NFL teams prepare for mandatory 53-man roster cutdowns

As the NFL preseason concludes, teams across the league are preparing for the mandatory roster cutdown from 90 to 53 players. This transition involves critical decisions regarding player depth, positional battles, and the waiver wire process.

In Pittsburgh, head coach Mike McCarthy has indicated the Steelers may take the unusual step of keeping four quarterbacks on the active roster. The group includes veteran Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph, alongside young players Will Howard and Drew Allar. This decision aims to balance immediate winning potential with long-term developmental needs.

Other teams are facing similar pressures. The Dallas Cowboys are navigating intense positional competitions, particularly at wide receiver and running back, ahead of their preseason finale. The Cincinnati Bengals are evaluating depth across several units, including tight end and wide receiver, to maximize their 53-man roster efficiency. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns are also managing roster reductions, with the Browns specifically monitoring players subject to the waiver wire based on their years of NFL service.