This weekend saw final cut-down days for NFL teams to pare their rosters to 53 players. Among those on the bubble who made it were :
- Kevin Reddick - New Orleans
- Brandon Tate - Cincinnati
- Ryan Taylor - Green Bay
Taylor has made the most of his snaps in Green Bay, and Tate had a solid preseason for the Bengals. This is great news for Reddick, who was a long-shot to make the Saints.
These Tar Heels did not make final rosters:
Marvin Austin - New York Giants
Travis Bond - Minnesota (didn't make 53-man roster but signed to practice squad)
The only real surprise here was Shaun Draughn, who played quite a bit behind the oft-injured Jamaal Charles in Kansas City last season. Charles may be iffy to start this season as well and with the backup spot wide open, Draughn was beaten out by rookie Knile Davis. Then again, the Chiefs, with a new coaching staff, turned over 26 players on their 53-man roster at last count.
Also, the Arizona Cardinals placed top draft pick Jonathan Cooper on injured reserve, ending his season after breaking his leg in a preseason game against San Diego. The Cardinals had initially hedged on what to do with Cooper, but ultimately decided to shut him down so he can completely heal and be ready for next season.
