“The first cut is the deepest,” sang Cat Stevens (though most modern ears might be more familiar with the Rod Stewart or Sheryl Crow versions). And while the initial roster cuts that will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 1 are the smaller of the two cuts (90 down to 75, versus 75 to 53), it’s the cut that might hurt the most for those players who suddenly find themselves in NFL limbo that day.
Those players cut on Sept. 1 will have less than a week to catch on with another club before the final rosters are cut down to 53 on Sept. 5 or risk their fate to the waiver wire the following day before hoping for a spot on a the practice squad.
With the third preseason game on Saturday, several players find themselves in need of huge games to avoid being off the roster by Tuesday of next week.
According to J.D. and The Pro from The Press Box Insider on Mile High Sports AM 1340, there are a few key positions that will see cuts come down with the first round.
On the offensive line, J.D. says rookies Andre Davis and Charles Sweeton are likely cuts, which means bubble guys Ben Garland and Michael Schofield might be saved, along with rookie tackle Kyle Roberts. Max Garcia is more than safe, The Pro says, and the recently-deposed starting left guard will still see plenty of time as the No. 1 backup across several positions on the line.
At running back, J.D. fears Kapri Bibbs is being targeted for a second year on the practice squad, though he’ll have to clear waivers in order to do so. Fourth-year running back Jeremy Stewart, who does not have practice squad eligibility, may be on that list of veteran cuts, as well. J.D. thinks Montee Ball is safe, but really wishes the Broncos could find some way to trade the back – a scenario he thinks is unlikely because of Ball’s limited productivity despite being a second-round draft pick.
Who else might be on the chopping block come Tuesday? Listen to the rest of the discussion between J.D. and The Pro in the podcast below…
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