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All NFL teams trimmed their rosters down to 53 players on Tuesday afternoon. Most of the moves were widely expected as organizations parted ways with players ranging from expensive veterans to non-impactful replacements to low-ranking rookies.
However, some cuts came as a bit of a surprise, especially those that could have fantasy football ramifications.
Let's explore the biggest cut-down casualties at each position to keep an eye on.
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Quarterback Cuts
Josh Johnson, Broncos
Johnson posted an impressive line this preseason, completing 35 passes for 349 yards and two touchdowns. However, he was the odd man out in the Denver Broncos' quarterback room with Brett Rypien making the team as Russell Wilson's backup. Johnson has played for 14 teams in his career and isn't fantasy relevant, but it would be cool to see a 15th organization add him as a depth option.
Note: Johnson intends to join the Broncos' practice squad.
Chris Streveler, Jets
Streveler was the New York Jets' miracle man this preseason, leading the team to three comeback wins. He completed 24 passes for 277 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception, all while finishing as New York's leading rusher. Still, the organization deemed he didn't do enough to make the roster. With Zach Wilson (knee) sidelined for the time being, it looks like the Jets will proceed with Joe Flacco and Mike White at the helm.
Note: Streveler intends to join the Jets' practice squad.
Running Back Cuts
Marlon Mack, Texans
Mack was running well in his first preseason with the Houston Texans, but he became expendable when rookie Dameon Pierce won the starting job. Instead of carrying Mack as a backup, the Texans will let him go, giving him the freedom to explore other options throughout the league. Just 26 years old, Mack totaled 1,999 rushing yards, 185 receiving yards, and 18 touchdowns between 2018 and 2019 combined. It would be foolish to expect Mack to return to his young, pre-injury form, but he looks like he can still be a viable depth option in the NFL.
Note: Mack intends to join the Texans' practice squad.
Phillip Lindsay, Colts
The Indianapolis Colts signed Lindsay with the intention to use him as a depth piece behind Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines, but he too ends up being a cut-down casualty. He played in 14 games for the Texans and Dolphins last season, registering 249 rushing yards, 45 receiving yards, and a pair of touchdowns. It seems likely that another team will claim him off waivers and add him to their 53-man roster, but he would require several injuries in order to become a fantasy-relevant option.
Duke Johnson, Bills
The Buffalo Bills released Johnson before he could even play in a regular season game with them. The now-28-year-old re-emerged on the fantasy radar at the end of the 2021 season when he signed with the Dolphins. He totaled 127 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns in Week 15, then added another 122 yards and one score in Week 18. However, with a deep backfield in place, the Bills had no room on the active roster for the veteran. If Johnson doesn't find a deal elsewhere, he could join the Bills' practice squad.
Note: Johnson intends to join the Bills' practice squad.
Tevin Coleman, Jets
The New York Jets parted ways with Coleman after just one season together. He followed Robert Saleh and Mike LaFleur from San Francisco to New York in 2021 but quickly saw his role dwindle amidst the emergence of Michael Carter. He finished the year with 356 rushing yards and 49 receiving yards through 11 games. An experienced veteran back, Coleman should find more opportunities in 2022, but it's hard to envision him becoming fantasy relevant again.
Justin Jackson, Lions
Jackson joined the Detroit Lions this off-season. He had looked solid with the Chargers, totaling 364 rushing yards, 178 receiving yards, and two touchdowns in 2021, but was unable to beat out his fellow backfield mates in Detroit. Instead, he'll search for a new job elsewhere, though that shouldn't be much trouble considering his solid track record as a depth piece in the NFL. Still, it would require a couple of injuries for Jackson to have any fantasy relevance.
Note: Jackson intends to join the Lions' practice squad.
Wide Receiver Cuts
Tom Kennedy, Lions
The Detroit Lions cut ties with Kennedy in a move that was notable but not extremely surprising. Although he caught 16 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns in the preseason, the 26-year-old was not a major contributor on special teams. As it goes in the NFL, depth players need to offer value on special teams, and if they can't, they run the risk of being released. Kennedy's strong impression this summer could earn him a 53-man roster spot elsewhere, but he doesn't have a path to seeing meaningful snaps.
Note: Kennedy intends to join the Lions' practice squad.
Lynn Bowden Jr. and Preston Williams, Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins made a pair of notable wide receiver cuts on Tuesday when they released Lynn Bowden Jr. and Preston Williams. Bowden was drafted by Las Vegas in 2020 but traded to Miami before ever playing a game with the Raiders. He registered 28 receptions for 211 yards as a rookie but didn't suit up in 2021. Despite catching two touchdowns in the preseason, he evidently didn't do enough to earn a roster spot. Meanwhile, Williams is another player who generated hype early in his career, catching 32 passes for 428 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie in 2019. Injuries, poor performance, and lack of playing time held him back, and now he'll have an opportunity to embark on the next chapter of his career elsewhere.
Tight End Cuts
Anthony Firkser, Falcons
Firkser played in 15 games for the Titans last season, hauling in 34 passes for 291 yards and two touchdowns. He signed with Atlanta in hopes of backing up Kyle Pitts this coming year, but instead, he'll be looking for a new role elsewhere. Firkser should have no trouble latching on somewhere, but it will be as a backup and he won't have any fantasy relevance.
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