NFL Preseason Week 3: Key Takeaways from Final Roster Spots and Position Battles

Week 3 of the 2024 NFL preseason began Thursday as teams prepare for the regular season.

The final preseason games are the last chance for many players to prove themselves before the 53-man roster cutdown deadline at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Our NFL Nation reporters will break down their roster projections at the conclusion of each game.

To keep you up to date on what to expect from Tuesday’s biggest roster questions, our NFL Nation reporters break down the latest news surrounding the final roster spots and position battles.

Thursday matches

Foals: The Colts’ priority on Thursday was to finally get their starting units, including quarterback Anthony Richardson (who has had mixed results), playing longer. As for the position battles, little appears to have changed at safety, with Nick Cross seemingly headed for a starting role alongside Julian Blackmon. Elsewhere, defensive tackle Eric Johnson II, who is fighting for a roster spot, produced a highlight reel as he chased down and eventually caught struggling Bengals quarterback Logan Woodside, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Indianapolis. Sam Ehlinger appears likely to remain the No. 3 quarterback, but rookie Jason Bean gave it another shot with a 4-for-4 passing performance that included three rushes for 15 yards and a touchdown. –Stephen Holder

Season opener: vs. Houston Texans (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, September 8)

Stephen Holder’s final 53-man squad projection

Bengal: Even without any starters playing, there was little to be gained in the battles to make the 53-man roster. But the big winner may have been Maema Njongmeta, the undrafted linebacker from Wisconsin. He led the team in tackles in the final round of the preseason and continued to be productive against the Colts, having nine tackles in the first three quarters. If Njongmeta makes the cut, he’ll have to beat out players in other groups on the roster. But he’s made a very strong case after an excellent preseason. — Ben Baby

Season opener: vs. New England Patriots (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, September 8)

Ben Baby’s final 53-man roster projection

Bears: Velus Jones Jr.’s playing time in the preseason finale — his first snap on offense didn’t come until late in the second quarter and he had no reps on kickoff returns — suggests he’s headed to the 53-man roster. There has been some doubt whether the former third-round pick has done enough to stick around for a third straight season, but the Bears have consistently given Jones every opportunity to prove his worth. He has experimented with running back in addition to his special teams duties, which will likely earn him a spot on the team.–Courtney Cronin

Season opener: vs. Tennessee Titans (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, September 8)

Courtney Cronin’s Final 53-Man Roster Projection

Chiefs: After major changes to the wide receiver roster during the offseason, which saw the Chiefs add speed with veteran free agent Marquise Brown and rookie Xavier Worthy, a first-round draft pick, the additions have reverberated down the depth chart. Additionally, former Super Bowl greats Mecole Hardman and Kadarius Toney are vying for spots on the roster. Toney came out strong against the Bears on Thursday with his best preseason game, catching two passes for 26 yards and returning a punt for 16 yards. –Adam Teicher

Season opener: vs. Baltimore Ravens (8:20 p.m. ET, Thursday, September 5)

Adam Teicher’s latest 53-man squad