NFL teams continued trimming rosters and sorting out preseason injury concerns Friday, with the Browns and Steelers making sizable moves toward the 53-man limit while several starters and contributors underwent evaluations.
NFL roster cuts, injury updates and kicker decision
SEO Title: NFL roster cuts, injuries and preseason updates
SEO Description: Browns and Steelers begin roster reductions, while injury updates arrive on Ashton Jeanty, J.J. McCarthy, Marvin Mims Jr. and more.
Quick facts
- Cleveland waived 12 players and ended four contracts as it began its reduction to 53 players.
- Pittsburgh released 11 players in its first round of roster cuts.
- Cornerback Mekhi Blackmon was awarded to the Browns after being waived by the Colts.
- Dominic Zvada beat Ben Sauls for the starting kicker role.
- Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty remains under evaluation ahead of the Sept. 13 opener against Miami.
The Browns added Blackmon through the waiver wire after Indianapolis moved on from the defensive back. Cleveland’s Friday transactions included 12 waived players and four contract terminations.
The Steelers also started their roster reduction, releasing 11 players. Elsewhere, running back Patrick Taylor was waived from injured reserve with an injury settlement, and wide receiver Caullin Lacy received an injury settlement after being waived.
Running back Bam Knight is now officially recognized by the league as Zonovan Knight. Tight end Khalil Dinkins switched from No. 82 to No. 43, while offensive lineman Jack Conley changed from No. 74 to No. 67.
Dallas outside linebacker Marist Liufau sustained a broken left forearm in Friday’s game, coach Brian Schottenheimer said. Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. suffered a foot bruise against Minnesota, leaving in the first quarter for evaluation and not returning.
Cornerback Melvin Smith Jr. was ruled out against Seattle because of a rib injury. Safety Xavier Williams also was ruled out of his game against Jacksonville with a hip issue.
Jeanty is continuing to recover from the ankle injury he sustained in practice on Aug. 23. Coach Klint Kubiak said the Raiders have another week to determine how the rookie looks entering Week 1, adding that the club expects to have him available.
Las Vegas opens its regular season Sept. 13 against the Dolphins.
Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy missed Friday’s preseason game against Denver with an ankle injury, though the issue is not considered a long-term concern. Safety Jacob Thomas is believed to have an ankle sprain and is scheduled for an MRI after being hurt in the same game.
Running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. was checked for a head injury following Friday’s game against the Jets and was cleared. Coach John Harbaugh later said Tracy had a stinger, while cornerback Korie Black suffered a groin injury.
Harbaugh also announced that Zvada earned the starting kicking job over Sauls.
Jets running back Chip Trayanum was transported to a hospital for evaluation after leaving Friday’s game against the Giants with a neck injury. The team said Trayanum was awake, alert and able to move his extremities.
Jets offensive lineman Anez Cooper was ruled out with a shoulder injury, and defensive end Joseph Ossai left the Giants game with a foot injury.
Safety Andre Sam was carted off after suffering a leg injury Friday. He departed the stadium wearing a walking boot on his left leg.
Wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson was evaluated after taking a heavy hit during Thursday’s joint practice with Chicago. He is not believed to have a concussion, but Tennessee will continue monitoring him for possible symptoms.
Defensive back Will Harris was listed for a visit.
