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NFL 2026 Roster Cuts: Cardinals, Rams, and League-Wide Shifts
The 2026 NFL roster cutdown to 53 players concluded on Sunday, August 30, as teams across the league trimmed their 90‑man preseason rosters. The Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, and a host of other franchises finalized practice‑squad additions, waiver claims, and injury designations that will shape the upcoming season.
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona added 13 players to its practice squad, according to NFL.com. Among the newcomers was offensive lineman Matt Pryor, while Austrian tackle Valentin Senn received an international player practice‑squad exemption. The Cardinals also confirmed that quarterback Carson Beck will be a full‑go participant in practice this week. Running back Jeremiyah Love’s ankle injury is described as “progressing really well,” and he is expected to take another step toward a Week 1 return against the Chargers.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams expanded their practice squad by 17 players, including running back Dean Connors. Head coach Sean McVay announced that defensive tackle Aaron Donald will not practice on Monday, a decision explained as part of a planned approach. Donald, who officially unretired on Sunday, will be available for the Rams’ Week 1 game.
Other Notable Signings and Waiver Claims
Atlanta added 15 players to its practice squad, including wide receiver Vinny Anthony II. Indianapolis listed 15 additions, featuring wide receiver Nick Westbrook‑Ikhine. Baltimore also added 15 practice‑squad players, with kicker Jake Moody among those on the radar; head coach Jesse Minter noted that Tyler Loop is still expected to be the Week 1 kicker.
Chicago’s squad grew by 11 players, adding defensive end Marcus Davenport. Cleveland added 10 players, including defensive end Logan Fano. Denver expanded its roster by 17, with linebacker Red Murdock—2026 draft’s final overall pick—joining the team. Washington added 12 players, including quarterback Sam Hartman. Tennessee added 15 players, featuring quarterback Hendon Hooker.
Baltimore, Buffalo, and Green Bay each added 13 or 15 players to their practice squads. Buffalo added safety Geno Stone, while Green Bay added linebacker Kristian Welch.
Injuries and IR Designations
Several teams placed players on injured reserve. Arizona placed offensive lineman Brady Christensen (hamstring) on IR. Los Angeles placed offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil on IR, and defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton on IR. Indianapolis placed linebacker Chris Paul Jr. on IR with an injury settlement and also placed wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. on IR.
Arizona also waived defensive lineman Zach Harrison, defensive backs Natrone Brooks and Jammie Robinson, and placed linebacker JD Bertrand on IR. The Cardinals released guard Chandler Zavala, while the Rams released guard Josh Priebe. Indianapolis released tight end Treyton Welch.
Practice‑Squad Exemptions and International Players
The Cardinals granted Valentin Senn an international practice‑squad exemption and also gave practice‑squad exemption to linebacker Carl Jones. The Rams granted international practice‑player exemption to defensive lineman Paschal Ekeji.
Waiver Claims
Atlanta claimed offensive tackle Cameron Williams from the Eagles. The Jaguars claimed linebacker Yasir Abdullah. The Seahawks claimed linebacker Jared Ivey. The Eagles claimed offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie and cornerback Trevon Diggs, while the Colts claimed cornerback Kapena Gushiken.
Other Transactions
Arizona announced that offensive tackle Broderick Jones, acquired from the Steelers, will compete with Terence Steele for the Cowboys’ right‑tackle job, according to head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Los Angeles added running back Hassan Haskins to its practice squad, while the Saints added running back Zamir White. Indianapolis added wide receiver Braxton Berrios to its practice squad, and the Giants added wide receiver Jalin Hyatt.
Conclusion
The 2026 roster cutdown has reshaped teams across the NFL. Cardinals and Rams have made significant practice‑squad additions and injury updates that will influence their depth charts. League‑wide, teams have used the waiver wire to fill gaps, and several high‑profile players have been placed on injured reserve. The next week will see teams finalize their 53‑man rosters, with the waiver claims and practice‑squad promotions setting the stage for the 2026 regular season.
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona added 13 players to its practice squad, according to NFL.com. Among the newcomers was offensive lineman Matt Pryor, while Austrian tackle Valentin Senn received an international player practice‑squad exemption. The Cardinals also confirmed that quarterback Carson Beck will be a full‑go participant in practice this week. Running back Jeremiyah Love’s ankle injury is described as “progressing really well,” and he is expected to take another step toward a Week 1 return against the Chargers.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams expanded their practice squad by 17 players, including running back Dean Connors. Head coach Sean McVay announced that defensive tackle Aaron Donald will not practice on Monday, a decision explained as part of a planned approach. Donald, who officially unretired on Sunday, will be available for the Rams’ Week 1 game.
Other Notable Signings and Waiver Claims
Atlanta added 15 players to its practice squad, including wide receiver Vinny Anthony II. Indianapolis listed 15 additions, featuring wide receiver Nick Westbrook‑Ikhine. Baltimore also added 15 practice‑squad players, with kicker Jake Moody among those on the radar; head coach Jesse Minter noted that Tyler Loop is still expected to be the Week 1 kicker.
Chicago’s squad grew by 11 players, adding defensive end Marcus Davenport. Cleveland added 10 players, including defensive end Logan Fano. Denver expanded its roster by 17, with linebacker Red Murdock—2026 draft’s final overall pick—joining the team. Washington added 12 players, including quarterback Sam Hartman. Tennessee added 15 players, featuring quarterback Hendon Hooker.
Baltimore, Buffalo, and Green Bay each added 13 or 15 players to their practice squads. Buffalo added safety Geno Stone, while Green Bay added linebacker Kristian Welch.
Injuries and IR Designations
Several teams placed players on injured reserve. Arizona placed offensive lineman Brady Christensen (hamstring) on IR. Los Angeles placed offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil on IR, and defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton on IR. Indianapolis placed linebacker Chris Paul Jr. on IR with an injury settlement and also placed wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. on IR.
Arizona also waived defensive lineman Zach Harrison, defensive backs Natrone Brooks and Jammie Robinson, and placed linebacker JD Bertrand on IR. The Cardinals released guard Chandler Zavala, while the Rams released guard Josh Priebe. Indianapolis released tight end Treyton Welch.
Practice‑Squad Exemptions and International Players
The Cardinals granted Valentin Senn an international practice‑squad exemption and also gave practice‑squad exemption to linebacker Carl Jones. The Rams granted international practice‑player exemption to defensive lineman Paschal Ekeji.
Waiver Claims
Atlanta claimed offensive tackle Cameron Williams from the Eagles. The Jaguars claimed linebacker Yasir Abdullah. The Seahawks claimed linebacker Jared Ivey. The Eagles claimed offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie and cornerback Trevon Diggs, while the Colts claimed cornerback Kapena Gushiken.
Other Transactions
Arizona announced that offensive tackle Broderick Jones, acquired from the Steelers, will compete with Terence Steele for the Cowboys’ right‑tackle job, according to head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Los Angeles added running back Hassan Haskins to its practice squad, while the Saints added running back Zamir White. Indianapolis added wide receiver Braxton Berrios to its practice squad, and the Giants added wide receiver Jalin Hyatt.
Conclusion
The 2026 roster cutdown has reshaped teams across the NFL. Cardinals and Rams have made significant practice‑squad additions and injury updates that will influence their depth charts. League‑wide, teams have used the waiver wire to fill gaps, and several high‑profile players have been placed on injured reserve. The next week will see teams finalize their 53‑man rosters, with the waiver claims and practice‑squad promotions setting the stage for the 2026 regular season.
