With less than two weeks before the start of the 2025 National Football League season, all teams have reduced their rosters to 53 players. Each team finalized its lineup ahead of opening day, with several players released or placed on injured reserve or physically unable to perform lists.
Major roster decisions this year affected both established and backup players. In Arizona, quarterback Clayton Tune was released, leaving Jacoby Brissett as Kyler Murray’s backup. The Falcons lost right tackle Kaleb McGary for the year due to injury, which could impact running back Bijan Robinson’s productivity. Atlanta also let go of quarterbacks Easton Stick and Ben DiNucci.
The Buffalo Bills released wide receivers Laviska Shenault and K.J. Hamler, who were not projected for significant roles this season. Carolina’s Jonathan Brooks will miss another full season due to injury, while Hunter Renfrow was released as the Panthers shift toward younger receivers.
Chicago will be without running back Travis Homer for at least four games due to his placement on injured reserve. The Bears also cut ties with Royce Freeman and Miles Boykin.
For Cincinnati, tight end Erick All faces a long-term recovery from a knee injury after being placed on the physically unable to perform list. Running back Zack Moss was released, increasing opportunity for Chase Brown in the Bengals’ backfield.
Cleveland put DeShaun Watson on the physically unable to perform list as he continues to recover from an Achilles injury. Joe Flacco leads their depth chart after Tyler Huntley’s release and Kenny Pickett‘s trade away from Cleveland.
In Dallas, wide receiver Jonathan Mingo begins the season on injured reserve while Deuce Vaughan has been let go by the team after two seasons.
The Denver Broncos cut running back Audric Estime and receiver A.T. Perry following underwhelming performances last season.
Detroit’s Hendon Hooker was waived after attempting only nine passes in two years with the Lions.
Green Bay placed Christian Watson on the physically unable to perform list following a late-season knee injury last year; MeCole Hardman was also released by Green Bay.
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon will be out at least four games after being placed on a non-football injury list with lingering ankle concerns, leaving Nick Chubb as lead rusher early in the season. Wide receiver Tank Dell is also sidelined until Week 5 due to knee problems suffered late last year.
Among other notable moves: Jelani Woods (Colts) and Khalil Herbert (also Colts) were released; Miami Dolphins running back Alexander Mattison is out for 2025 after neck surgery; Minnesota Vikings’ Rondale Moore is out again with a knee injury; New England Patriots’ Ja’Lynn Polk is sidelined for 2025 with a shoulder issue; Taysom Hill (Saints) opens his campaign on PUP status after an ACL tear; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Donald Parham will miss all of 2025 following an offseason Achilles tear; San Francisco’s Brandon Aiyuk continues rehab from an ACL injury; Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Jalen McMillan starts on IR with a neck issue; Tennessee Titans’ Tyjae Spears begins on IR with an ankle problem as Tony Pollard takes over lead duties in Tennessee’s backfield.
Several veteran receivers such as Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Seattle Seahawks), Robert Woods (Steelers), and Michael Gallup (Washington Commanders) were also among notable names let go during final roster cuts across multiple teams this preseason.
Among those cut by San Francisco is Terique Owens—the son of Hall of Famer Terrell Owens—who did not make it past final roster reductions this year.
