All 32 NFL teams must trim their rosters to 53 players by the 4 p.m. ET deadline on Tuesday, Aug. 29. This is the first year for the NFL with just one cutdown day. In the past, there were three separate rounds of cuts throughout the preseason and two in recent years.
Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera is happy with the rule change.
“Yes, I think it’s an excellent idea,” Rivera said of having one cutdown day. “I’m really glad they did that because what it does for us is we will be able to hold some guys out, specifically. We also know that we have enough guys to get through the last game and have a good game. That’s always been the concern is that the last game isn’t the type of game that I think that people really want to come see. Now that we’re able to keep a bigger number of guys, one of the things you tell these young guys, too, is you may not play a lot in the second game, but just understand that third game, you’re going to play your butt off.”
Having one cutdown day allows some players the opportunity to impress teams one last time before final cuts. In the past, if the team cut 15 players before the final preseason game, that eliminated a prime opportunity for those 15 players to have one last audition for their current team or one of the 31 other NFL teams.
Rivera explained how he and Washington’s front office trimmed the roster to 53 players.
“What we’re going to do is after the game, we’ll meet as a coaching staff, and we’ll talk specifically about each player,” Rivera said.
“Where they fit, how they fit, and what the situation circumstances are for each guy. Then myself and, the coordinators are going to sit down, and we will meet with [Executive Vice President of Football/Player Personnel] Marty [Hurney] and the personnel staff and [General Manager] Martin [Mayhew]. We’ll discuss where we are and how the coaches feel about it. We’ll listen to their take on everybody, each individual. Then we’ll discuss by position. What usually happens is we usually start with a high number on each position, and then we whittle it down.”
The Commanders face some difficult decisions at a number of positions. Will they keep 11 defensive linemen, including both rookie defensive ends? What about three quarterbacks? Six or seven wide receivers? Will Rivera part with any of Washington’s 2023 draft picks?
Saturday’s preseason finale against the Cincinnati Bengals will allow players on the roster bubble one last opportunity to impress the Commanders — and 31 other teams.