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2h ago

NFL Teams Finalize 53‑Man Cutdown as Deadline Nears, Dalton Faces Likely Exit

The leaguewide roster trim is forcing quick trades, waiver moves and IR decisions that will reshape opening-week rosters and practice‑squad plans.

Green Bay Packers quarterbacks Tyrod Taylor (6) and Jordan Love (10) throw passes during practice on Wednesday, May 26, 2026, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Green Bay Packers safeties Evan Williams (33) and Xavier McKinney (29) run through a drill during the first day of training camp on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the Don Hutson Center in Ashwaubenon, Wis. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Nov 16, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Josh Whyle (81) celebrates after catches a touchdown pass during the third quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Aug 21, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Green Bay Packers place kicker Trey Smack (28) kicks a field goal on a hold from punter Daniel Whelan (19) in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Teams must set initial 53‑man rosters by the league deadline on Sunday, Aug. 30, and clubs are finalizing decisions after the last preseason games and practices.
  • Andy Dalton’s poor preseason play has made him a trade or release candidate for the Philadelphia Eagles, with analysts saying the team could move him to free a roster spot.
  • Local outlets differ on the Eagles’ quarterback plan, with PhillyVoice projecting three QBs (Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, Cole Payton) and Delaware News Journal/Yahoo predicting four by keeping Dalton.
  • Late preseason injuries, including TE Eli Stowers’ hamstring absence and Andre Sam’s leg injury, are shaping teams’ choices to use injured‑reserve or PUP designations to manage roster limits.
  • Beat and local projections show final spots will hinge on special‑teams value, position versatility and waiver risk, and the initial 53s are expected to change quickly via claims, practice‑squad moves and trades.