The National Football League (NFL) is entering a critical week as coaches prepare for the cutdown deadline on August 30. With the preseason coming to a close, teams are finalizing their rosters, and debates around who will make the cut are intensifying. Coaches are sifting through game film and training camp evaluations to make key roster decisions, leading to speculation about cuts, trades, and the overall dynamics of team depth charts ahead of the regular season.
This is a busy time for NFL teams, particularly those in the hunt for a playoff appearance. As players battle for final roster spots, the mainstream chatter focuses on notable veterans who may find themselves on the roster bubble, alongside potential trade talks. Let’s dive into the latest buzz surrounding several franchises.
Buffalo Bills: Tough Decisions Ahead
The Buffalo Bills have just signed safety Geno Stone and outside linebacker Mike Danna to one-year deals. Both players have been starters with their previous teams, with Danna emerging as a lead defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs and Stone having earned a starter role with the Baltimore Ravens. However, the Bills' roster is stacked, and both may be on shaky ground as the cutdown deadline approaches.
According to The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia, Danna's odds of making the team are declining. Despite having over $1 million guaranteed on his contract, he has been overshadowed in a competitive outside linebacker group. Buscaglia noted that with players like Hoecht and Parker seemingly locked onto the roster, Danna might not make the cut.
At the safety position, the Bills may face a crucial decision between Stone and Damar Hamlin. While Stone started for the Bengals in previous years, Hamlin has been more consistent during training camp. Buscaglia predicts a slight edge for Hamlin to secure a spot in the roster.
Cincinnati Bengals: Swing Tackle Uncertainty
Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals are still evaluating their options for a primary swing tackle. Following their preseason game against the Chicago Bears, head coach Zac Taylor expressed the ongoing competition for the position. According to Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Bengals might look to acquire another offensive tackle after roster cuts.
Cody Ford's position remains uncertain, primarily because of his familiarity with the offensive scheme. Taylor noted that while it's unlikely the team will part ways with Ford, the front office may find a better alternative in the coming weeks. The starting tackle positions currently belong to Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims, but both have shown vulnerabilities in pass protection, which raises concerns regarding the team's performance and quarterback Joe Burrow's safety.
Cleveland Browns: Quarterback Controversy
Taking a different route, the Cleveland Browns are preparing to name their starting quarterback between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. Watson had a solid outing in the preseason opener, while Sanders posted impressive numbers in his latest game. However, his performance was marred by misunderstandings in target execution, which might raise flags for the coaching staff.
Head coach Todd Monken’s decision will likely weigh heavily on Watson's hefty investment from the franchise and Sanders’ potential growth over a full season. Despite being booed during the last game, Monken claims fan reactions won’t influence his choice.
Las Vegas Raiders and Minnesota Vikings on the Mend
In the west, the Las Vegas Raiders faced a scare when running back Ashton Jeanty sprained his ankle during practice. Reports suggested that rookie Mike Washington Jr. seized the opportunity to take additional carries and may find himself with increased touches if Jeanty’s return remains uncertain.
Similarly, the Minnesota Vikings have made their choice amidst a quarterback competition. Coach Kevin O’Connell named Kyler Murray as the starter, leaving J.J. McCarthy’s role with the team in limbo. With Carson Wentz potentially stepping up as the backup, McCarthy's place on the depth chart will become more fragile if he cannot improve his accuracy and overall performance.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Assessing Quarterback Depth
The Pittsburgh Steelers are evaluating their quarterback depth in a unique manner. Reports indicate that they may retain all four of their quarterbacks, including Mason Rudolph, who is seen as Aaron Rodgers' primary backup. Rookie Drew Allar had a dazzling debut, but the team must balance offensive line adjustments to maintain roster integrity as cuts loom.
As training camps come to a close and rosters are shaped, the NFL landscape will continue to evolve. Teams are expected to remain active in player negotiations and transactions leading up to the regular season. With critical decisions being made this week, fans and analysts alike will have their eyes glued to developments across the league.
