All articles tagged with #preseason finale
Kyle McCord threw four touchdowns to lead the Green Bay Packers to a 42-38 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in the preseason finale. The game featured a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback, with McCord erasing an 11-point deficit in the final minutes. While the score was irrelevant, the performance highlighted key roster decisions for both teams, particularly regarding McCord's future and the Cardinals' offensive line depth.
The Detroit Lions must finalize 53-man roster decisions by Sunday, August 30, just hours after their preseason finale against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday. Coach Dan Campbell noted the compressed timeline forces early decisions, with 16 players competing for final spots and over 20 vying for practice squad roles. Key battles include the backup quarterback position between Josh Dobbs and Luke Altmyer, a fifth receiver slot involving Tay Martin, Tom Kennedy, and Dominic Lovett, and a crowded defensive line featuring Mekhi Wingo, Chris Smith, and Ben Stille. Injuries to key offensive linemen and linebackers have created additional openings, while cornerback Ennis Rakestraw and Roger McCreary remain on the bubble despite recent performances.
The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 18-12 in their preseason finale at Allegiant Stadium on August 27, 2026. The game featured no touchdowns, with kicker Eddy Pineiro scoring all 18 points via six field goals. The 49ers used the contest to evaluate depth, particularly at running back and defensive line, ahead of a Sunday roster cutdown.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to finalize their 53-man roster following a preseason finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Key decisions involve the quarterback depth chart, where undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels may replace veteran Jake Browning as the backup to Baker Mayfield. Other critical battles include the fourth tight end spot, the fifth inside linebacker position, and the sixth cornerback role, with coaches weighing athletic upside against special teams contributions and injury risks.
The Green Bay Packers are expected to finalize their 53-man roster following a preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals. Key decisions involve retaining running back Josh Jacobs despite legal issues, managing the return of Micah Parsons, and determining spots for bubble players like J. Michael Sturdivant and Domani Jackson. The roster is largely predictable, with few major debates, though specific outcomes depend on suspensions and injury returns.
The Green Bay Packers will finalize their 53-man roster on Sunday after a Friday night preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals. General Manager Brian Gutekunst emphasized that while the final game matters, he will avoid recency bias by reviewing the entire preseason and camp. Key decisions involve QB Kyle McCord, RB Pierre Strong Jr., and several position groups where players are battling for limited spots.
The San Francisco 49ers concluded their preseason with an 18-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, using the game to evaluate depth at running back and defensive line. Key decisions include retaining kicker Eddy Pineiro, securing spots for running backs Kaelon Black and Jordan James, and finalizing the offensive line with Carver Willis at left guard. The team will cut its roster from 90 to 53 players by Sunday, utilizing injury reserve maneuvers for veterans like Christian Kirk and Brett Toth. The 49ers are set to travel to Australia for their September 10 season opener against the Los Angeles Rams.
The New England Patriots must reduce their roster from 91 to 53 players by August 30, 2026. Following a 37-13 preseason loss to the Cleveland Browns, the team faces significant depth issues at edge defender, linebacker, running back, offensive line, defensive tackle, and tight end. Coach Mike Vrabel has signaled the need for additions via waivers or trades, with key decisions pending on players like Harold Landry III and Lan Larison.
The Cincinnati Bengals are preparing to trim their roster from 88 to 53 players following a preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles. While the team has secured a perfect 2-0 preseason record, several positions remain contested due to significant depth additions. Key decisions involve wide receivers, defensive linemen, and tight ends, where players like Dohnte Meyers and Landon Robinson have emerged as strong contenders. The outcome of the final game will determine which players make the active roster or move to the practice squad.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must finalize their 53-man roster by Sunday following a preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills. Key decisions involve veteran offensive tackle Broderick Jones, inside linebackers Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts, and safety Brandin Echols, all of whom face potential cuts. Simultaneously, rookie Max Iheanachor and veteran Dylan Cook are competing for the starting right tackle role, while quarterback Will Howard must improve his performance to secure his position against rookie Drew Allar.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to cut their roster to 53 players on Sunday, August 30, following the preseason finale. Key decisions involve the quarterback depth chart, where Aaron Rodgers is the starter but the team may retain four QBs initially, and the cornerback unit, which is complicated by Joey Porter Jr.'s ongoing PUP list status. While the running back and offensive line groups are considered locked, there is debate over wide receiver Kaden Wetjen and safety Robert Spears-Jennings.
The Buffalo Bills have several positions up for grabs as they head into their preseason finale against the Chicago Bears. While starting quarterback Josh Allen will get limited playing time, the focus will be on backup quarterback Kyle Allen, who has a chance to solidify his position with a strong performance. The competition for the second cornerback spot is also heating up, with Christian Benford making a strong case for himself. Additionally, the Bills will be closely watching Ryan Van Demark's performance at right tackle and keeping an eye on several players on the bubble who are fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster.
Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur has confirmed that the team's starters, including quarterback Jordan Love, will play in the preseason finale against the Seattle Seahawks. The playing time for the starters will be decided on a case-by-case basis, with the exception of outside linebacker Rashan Gary, who is still recovering. LaFleur believes there is value in preparing for a noon kickoff and wants to see how his young team responds. After the preseason finale, the Packers will have roster cutdowns and begin preparations for their regular season opener against the Chicago Bears.
The preseason finale between the Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts will feature several storylines to watch, including the return of former Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen, rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson starting for the Colts, potential tension from a joint practice brawl, the presence of All-Pro running back Dalvin Cook, and ongoing roster battles at various positions.