NFL Preseason Week 3 Wrap-Up: Roster Spots on the Line Ahead of Final Cuts

NFL Preseason Week 3: Key Performances and Roster Battles as Regular Season Approaches

Week 3 of the 2024 NFL preseason provided one final opportunity for players to make their case for a spot on the 53-man roster before the Tuesday deadline. Several key performances stood out as teams prepare for the regular season.

Seattle Seahawks 37, Cleveland Browns 33

The Seahawks saw standout performances from Kenny McIntosh, who solidified his role with a 56-yard touchdown on his lone carry, and Dee Eskridge, who made a strong case for a roster spot with a 79-yard punt return touchdown. For the Browns, Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Tyler Huntley each made compelling arguments to be the third quarterback, with Thompson-Robinson completing 11 of 20 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown, while Huntley threw three touchdown passes in the second half.

New York Jets 10, New York Giants 6

The Jets’ preseason finale was highlighted by running back Israel Abanikanda, who rushed for 83 yards on nine carries, including a 45-yard touchdown, and defensive end Takkarist McKinley, who notched 2.5 sacks. The Giants saw Tommy DeVito struggle at quarterback, going 14-of-27 for 103 yards and being sacked eight times, casting doubt on his future as the third QB on the roster.

Los Angeles Chargers 26, Dallas Cowboys 19

Simi Fehoko likely secured his roster spot with the Chargers after a strong preseason, capped by a 78-yard touchdown. On the Cowboys’ side, rookie Cooper Beebe’s absence from the game likely confirms him as the Week 1 starter at center, while Deuce Vaughn continued to impress as a potential key contributor in the backfield.

Green Bay Packers 30, Baltimore Ravens 7

Malik Heath strengthened his case for a roster spot with the Packers, catching four passes for 39 yards and a touchdown. The Ravens faced injury concerns with running back Owen Wright and offensive lineman Nick Samac, which could impact their final roster decisions.

Carolina Panthers 31, Buffalo Bills 26

Bryce Young showcased his potential in his preseason debut for the Panthers, leading a 12-play drive and finishing with 70 passing yards and a touchdown. For the Bills, decisions loom over bubble players like linebacker Joe Andreessen and defensive end Kingsley Jonathan, who could be claimed on waivers.

Detroit Lions 24, Pittsburgh Steelers 17

Hendon Hooker rebounded from a rough start to lead the Lions to a comeback win, solidifying his case as the backup quarterback. The Steelers saw strong performances from defensive backs Thomas Graham Jr. and Cory Trice Jr., who likely secured roster spots with their solid play.

Minnesota Vikings 26, Philadelphia Eagles 3

The Vikings’ preseason finale raised questions about the health of key players like Jordan Addison and Blake Cashman, while third quarterback Jaren Hall impressed with 339 yards and four touchdowns over the preseason. The Eagles face decisions at wide receiver, with Parris Campbell and rookie Ainias Smith vying for spots behind Jahan Dotson.

Houston Texans 17, Los Angeles Rams 15

The Texans’ Cam Akers made a strong case to move ahead in the running back depth chart, while the Rams confirmed Stetson Bennett as Matthew Stafford’s backup despite his preseason struggles.

San Francisco 49ers 24, Las Vegas Raiders 24

The 49ers face uncertainty on the defensive line after injuries to Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos, while the Raiders must decide whether to carry two or three quarterbacks, with Carter Bradley and Nathan Peterman both making cases for the third spot.

Jacksonville Jaguars 31, Atlanta Falcons 0

Elijah Cooks and Tim Jones are locked in a battle for the final receiver spot on the Jaguars, with Jones’ special teams ability possibly giving him the edge. The Falcons’ Natrone Brooks made a strong case for a roster spot with standout performances on defense and special teams.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24, Miami Dolphins 14

Skylar Thompson’s strong performance in the Dolphins’ preseason finale likely earned him the backup quarterback job. Meanwhile, rookies Jaylen Wright and Malik Washington capped off impressive preseasons, positioning themselves for meaningful roles in the regular season. For the Buccaneers, undrafted free agent Kameron Johnson showcased his potential with an explosive performance, while veteran Cody Thompson led the team with 45 receiving yards.

As the preseason concludes, these performances will play a crucial role in determining final rosters, with the regular season just around the corner.