled down and orchestrated a comeback, leading the Lions to a 14-14 tie by halftime. Throughout the offseason, he competed fiercely with Nate Sudfeld for the QB2 position behind veteran Jared Goff, and his recent performances in the last two preseason games, including victories against Kansas City and Pittsburgh, likely tipped the scales in his favor. Against the Steelers, Hooker played until the fourth quarter, recording a game-high 93 rushing yards on 10 carries, in addition to completing 12 of 20 passes for 114 yards. He finished the game with a touchdown and an interception while Sudfeld and Goff rested alongside most starters on the sideline. — Eric Woodyard
Season opener: vs. Los Angeles Rams (8:20 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 8)
Eric Woodyard’s final 53-man roster projection (ESPN+)
Steelers: Entering the preseason finale, the Steelers had only a few positions that seemed uncertain. Defensive backs Thomas Graham Jr. and Cory Trice Jr. likely secured roster spots by starting in place of injured players Beanie Bishop Jr. and Joey Porter Jr. Additionally, with Jaylen Warren’s recent hamstring injury, La’Mical Perine made a compelling case for the RB4 position, scoring a touchdown in the first quarter and accumulating 14 yards on three carries. In the competition for wide receiver positions, Scotty Miller and Dez Fitzpatrick both contributed as gunners and made noteworthy catches in the preseason, including a 59-yard reception by Fitzpatrick from QB Kyle Allen. — Brooke Pryor
Season opener: at Atlanta Falcons (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 8)
Brooke Pryor’s final 53-man roster projection (ESPN+)
Vikings: As the preseason concluded, the Vikings’ starting lineup seemed well defined. Nonetheless, it remains unclear whether receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) and linebacker Blake Cashman (finger) can recover in time to contribute in Week 1. The team’s roster considerations predominantly focus on their 2022 draft picks. Will safety Lewis Cine retain his spot on the roster? What about linebacker Brian Asamoah II? Both players saw significant action in the preseason finale on Saturday. Additionally, team officials need to make decisions about their cornerback depth, observing veterans Akayleb Evans and Fabian Moreau starting while all established starters sat out. Jaren Hall’s impressive preseason performance (339 yards and four touchdowns) raises the possibility that the Vikings could keep him on the 53-man roster instead of risking his placement on the practice squad. — Kevin Seifert
Season opener: at New York Giants (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 8)
Kevin Seifert’s final 53-man roster projection (ESPN+)
Eagles: The addition of Jahan Dotson from the Washington Commanders enhances the receiver depth chart significantly and may impact roster decisions further down the line. Veteran Parris Campbell is positioned as a leading candidate for the No.
During the summer, the wide receiver slot saw some competition, particularly for a player who previously occupied the third position. However, a groin injury sidelined him for a period, creating more playing opportunities for Britain Covey and rookie Johnny Wilson, among others. The question remains whether the Eagles will retain the veteran player or prioritize fifth-round draft pick Ainias Smith, who faced limitations this offseason due to a shin injury but might provide greater long-term benefits. In the preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings this past Saturday, Campbell recorded two receptions for 34 yards, while Smith made six catches totalling 36 yards. – Tim McManus
Season opener: vs. Green Bay Packers, Sao Paulo, Brazil (8:15 p.m. ET, Friday, Sept. 6)
Tim McManus’ final 53-man roster projection (ESPN+)
Texans: The final game did not include running back Dameon Pierce, who had a rough preseason—yet this absence suggests that his place on the roster is likely secure. He is set to begin the regular season as the backup to Joe Mixon. Running back Cam Akers rushed seven times for 53 yards, potentially placing him ahead of rookies Jawhar Jordan and British Brooks. While Akers may not contribute significantly on special teams, his running capabilities may outweigh those offered by his competition for the final spots on the 53-man roster. — DJ Bien-Aime
Season opener: at Indianapolis Colts (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 8)
DJ Bien-Aime’s final 53-man roster projection (ESPN+)
Rams: The significant focus for the Rams during the preseason finale was on those who did not play, particularly third-string quarterback Stetson Bennett, who was held out to avoid injury. This is noteworthy, as it indicates that he has demonstrated enough promise during training camp and the preseason to serve as the backup to Matthew Stafford for the first two games of the regular season while Jimmy Garoppolo is under suspension. Although Bennett struggled at times during the preseason, committing six turnovers in two games, he proved to Coach Sean McVay that he deserves a spot on the roster for Week 1. — Sarah Barshop
Season opener: at Detroit Lions (8:20 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 8)
Sarah Barshop’s final 53-man roster projection (ESPN+)
Friday’s games
49ers: Heading into Friday’s preseason finale in Las Vegas, the 49ers appeared confident about their defensive line. However, early in the game, two of their top three defensive ends—Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos—sustained knee injuries. The severity of these injuries is currently unknown, which might compel the 49ers to increase their depth on the defensive line, possibly impacting other positions that boast stronger talent, such as cornerback or linebacker. — Nick Wagoner
Season opener: vs. New York Jets (8:20 p.m. ET, Monday, Sept. 9)
Nick Wagoner’s final 53-man roster projection (ESPN+)
Rams:
Raiders: Will the Raiders opt for only two quarterbacks on their initial 53-man roster—starter Gardner Minshew and backup Aidan O’Connell—for increased flexibility in their positional group? Alternatively, will they carry three QBs, and if so, will they choose UDFA Carter Bradley, who has been with the team throughout the offseason, or veteran Nathan Peterman, who joined on August 13? These are certainly intriguing questions. Peterman started against the 49ers and orchestrated a two-minute touchdown drive to conclude the first half, totaling 108 passing yards, including a 3-yard touchdown, while completing 12 of 19 throws. On the other hand, Bradley began strong with a 35-yard touchdown and ended up completing 9 of 21 attempts for 169 yards, with one touchdown as well as an interception in the end zone. — Paul Gutierrez
Season opener: at Los Angeles Chargers (4:05 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 8)
Paul Gutierrez’s final 53-man roster projection (ESPN+)
Jaguars: In a somewhat unnoticed competition, Elijah Cooks and Tim Jones are vying for the sixth receiver position. The final decision hinges on the Jaguars’ priorities. Jones has yet to secure a catch during the preseason, having only been targeted once. However, he excels in special teams, which is often a priority for teams when selecting players who may not see much offensive action unless injuries occur. Conversely, Cooks does not participate in special teams but has recorded three receptions for 33 yards and a touchdown on five targets throughout the preseason, showcasing two catches for 23 yards and a touchdown against Atlanta. – Michael DiRocco
Season opener: at Miami Dolphins (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 8)
Michael DiRocco’s final 53-man roster projection (ESPN+)
Falcons: The preseason performance of cornerback Natrone Brooks has complicated matters for the Falcons. On Friday, the Falcons shifted veteran corner Kevin King to safety, potentially paving the way for Brooks to secure a spot at cornerback with King now positioned as a safety. Both players have shown strong performances, but cutting safety Micah Abernathy would be a difficult decision. Atlanta might need to lighten their numbers at linebacker or defensive line to accommodate both players. Brooks recorded 13 tackles and a forced fumble against the Baltimore Ravens last week and added six more tackles versus the Jaguars. He has been more impactful in preseason games than any other player on Atlanta’s defense, and the team has also been experimenting with him as a returner for kicks and punts. — Marc Raimondi
Season opener: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 8)
Marc Raimondi’s final 53-man roster projection (ESPN+)
Dolphins: The focus once again turned to the contest for the second-string quarterback position. Mike White started and completed 5 of 9 passes for a mere 37 yards. He barely escaped a strip sack that was ruled an incomplete pass after the Buccaneers returned it for a touchdown. Skylar Thompson took over midway through the second quarter and immediately led a touchdown drive. Despite throwing a late interception, Thompson had his best performance of the preseason after two previous lackluster outings. But did he do enough to secure a spot on the roster? If the game on Friday…
Despite the uncertainty, Thompson’s performance was strong enough to secure the No. 2 position.
In news aside from quarterbacks, rookies Jaylen Wright and Malik Washington concluded their impressive preseasons, both set to play significant roles in the upcoming regular season—Wright on offense and Washington in the return game. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Season opener: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 8)
Final 53-man roster projection by Marcel Louis-Jacques (ESPN+)
Buccaneers: After missing the first two preseason games, undrafted wide receiver Kameron Johnson exhibited the explosiveness that caught attention during practice. Veteran Cody Thompson led the team, making seven catches on eight targets for 45 yards. Defensive end Earnest Brown IV and defensive tackle C.J. Brewer both presented strong cases for their roster spots, with Brown achieving two quarterback pressures. — Jenna Laine
Season opener: vs. Washington Commanders (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 8)
Final 53-man roster projection by Jenna Laine (ESPN+)
Thursday’s games
Colts: On Thursday, the Colts aimed to provide their starting units, including quarterback Anthony Richardson, with extended playing time, though the results were mixed. In the safety position battle, it appears that Nick Cross is on track to start alongside Julian Blackmon. Meanwhile, defensive tackle Eric Johnson II, competing for a roster spot, made a significant play by chasing down and forcing a fumble from scrambling Bengals quarterback Logan Woodside. As for the quarterback depth, Sam Ehlinger is likely to hold the No. 3 position, but rookie Jason Bean made a compelling case with a perfect 4-for-4 passing performance, complemented by three rushes for 15 yards and a touchdown. — Stephen Holder
Season opener: vs. Houston Texans (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 8)
Final 53-man roster projection by Stephen Holder (ESPN+)
Bengals: Although no starters participated, there was little information to gather regarding the 53-man roster battles. Nonetheless, the standout may have been Maema Njongmeta, an undrafted linebacker from Wisconsin, who led the team in tackles prior to the preseason finale and continued his trend of productivity against the Colts, racking up nine tackles through the first three quarters. For Njongmeta to secure a roster spot, he will need to outshine players in other positions, but he certainly made a strong case with an exceptional preseason. — Ben Baby
Season opener: vs. New England Patriots (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 8)
Final 53-man roster projection by Ben Baby (ESPN+)
<img alt="" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlog
Bears: In the preseason finale, Velus Jones Jr. only took his first offensive snap well into the second quarter, and he did not participate in kickoff returns, suggesting that his chances of making the 53-man roster are favorable. Although there have been uncertainties regarding whether the 2022 third-round pick has showcased enough talent to remain with the team for a third consecutive season, the Bears have consistently provided Jones with opportunities to demonstrate his worth. His experimentation at running back, alongside his special teams roles, likely secures him a place on the roster. — Courtney Cronin
Season opener: vs. Tennessee Titans (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 8)
Courtney Cronin’s final 53-man roster projection (ESPN+)
Chiefs: With significant changes to the wide receiver lineup this offseason, the Chiefs welcomed veteran free agent Marquise Brown and rookie first-rounder Xavier Worthy, impacting the overall depth chart. Additionally, former Super Bowl luminaries, including Mecole Hardman and Kadarius Toney, are vying for their spots on the roster. Toney made a compelling argument on Thursday against the Bears, delivering his best preseason performance by catching two passes for 26 yards and returning a punt for 16 yards. — Adam Teicher
Season opener: vs. Baltimore Ravens (8:20 p.m. ET, Thursday, Sept. 5)
Adam Teicher’s final 53-man roster projection (ESPN+)
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2024 NFL Preseason Week 3 Recap: Roster Battles Heat Up Ahead of Final Cuts
Key Takeaways from Week 3 of the 2024 NFL Preseason
The third week of the 2024 NFL Preseason marked a pivotal moment for teams as they approached final roster cuts. This week not only showcased individual performances but also highlighted the intense competition for key positions across the league. Let’s delve into the biggest storylines and standout performances from Week 3.
Top Performers of Week 3
Week 3 provided fans with thrilling football action and standout performances that could sway roster decisions. Here are some players who made a significant impact:
- Quarterback Showdowns: The battle for starting quarterback positions intensified with several players showcasing their skills under pressure.
- Rookie Spotlight: First-year players continued to impress, establishing themselves as key contributors for their respective teams.
- Defensive Dominance: Several defenses showed their might, making crucial plays that could determine their roster spots.
Notable Games and Highlights
Week 3 featured several exciting matchups. Below are summaries of some standout games:
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Atlanta Falcons
The Steelers emerged victorious with a final score of 28-21, showcasing a potent offense.
- Quarterback Evaluation: Kenny Pickett threw for 250 yards and 2 touchdowns, solidifying his claim as the starter.
- Running Back Competition: Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren both had notable performances, complicating the team’s decision on who will lead the backfield.
Miami Dolphins vs. New Orleans Saints
The Dolphins clinched a 24-17 win against the Saints, with a strong showing from their defense.
- Defensive Standouts: New acquisition Jalen Ramsey intercepted a pass, making a strong case for his roster spot.
- Quarterback Rotation: Tua Tagovailoa played well, but Mike White and Skylar Thompson also had impressive outings, highlighting the competition.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Chargers
The Seahawks edged out the Chargers 31-28 in a thrilling contest.
- Wide Receiver Battles: DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett continued to cement their roles, but rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s performance made a case for significant playing time.
- Defensive Shake-Up: The Seahawks’ defensive line showed promise, with rookie edge rusher Derek Hall making disruptive plays.
Rookie Performances to Watch
With the spotlight on rookies, several players stood out during Week 3. Here are a few who could potentially shape their team’s future:
| Player | Team | Position | Week 3 Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaxon Smith-Njigba | Seattle Seahawks | WR | 5 receptions, 80 yards, 1 TD |
| Bijan Robinson | Atlanta Falcons | RB | 15 carries, 100 yards, 1 TD |
| Anthony Richardson | Indianapolis Colts | QB | 220 passing yards, 2 TDs |
Position Battles Heating Up
Coaches are keeping a close eye on various position battles as they finalize their rosters. Highlighted below are some key position fights to watch:
Quarterback Controversies
As teams evaluate their quarterback depth charts, the following battles are drawing considerable attention:
- New York Giants: Daniel Jones is the starter, but Tyrod Taylor’s impressive showing keeps the backup spot competitive.
- San Francisco 49ers: Brock Purdy has emerged as the frontrunner, but Trey Lance’s recent performances have kept the competition alive.
Running Back Dilemmas
The running back position has become increasingly competitive. Here are some notable battles:
- Cleveland Browns: Nick Chubb remains the starter, but Jerome Ford is pushing for more carries after a strong preseason.
- Buffalo Bills: James Cook has taken the lead, but veteran Latavius Murray is making a play for significant playing time.
Wide Receiver Depth Charts
With many teams boasting talented receiving corps, these battles are particularly fierce:
- Green Bay Packers: Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs appear set, but veteran Samori Toure is pushing for a roster spot.
- New England Patriots: JuJu Smith-Schuster leads the group, but young talents like Tyquan Thornton have shown promise.
Injury Updates and Implications
Injuries during the preseason can drastically affect roster decisions. Notable injuries from Week 3 include:
- Washington Commanders: Star receiver Terry McLaurin is nursing a minor ankle injury, raising concerns about his readiness for the season.
- Dallas Cowboys: Tight end Dalton Schultz exited the game with a hamstring issue, complicating depth at that position.
Final Cuts: What to Expect
As teams now focus on the final cuts, here’s what fans can expect:
- Deadline Awareness: The deadline for final roster cuts is approaching quickly. Teams must trim their rosters to 53 players, leading to tough decisions.
- Practice Squad Considerations: Players who don’t make the final roster could still land on the practice squad, providing teams with additional depth.
Benefits of Roster Battles
Roster battles during the preseason provide several advantages for teams:
- Increased Competition: Healthy competition among players enhances performance and helps identify the best talent.
- Team Development: Preseason games serve as crucial practice opportunities, allowing teams to build chemistry ahead of the regular season.
- Strategic Planning: Coaches can assess lineups and make strategic adjustments based on player performances.
Case Studies: Successful Roster Battles
Examining past successful roster battles can offer insights into current dynamics:
- New England Patriots (2001): Tom Brady’s rise to the starting quarterback position after Drew Bledsoe’s injury reshaped the franchise’s future.
- Seattle Seahawks (2012): Russell Wilson’s emergence as a starter after a competitive training camp led to the team’s Super Bowl success.
Conclusion
Week 3 of the 2024 NFL Preseason has set the stage for critical roster decisions and intensified competition across the league. With final cuts looming, teams are evaluating players’ performances closely to make informed decisions. As fans eagerly await the official rosters, the excitement of the upcoming regular season continues to build.
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