# NFL teams finalize 53-man rosters

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nfl-offseason-roster-developments
> Updated: 2026-08-30T17:34:13.000Z. Sources: 47. Developments: 2.

Following the league-mandated deadline, NFL teams have finalized their initial 53-man rosters, triggering a wave of trades, releases, and waiver claims. The Cleveland Browns have structured their quarterback room by retaining Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Taylen Green. However, the team’s depth has been complicated by placing Dillon Gabriel on injured reserve; while previously noted with a back injury, recent reports indicate the injury is a neck injury. The Cincinnati Bengals completed their roster cuts, which included the release of quarterback Josh Johnson, who is expected to join the practice squad. The team has also highlighted the emergence of Dohnte Meyers. The San Francisco 49ers finalized their roster following the trade for offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson from the Houston Texans. The team also placed wide receiver Christian Kirk and running back Isaac Guerendo on the injured reserve or physically unable to perform lists. Other significant league-wide transactions include the Pittsburgh Steelers trading offensive tackle Broderick Jones to the Dallas Cowboys and releasing linebacker Elandon Roberts. The Steelers also traded running back Kaleb Johnson to the Green Bay Packers. In Miami, the Dolphins released veterans Clelin Ferrell and A.J. Green III to make room for several waiver claims, including tight end Justin Joly. The Tennessee Titans released quarterback Will Levis following his recovery from shoulder surgery and claimed defensive lineman Nazir Stackhouse from the Green Bay Packers. In Green Bay, the Packers traded quarterback Kyle McCord to the Miami Dolphins for a 2028 sixth-round pick and also placed running back Josh Jacobs on the commissioner's exempt list. The New England Patriots bolstered their roster by claiming tight end Cameron Latu and linebacker Darius Muasau off waivers. In Denver, the Broncos have faced scrutiny regarding roster decisions involving running backs Tyler Badie, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Cody Schrader.

## Claims

- The San Francisco 49ers finalized their 53-man roster ahead of the 2026 season deadline. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The Cleveland Browns released their initial 53-man roster. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The Pittsburgh Steelers placed safety DeShon Elliott on the injured reserve list. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Running back Isaac Guerendo was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Quarterback Dillon Gabriel was placed on injured reserve with a back injury but is designated to return. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- DeShon Elliott is designated to return and will miss at least the first four games of the season. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The 49ers acquired offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson via trade. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Denver Broncos finalized their 53-man roster on August 30, 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Steelers activated cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the non-football injury list. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Steelers finalized their initial 53-man roster by releasing 17 players. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Offensive lineman Jack Driscoll was placed on injured reserve. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Defensive back Donte Kent was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-30: NFL teams execute trades and roster cuts ahead of season

NFL teams are finalizing 53-man rosters through trades, waiver claims, and releases, including major moves involving the Packers, Dolphins, Steelers, and Titans.

47 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nfl-teams-finalize-initial-53-man-rosters-ahead-of-season

### 2026-08-10: NFL teams Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals announce key offseason acquisitions

The Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals have bolstered their rosters through significant free agency signings and trades to prepare for the 2026 NFL season.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nfl-teams-cleveland-browns-and-cincinnati-bengals-announce-key-offseason-acquisitions

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Cite as: NFL teams finalize 53-man rosters. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nfl-offseason-roster-developments
