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NFL Nation
The third week of the 2025 NFL preseason kicked off Thursday as teams take their final look at key position battles ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline to trim rosters to 53 players.
To keep you updated on how teams fared, our NFL Nation reporters are summarizing each game below and predicting each team’s 53-man roster.
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Saturday’s results
Jaguars: Neither Austin Trammell nor Chandler Brayboy seemed to make any significant final impression in their competition for the fifth receiver spot behind Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter, Dyami Brown and Parker Washington.
Trammell caught three passes for 21 yards while Brayboy had one carry for 7 yards on a jet sweep and had two kickoff returns for 64 yards. Both play on special teams, but Trammell is in his fourth season and is more accomplished as a receiver than the rookie Brayboy.
This is what GM James Gladstone had to say about Trammell during the game broadcast: “He’s a great guy to have in the room — veteran presence, certainly goes about his business the right way and when he gets on the grass, he’s not afraid to make plays.”
Next game: vs. Carolina Panthers (1 p.m. ET, Sept. 7)
Dolphins: Ollie Gordon II‘s rise up the depth chart has been somewhat injury-assisted, but he’s made the most of his opportunities. Despite a late-camp injury to Jaylen Wright, the argument could be made for Gordon to operate as Miami’s No. 2 back. He finished his first preseason with 109 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries (4.7 yards per carry).
The Dolphins’ starting cornerbacks also appear to be Storm Duck and Jack Jones, while injuries to Kendall Sheffield and Ethan Bonner have vaulted Cam Smith from potential cut day casualty to depth option.
Finally, Malik Washington took complete ownership of the WR3 role, beating out Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Dee Eskridge and Tahj Washington — although the latter two did have strong summers.
Next game: at Indianapolis Colts (1 p.m. ET, Sept. 7)
Packers: Players were fighting to make the roster and for spots on the practice squad in Saturday’s preseason finale. With the Packers likely to keep just two quarterbacks, Jordan Love and Malik Willis, the practice squad quarterback is essentially QB3. Typically, Green Bay keeps only one QB on the practice squad, but perhaps the Packers will keep Sean Clifford and rookie Taylor Elgersma.
If they think Elgersma has a higher ceiling but don’t believe he’s ready for that role, then he and Clifford could have spots on the 16-player practice squad. Willis played two series (and threw a touchdown to Romeo Doubs), and then Clifford and Elgersma alternated series the rest of the way.
Elgersma, an undrafted rookie from Canada, threw his first touchdown pass of the preseason (a 3-yarder to Will Sheppard). He finished 6-of-8 for 32 yards. Clifford, the 2023 fifth-round pick, was 6-for-9 for 19 yards. Neither completed a downfield throw.
Next game: vs. Detroit Lions (4:25 p.m. ET, Sept. 7)
Seahawks: Marquez Valdes-Scantling‘s three-catch, 33-yard performance might not have much bearing on whether he makes the team. But the fact that he was playing seems like another indication that his spot isn’t solidified.
He did what a veteran receiver should do against backup defenders — and what he might have had to do after an underwhelming offseason. Valdes-Scantling needs to be Seattle’s third-best receiver to justify a roster spot because he doesn’t play special teams, but rookie Tory Horton and Jake Bobo have outperformed him.
But injuries to Horton and Bobo make it tougher to predict. Horton has been out since hurting his ankle in the second preseason game, while Bobo went down after a scary collision on a punt return Saturday.
Next game: vs. San Francisco 49ers (4:05 p.m. ET, Sept. 7)
Browns: There is one and possibly a second roster spot available at wide receiver, and undrafted rookie Gage Larvadain made a strong final case for it.
Larvadain caught a 3-yard touchdown pass toward the end of the first half, his second score of the preseason. The performance put a bow on what has been a standout summer for him. Larvadain finished the game with four catches for 28 yards in the first half and also returned punts in the second half. Larvadain is in competition with Diontae Johnson and Kaden Davis for the final roster spots at receiver.
Next game: vs. Cincinnati Bengals (1:00 p.m. ET, Sept. 7)
Rams: The third preseason game usually provides clarity on roster spots for the Rams because head coach Sean McVay typically does not play those who have made the team.
On Saturday against the Browns, that included inside linebacker Shaun Dolac, defensive end Larrell Murchison, cornerback Josh Wallace and offensive linemen David Quessenberry, Justin Dedich and Beaux Limmer.
Tanner Ingle might have earned a roster spot after his performance on Saturday. The safety has had a good preseason, but his physicality especially stood out against the Browns on both defense and special teams. On the game broadcast, McVay praised that physical play, calling Ingle “the human missile.” — Sarah Barshop
Next game: vs. Houston Texans (4:25 p.m. ET, Sept. 7)
Colts: QB Riley Leonard was already considered a likely bet to make the active roster (the Colts tend to keep three active QBs), but Leonard’s performance increased the odds of him sticking around.
Leonard, the Colts’ sixth-round selection from Notre Dame, completed 15 of 20 pass attempts for 189 yards and a touchdown. On the scoring play, Leonard hit Laquon Treadwell for a 59-yard touchdown in the first half. Also of note in this game was the performance of safety Daniel Scott, a 2023 fifth-round pick who has been plagued by offseason injuries and still hasn’t appeared in a regular-season game. He had a pick-six and seems likely to make the final roster for the first time.
Next game: vs. Miami Dolphins (1:00 p.m. ET, Sept. 7)
Bengals: Wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley already appeared to be a roster lock after the second preseason game. There is some intrigue around safety Daijahn Anthony given the needs elsewhere on the roster. Desmond Ridder is currently projected as the No. 3 quarterback, which has been a practice squad spot in previous years. In three quarters of action, Ridder was 8-of-20 passing for 75 yards and one interception returned for a touchdown. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Ridder had a minus-20.9% completion percentage over expectation. — Ben Baby
Next game: at Cleveland Browns (1:00 p.m. ET, Sept. 7)
Broncos: Broncos coach Sean Payton has said the many difficult decisions the Broncos will make this year to get to 53 players “is a good problem to have” because it shows the team is simply better. Saturday’s preseason finale in New Orleans only confirmed the difficult decisions to come at running back, defensive line and cornerback, in particular.
Tyler Badie, who had a 47-yard kickoff return Saturday, continued to push for the fourth running back spot. The decision in the defensive line — what could be an either/or of Jordan Jackson and Eyioma Uwazurike if the Broncos don’t keep both — will likely take some heated discussion. Jackson and Uwazurike were in the game at the same time against the Saints. And the fate of Damarri Mathis, a former Broncos draft pick, likely hinges on whether the Broncos keep a sixth cornerback or not. — Jeff Legwold
Next game: vs. Tennessee Titans (4:05 p.m. ET, Sept. 7)
Saints: Offensive lineman Landon Young was carted off the field, and his injury might shake things up at the bottom of the offensive line group. Young could play either backup tackle or guard, and now the Saints will probably have to look outside for another backup tackle if he’s out for a while. While neither quarterback had an impressive outing, Spencer Rattler‘s three series with the first-team unit might be an indication he has won the job over Tyler Shough. And at punter, Kai Kroeger was the primary holder, possibly indicating he has won the job over James Burnip. — Katherine Terrell
Next game: vs. Arizona Cardinals (1:00 p.m. ET, Sept. 7)
Texans: No performance looked to have much impact on the final roster, but the lack of playing time for safety Russ Yeast might have been the golden ticket for him onto the 53-man roster.
Yeast played in only 21 total snaps, the third fewest among defensive backs. He started on defense and then played in only the first quarter on defense. After the first quarter, he saw only a couple of special teams snaps. A player is usually projected to make the team if he barely plays in the final preseason game after starting it. — DJ Bien-Aime
Next game: at Los Angeles Rams (4:25 p.m. ET, Sept. 7)
Lions: Throughout training camp, there was a real QB2 battle between backup Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen, who signed in Detroit this offseason. Allen earned the start in the preseason finale versus Houston, tossing a 33-yard touchdown to rookie WR Isaac TeSlaa in the opening quarter. Allen has likely landed a spot on the Lions’ final 53-man roster after outplaying Hooker to earn head coach Dan Campbell’s trust throughout the preseason.
Hooker entered the game in the second quarter, but it’s unlikely that Detroit will keep three quarterbacks although the Lions selected Hooker with the 68th pick in the 2023 draft, making him the franchise’s highest-drafted quarterback since Matthew Stafford went No. 1 in 2009.
However, anything is possible. — Eric Woodyard
Next game: at Green Bay Packers (4:25 p.m. ET, Sept. 7)
Ravens: Ravens cornerback Keyon Martin made another statement on why he should get one of the final spots on the roster. The undrafted rookie out of Louisiana-Lafayette returned an interception 26 yards for a touchdown in the preseason finale. He also made five tackles in the first half, including two for loss. Martin has been among Baltimore’s best playmakers of the preseason. Last week, he recorded a safety in Dallas, where he tackled quarterback Joe Milton in the end zone. Martin is likely battling safety Beau Brade for the 11th and final defensive back spot. — Jamison Hensley
Next game: at Buffalo Bills (8:20 p.m. ET, Sept. 7)
Commanders: If Washington keeps three quarterbacks, Saturday’s outing for Sam Hartman did not help him at all. Hartman struggled for a third preseason game. He played the entire first half vs. Baltimore, completing 12 of 17 passes for 114 yards and two interceptions — including a pick-six. Most of his completions were behind the line, and his throws to the outside lacked zip. The question becomes whether or not Washington keeps 38-year-old Josh Johnson, who was better than Hartman but also threw three interceptions this summer. A lot comes down to how the team feels about backup Marcus Mariota‘s Achilles tendinitis that sidelined him for most of the past three weeks. Mariota returned to practice last week. — John Keim
Next game: vs. New York Giants (1:00 p.m. ET, Sept. 7)
Upcoming Saturday games
Buffalo Bills at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN Unlimited)
Los Angeles Chargers at San Francisco 49ers (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN Unlimited)
Las Vegas Raiders at Arizona Cardinals (10 p.m. ET, NFL Network)
Friday’s results
Bears: Cornerback Nahshon Wright put together a strong training camp, and while giving up 29 yards of penalties on one play and later a 58-yard completion from Patrick Mahomes, it’s only one part of the evaluation of a player competing for a starting job. On offense, Luke Newman continues to look like a sixth-round steal after spending the first half at left guard in place of Joe Thuney before moving to right guard in the third quarter. The Bears need depth on the interior of the offensive line, and Newman’s versatility supports his case to make the final roster. — Courtney Cronin
Next game: vs. Minnesota Vikings (8:15 p.m. ET, Sept. 8)
Chiefs: Much of the Chiefs’ roster was already set before Friday’s kickoff. But the preseason finale did reveal that the Chiefs will likely be looking to add another veteran running back, either before Tuesday’s cut-down day or shortly after the initial 53-man roster is set. Rookie Brashard Smith has plenty of speed and dynamic ability, but he’ll probably still need time to develop as the first player on the depth chart. Meanwhile, veteran Elijah Mitchell just didn’t have an impressive camp or preseason. A year ago, the Chiefs signed Samaje Perine to be their third-down back. General manager Brett Veach could make a similar move next week. — Nate Taylor
Next game: vs. Los Angeles Chargers (8 p.m. ET, Sept. 5)
Cowboys: After less than stellar showings in the first two preseason games, Joe Milton III was much steadier against the Falcons with a touchdown pass and a TD rush. He was much better with his decision-making, finishing with 132 yards on 10-of-18 passing. The final receiver spot comes down to Ryan Flournoy and Jalen Brooks, who both had their moments. Brooks had a 29-yard diving TD catch, while Flournoy showed some strength in his receptions. Then there’s defensive tackle Mazi Smith. The former first-round pick played the entire first half. He recorded a tackle for loss and three tackles. Perhaps it secures him one of the last defensive line spots as Earnest Brown IV deals with a leg injury. — Todd Archer
Next game: at Philadelphia Eagles (8:20 p.m. ET, Sept. 4)
Falcons: Falcons coach Raheem Morris said this week that the final preseason game would mainly be for players still on the 53-man roster bubble. Wide receivers Chris Blair and Nick Nash, as well as tight end Feleipe Franks, all played well, with Franks scoring on a 23-yard pass from quarterback Easton Stick. All three have a shot to make it and certainly increased their chances Friday.
During halftime, Morris said he would be paying close attention to special teams, because that could determine added value. If so, it would be difficult to overlook inside linebacker Josh Woods, who had a massive hit on kick-return coverage in the first half. — Marc Raimondi
Next game: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1 p.m. ET, Sept. 7)
Titans: The reserve tackle position has four players competing for two spots: Jaelyn Duncan, Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, John Ojukwu and Olisaemeka Udoh. Ojukwu was the one Brian Callahan called upon when the offense went with a tackle eligible. He’ll likely hold down the swing tackle spot, leaving one opening for the other three. Ojukwu, Duncan and Udoh each finished in the 20s for reps. But Crenshaw-Dickson only played five. Udoh played more with the second team unit than Duncan, so it’s likely he joins Ojukwu as the second reserve tackle. — Turron Davenport
Next game: at Denver Broncos (4:05 p.m. ET, Sept. 4)
Vikings: The Vikings’ biggest position battle is the No. 2 quarterback behind J.J. McCarthy. It was notable that Sam Howell, who took most of the second-team snaps during training camp, did not play Friday night. Rookie Max Brosmer was sharp in playing a bit more than half of the game, completing 15-of-23 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown. At the very least, Brosmer ensured himself a spot on the 53-man roster. But it remains hard to imagine the Vikings would enter Week 1 with Brosmer backing up McCarthy.
Rookie receiver Myles Price kept himself in the running for the punt returner job with a 28-yard return that was called back by penalty, but he also bobbled a fair catch. It’s safe to say that no one has claimed either the punt or kickoff return jobs through the end of the preseason.
Finally, the most significant takeaway from the Vikings’ punter competition was that rookie Oscar Chapman slightly bobbled a hold on kicker Will Reichard‘s errant 55-yard attempt. Incumbent Ryan Wright remains the favorite. — Kevin Seifert
Next game: at Chicago Bears (8:15 p.m. ET, Sept. 8)
Eagles: The battles at cornerback and safety are coming into focus. Adoree’ Jackson did not dress Friday, joining most of the other starters. That could indicate he’ll be on the outside opposite Quinyon Mitchell in Week 1. Jackson spent most of the summer splitting reps with Kelee Ringo but started getting the nod more and more as training camp came to a close. Ringo missed the Jets game with a quad injury. Two other contenders for playing time, Jakorian Bennett and rookie Mac McWilliams, both suited up and each recorded a pass breakup. Parry Nickerson, meanwhile, made one final push for a roster spot with a diving, twisting interception off Brady Cook.
At safety, third-year player Sydney Brown got the night off. He has been competing for a starting spot with rookie Andrew Mukuba, who is now sidelined with a hamstring injury. — Tim McManus
Next game: vs. Dallas Cowboys (8:20 p.m. ET, Sept. 4)
Jets: Coach Aaron Glenn said postgame that he’s confident Tyrod Taylor (knee scope) will be ready for Week 1. If not, the Jets are in trouble, because neither Adrian Martinez (two turnovers) nor Brady Cook (one) impressed in the final preseason tuneup. They had some positive moments this summer, but not enough to make Glenn feel comfortable dressing either one as the QB2 behind Justin Fields. Martinez did flash at the end of Friday’s game, leading back-to-back scoring drives in the fourth quarter.
The Jets are optimistic about Taylor’s availability, but he will be rusty, not having practiced since late July. At tight end, veterans Jeremy Ruckert and Andrew Beck both played Friday night, a sign their roster spots aren’t secure. Wide receiver Brandon Smith capped his strong summer with another productive game (three catches for 42 yards); he could snag a roster spot, perhaps ousting one of the veterans. Jamaal Pritchett could also sneak in. — Rich Cimini
Next game: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (1 p.m. ET, Sept. 7)
Thursday’s results
Giants: Some bottom-of-the-roster spots seem to have been secured Thursday night. Cornerback Art Green might have solidified his place as the fifth cornerback with a strong tackling effort. He had five tackles in the first half. Defensive tackle D.J. Davidson batted a pass and forced a hold near the goal line. That should help his chances. As for the crowded quarterback position, Tommy DeVito‘s audition for the rest of the league saw him impress: He completed 15 of his first 17 passes while throwing a touchdown on each of his first three drives. Still, he is likely the odd man out in the QB room. — Jordan Raanan
Next game: at Washington Commanders (1 p.m. ET, Sept. 7)
Patriots: The Patriots played only a handful of offensive and defensive players who would be considered potential starting-caliber candidates, so perhaps the most compelling storyline was with kickers: rookie Andy Borregales vs. Parker Romo. A sixth-round pick out of Miami, Borregales missed a 49-yard field goal in the first half after coach Mike Vrabel elected not to go for it on fourth-and-1 — perhaps to see how Borregales, who missed a 57-yarder last week, would respond. Borregales later hit a 30-yard field goal, as well as a point after attempt, while Romo didn’t get a chance to kick. It has been a close competition throughout training camp. — Mike Reiss
Next game: at Las Vegas Raiders (1 p.m. ET, Sept. 7)
Steelers: The defensive line suffered a potentially significant loss when rookie first-rounder Derrick Harmon was carted off the field with a knee injury and quickly ruled out. At halftime, coach Mike Tomlin said the defensive end was “being evaluated.” The Steelers already lost some depth there during training camp when veteran Dean Lowry suffered an ACL tear. It could mean the Steelers will be in the market for a veteran trade option or a cut-down day addition. — Brooke Pryor
Next game: at New York Jets (1 p.m. ET, Sept. 7)
Panthers: Read into the inactive list of 33 players how you choose. Wide receiver Brycen Tremayne got the night off. Veteran receivers Hunter Renfrow and David Moore did not. Maybe Tremayne has an edge for the sixth or seventh receiver spot after a solid preseason. Or perhaps Carolina wants to keep him under the radar, so it can add him to the practice squad if he doesn’t make the 53-man roster. As for Renfrow and Moore, the team could have been auditioning them for potential trades. One of them likely will make the roster. Renfrow’s comeback is a good story, but has he done enough to earn a spot? — David Newton
Next game: at Jacksonville Jaguars (1 p.m. ET, Sept. 7)
