NFL Training Camp Buzz: Players on the Verge of Popping the Roster Bubble
Hard Cutting Decisions Due to the NFL Preseason Injury Report
The intensity of NFL training camps is hitting a peak, and teams are now faced with tough calls to make: the inevitable task of narrowing down rosters to 53 players for NFL Week 1 looms large and ominous. In other words, the NFL preseason injury report is making NFL teams whittle their roster down to 53 men by Tuesday, August 30
Grappling with bad performance and football injuries, noteworthy players suddenly (or not so suddenly) find themselves in the midst of a getting-the-boot decision in which they have no say.
Hanging On: A Challenge To Tackle
Here’s a look at 25 of the most seasoned NFL players -in no particular order- who could find themselves facing the cut for all the wrong-albeit-right reasons. That NFL preseason injury report is really and truly wreaking havoc!
Robert Woods, WR, Houston Texans
Woods shone as a 1,000-yard receiver during his LA Rams tenure, but a knee injury shifted his score line. His yards per catch dropped to 9.9 with the Titans last year. Now with the Texans, Woods is facing competition from younger players for both roster inclusion and playing time.
Nelson Agholor, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Once a top pick for the Eagles, Agholor soared in 2020 with Las Vegas but has recently faced challenges in New England. Now, he’s fourth on the depth chart with Baltimore.
Mekhi Becton, OT, New York Jets
Becton, a 2020 first-rounder, grappled with injuries and participated in only two NFL matchups in the last two seasons. His potential return remains uncertain.
Latavius Murray, RB, Buffalo Bills
Entering his early 30s, Murray seeks a place with the Bills. His power running style works pretty well in his favor, but his age could negatively impact his value. At 33, securing a spot certainly falls into the category of ‘a challenge to tackle’.
K’Lavon Chaisson, OLB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Selected in the 2020 NFL Draft in the first round in 2020, Chaisson’s three-season track record shows only three sacks. His limited defensive snaps -a little over 109 in the previous year- have raised questions, indeed.
Anthony Schwartz, WR, Cleveland Browns
Known for his speed, Schwartz made some impressive plays for the Browns in 2021. However, his catch rate of 42% raises doubts.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs‘ 2020 decision to draft Edwards-Helaire in the first round has really been put under scrutiny. Struggles with injuries and a sidelining during last year’s Super Bowl have put Clyde’s position at risk. With the NFL preseason injury report against him, it could go every which way!
Caleb Farley, CB, Tennessee Titans
Since being drafted 22nd overall in 2021, Farley has been limited to appearing in just 12 games over two NFL seasons. He might get the boot under new GM Ran Carthon if his health remains shaky.
Devin Bush, LB, Seattle Seahawks
Bush’s stint with the Steelers was underwhelming, marked by injuries and a downward spiral in performance. The aftermath of an injury in his second season left its mark, and now Seattle has him pegged as depth, without any wish to keep him if he doesn’t step up his game.
Dante Fowler Jr., OLB, Dallas Cowboys
Fowler showcased his pass-rushing prowess with six sacks for the Cowboys last season, but saw only 30% of defensive snaps, after being the third overall draft choice in 2015.
Melvin Gordon, RB, Baltimore Ravens
Joining the Ravens camp due to J.K. Dobbins’ situation, Gordon must still prove his worth after a rocky stint. His past season with the Broncos yielded just 3.5 yards per carry; plus, he also struggled with ball security, and he could never take the Chiefs’ field after they signed him up for the practice squad.
Shaq Lawson, DE, Buffalo Bills
Lawson contributed modestly last season, appearing in four games and playing half of defensive snaps. Although he’s a former first-round pick, his bouncing spree across AFC East teams makes him vulnerable, especially with Leonard Floyd’s arrival.
Equanimeous St. Brown, WR, Chicago Bears
Having started 16 NFL games for the Bears last season, St. Brown’s 21 catches paled in comparison. The team’s recent additions have also shifted his standing: with names like Chase Claypool and D.J. Moore gaining prominence, St. Brown’s place on the roster is pretty much in doubt, to say the least.
Jimmy Graham, TE, New Orleans Saints
After a challenging time with the Bears in 2021, Graham took a year off at 36 years old. Returning to New Orleans, Graham’s bid to prolong his career was -and still is- a daring move.
Javon Kinlaw, DT, San Francisco 49ers
A 2020 first-round pick, Kinlaw faced struggles to stay on the field. The 49ers‘ addition of Javon Hargrave indicates they’re not banking solely on Kinlaw. Since it’s his rookie deal’s final year, he must earn his spot through performance.
Malik Willis, QB, Tennessee Titans
Willis filled in as starter for the Titans, but his rookie season displayed struggles. Changes within the front office and the addition of Will Levis in the second round might lead to a reevaluation of his role.
Alex Leatherwood, OG, Chicago Bears
Starting all 17 games in his rookie year with the Raiders, he was then hindered by changes in the Raiders’ coaching staff. Now, Leatherwood faces uncertainty with Chicago, having appeared in just 4 NFL matchups.
Rashaad Penny, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Seattle saw Penny’s promise, but his NFL injury history makes it all shaky for him in Philadelphia.
Jalen Reagor, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Drafted in 2020, Reagor struggled, leading to an early Eagles exit. Minnesota used him primarily as a punt returner, but Adam Thielen’s leave in the NFL playoffs might push them to seek a more capable receiver.
James Robinson, RB, New York Giants
Robinson’s impressive rookie season faced a setback with an Achilles injury. Now, far below in the Giants‘ depth chart, he’s looking to get back his stride and clinch his place on the roster.
Davis Mills, QB, Houston Texans
As Houston’s primary starter for two seasons, Mills faces competition with C.J. Stroud’s arrival. The potential loss of both starting and roster positions is a concern, particularly with veteran backup Case Keenum thrown into the mix.
Laviska Shenault, WR, Carolina Panthers
Despite Shenault being great with the ball many times, the Jaguars‘ new coaching staff wasn’t too excited about him. A tally of 27 receptions in 13 football games last year certainly leaves room for improvement in Carolina’s eyes.
Sterling Shepard, WR, New York Giants
Once a key factor in New York’s offense, Shepard’s last four NFL football seasons were marred by injuries; plus, he seemed to lose momentum last year in the three games he played. The Giants are leaning toward younger wideouts, so Shepard’s age could put his roster spot on the line.
Chase Winovich, DE, Houston Texans
Impressing early in his career with the Patriots, Winovich’s pass-rushing prowess has dwindled in recent seasons, and his last two years saw just one sack.
Chosen Anderson, WR, Miami Dolphins
A former standout with the Jets and Panthers, Anderson struggled in recent seasons with Carolina and Arizona. His sub-50% catch rate raises concerns.
Countdown to the Final Cuts
The NFL training camp is unfolding, and these football players will have to navigate the pressure to prove their worth and retain their spots. But the NFL is too dynamic; it requires consistent performance, and only the days ahead will determine whether these athletes can secure their positions on the team or face a roster cut. The NFL preseason injury report isn’t being too lenient on them.
The final cut deadline inches closer; the next few days could reshape careers as teams make the ultimate roster decisions.
Stay tuned for the latest developments as NFL squads gear up for the upcoming season… and the roster cuts! Only here, at Point Spreads.
Check out our mat release for an abbreviated version of this piece.
