NFL Teams Face 53-Man Roster Deadline

NFL teams must reduce rosters from 90 to 53 players by 6 p.m. ET today. Many cut players are expected to be re-signed to practice squads, which hold 16 players (17 with an international pathway slot). The regular season begins in 10 days.

The 37-player reduction per team creates a wave of transactions, but most cut players are expected to return via practice squads, which now hold 16 players (17 with an international pathway slot). Teams typically aim to retain about 16 of their own released players, making it uncommon for standout preseason performers to be claimed by other organizations.

In Denver, the Broncos face a crowded tight end room. Veterans Evan Engram and Adam Trautman appear secure, but rookies Justin Joly and Dallen Bentley, along with veterans Nate Adkins and Lucas Krull, are competing for remaining spots. Joly's 88-yard touchdown catch against Minnesota highlighted his potential, while coach Sean Payton has acknowledged ongoing discussions about the position's depth and roles.