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NFL teams prepare for mandatory 53-man roster cutdowns

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-08-28 12:43 UTC → 2026-08-28 12:44 UTC · added ~~removed~~

As the NFL preseason concludes, teams across the league are preparing for the mandatory deadline to trim rosters from 90 players to the final 53-man limit. 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: veterans Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph, alongside Will Howard and Drew Allar. This strategy aims to balance immediate winning potential with long-term developmental needs, though it could impact other positions, potentially forcing the release of tight end Robert ~~Tonyan to accommodate the extra quarterback.~~ Tonyan. Additionally, the team faces uncertainty regarding cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who remains on the physically unable to perform list due to a back injury amid ongoing contract negotiations. Other franchises are navigating similar complexities. The Dallas Cowboys are managing intense positional battles for wide receiver and running back spots ahead of their preseason finale. The Cincinnati Bengals continue to evaluate depth at tight end and wide ~~receiver, while~~ receiver to maximize roster efficiency. Furthermore, 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. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles continue to face a high volume of players on the roster bubble, with veterans and rookies competing for the final available spots.

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