NFL: Final 2025 Roster Projections After Week 3 of Preseason

NFL 2025 Preseason: Latest Impressions and Roster Projections

The third week of the 2025 NFL preseason has concluded, and teams are preparing to make crucial decisions before the deadline on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, when they must reduce their rosters to 53 players. How did the Week 3 games influence the prospects of the 32 teams’ rosters? Alofoke Deportes reporters analyze each match. In addition, we have prepared final 53-player roster projections for each team, predicting who will be cut, who will make the team, and what the Week 1 lineups might look like. Click on the links below to see your favorite team’s roster projection:

• ARI
• ATL
• BAL
• BUF
• CAR
• CHI
• CIN
• CLE
• DAL
• DEN
• DET
• GB
• HOU
• IND
• JAX
• KC
• LAC
• LAR
• LV
• MIA
• MIN
• NE
• NO
• NYG
• NYJ
• PHI
• PIT
• SF
• SEA
• TB
• TEN
• WSH

NFC East

Dallas CowboysResult of Week 3: Cowboys 31, Falcons 13 After less-than-stellar performances in the first two preseason games, Joe Milton III showed greater stability against the Falcons, with a touchdown pass and a scoring run. His decision-making improved noticeably, finishing with 132 yards on 10 of 18 passes. The final receiver spot will be decided between Ryan Flournoy and Jalen Brooks, both with highlight moments. Brooks achieved a 29-yard touchdown reception, while Flournoy demonstrated strength in his receptions. Additionally, defensive tackle Mazi Smith, former first-round pick, played the entire first half, recording a tackle for loss and three tackles. This could secure his spot on the defensive line, especially with the injury to Earnest Brown IV. – Todd Archer Next game: at Philadelphia Eagles (8:20 p.m. ET, September 4th)New York GiantsResult of Week 3: Giants 42, Patriots 10 Some positions at the bottom of the roster seem secure. Cornerback Art Green may have solidified his place as the fifth cornerback with a solid performance in tackles, adding five in the first half. D.J. Davidson, defensive tackle, deflected a pass and forced a holding near the goal line, which could increase his chances. Regarding the crowded quarterback position, Tommy DeVito impressed, completing 15 of his first 17 passes and throwing a touchdown in each of his first three series. However, he is likely to be the odd man out in the quarterback group. – Jordan Raanan Next game: at Washington Commanders (1 p.m. ET, September 7)Philadelphia EaglesResult of Week 3: Eagles 19, Jets 17 The battles at the cornerback and safety positions are taking shape. Adoree’ Jackson didn’t play, which could indicate he will be on the opposite field from Quinyon Mitchell in Week 1. Jackson shared time with Kelee Ringo during the summer, but Ringo missed the game against the Jets due to an injury. Jakorian Bennett and Mac McWilliams both recorded a pass breakup. Parry Nickerson made a final effort for a roster spot with a spectacular interception of Brady Cook. At the safety position, Sydney Brown rested, competing for a starting spot with Andrew Mukuba, now out with a hamstring injury. – Tim McManus Next game: vs. Dallas Cowboys (8:20 p.m. ET, September 4th)Washington CommandersResult of Week 3: Ravens 30, Commanders 3 If Washington keeps three quarterbacks, Sam Hartman’s performance didn’t help. Hartman struggled for the third preseason game, completing 12 of 17 passes for 114 yards and two interceptions, including a pick-six. Most of his passes were short, and his throws lacked power. The decision will depend on how the team evaluates backup Marcus Mariota, who returned to practice last week. – John Keim Next game: vs. New York Giants (1 p.m. ET, September 7)

NFC North

Chicago BearsResult of Week 3: Bears 29, Chiefs 27 Nahshon Wright had a good training camp, and although he conceded 29 penalty yards on one play and then a 58-yard reception by Patrick Mahomes, it’s just part of the evaluation of a player competing for a starting position. On offense, Luke Newman still looks like a sixth-round steal. The Bears need depth on the offensive line, and Newman’s versatility supports his case to make the final roster. – Courtney Cronin Next game: vs. Minnesota Vikings (8:15 p.m. ET, September 8)Detroit LionsResult of Week 3: Texans 26, Lions 7 There was a real battle for the QB2 position between Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen, who signed with Detroit this offseason. Allen started in the last preseason game against Houston, throwing a 33-yard touchdown to Isaac TeSlaa. Allen has likely secured a spot on the Lions’ final roster after outperforming Hooker to earn the trust of coach Dan Campbell during the preseason. Hooker entered the game in the second quarter, but it’s unlikely Detroit will keep three quarterbacks, although the Lions selected Hooker with the number 68 pick in the 2023 draft. – Eric Woodyard Next game: at Green Bay Packers (4:25 p.m. ET, September 7)

Green Bay PackersResult of Week 3: Packers 20, Seahawks 7 Players battled for roster spots and practice squad positions in Saturday’s final preseason game. With the Packers likely keeping only two quarterbacks, Jordan Love and Malik Willis, the practice squad quarterback is essentially QB3. Green Bay usually keeps only one QB on the practice squad, but perhaps the Packers will keep Sean Clifford and rookie Taylor Elgersma.

If they believe Elgersma has a higher potential but don’t think he’s ready for that role, then he and Clifford could have spots on the 16-player practice squad. Willis played two series (and threw a touchdown to Romeo Doubs), and then Clifford and Elgersma alternated series the rest of the way.

Elgersma, an undrafted rookie from Canada, threw his first preseason touchdown pass (a 3-yarder to Will Sheppard). He finished 6 of 8 for 32 yards. Clifford, the 2023 fifth-round pick, was 6 of 9 for 19 yards. Neither completed a deep pass. – Rob Demovsky Next game: vs. Detroit Lions (4:25 p.m. ET, September 7)Minnesota VikingsResult of Week 3: Titans 23, Vikings 13 The Vikings’ biggest position battle is for the No. 2 quarterback spot behind J.J. McCarthy. It was notable that Sam Howell, who took the majority of second-team snaps during training camp, did not play on Friday night. Rookie Max Brosmer was accurate playing a little more than half the game, completing 15 of 23 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown. At a minimum, Brosmer secured a spot on the 53-man roster. But it’s still hard to imagine the Vikings entering Week 1 with Brosmer backing up McCarthy. Rookie receiver Myles Price stayed in the race for the punt returner job with a 28-yard return that was negated by a penalty, but he also dropped a ball. It’s safe to say that no one has claimed the punt or kick return jobs at the end of the preseason. Finally, the most significant conclusion from the Vikings’ kicker competition was that rookie Oscar Chapman slightly bobbled a hold on kicker Will Reichard’s missed 55-yard attempt. Ryan Wright remains the favorite. – Kevin Seifert Next game: at Chicago Bears (8:15 p.m. ET, September 8)

NFC South

Atlanta FalconsResult of Week 3: Cowboys 31, Falcons 13 Falcons coach Raheem Morris said this week that the final preseason game would be primarily for players still on the bubble for the 53-man roster. Wide receivers Chris Blair and Nick Nash, as well as tight end Feleipe Franks, played well, with Franks scoring on a 23-yard pass from quarterback Easton Stick. All three have a chance to make it and certainly boosted their chances on Friday. During halftime, Morris said he would pay close attention to special teams, because that could determine the added value. If so, it would be hard to overlook inside linebacker Josh Woods, who had a massive hit on a punt return coverage in the first half. – Marc Raimondi Next game: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1 p.m. ET, September 7)Carolina PanthersResult of Week 3: Steelers 19, Panthers 10 Read on the inactive list of 33 players as you wish. Wide receiver Brycen Tremayne rested. Veteran receivers Hunter Renfrow and David Moore did not. Perhaps Tremayne has an advantage for the sixth or seventh receiver spot after a solid preseason. Or maybe Carolina wants to keep him under the radar, so they can add him to the practice squad if he doesn’t make the 53-man roster. As for Renfrow and Moore, the team may have been auditioning them for possible trades. One of them will probably make the roster. – David Newton Next game: at Jacksonville Jaguars (1 p.m. ET, September 7)New Orleans SaintsResult of Week 3: Broncos 28, Saints 19 Offensive lineman Landon Young was carted off the field, and his injury could shake things up at the bottom of the offensive line group. Young could play as a backup tackle or guard, and the Saints will now likely have to look for another backup tackle if he’s out for a while. While neither quarterback had an impressive performance, Spencer Rattler’s three series with the first-team unit could be an indication that he has won the job over Tyler Shough. And at the punter position, Kai Kroeger was the primary starter, possibly indicating that he has won the job over James Burnip. – Katherine Terrell Next game: vs. Arizona Cardinals (1 p.m. ET, September 7)Tampa Bay BuccaneersResult of Week 3: Bills 23, Bucs 19 Rookie receiver Tez Johnson, who missed the first preseason game due to a leg injury, caught all eight passes thrown to him for 58 receiving yards and a touchdown and was the player of the game. Running back Josh Williams had a 39-yard kickoff return and made a case to be the fourth running back, should the Bucs keep four. Defensively, there were several missed tackles on a waterlogged field: Kaevon Merriweather had three, and Rashad Wisdom made a case to potentially unseat Merriweather for the final safety spot. Rookie defensive tackle Elijah Roberts boosted his chances. – Jenna Laine Next game: at Atlanta Falcons (1 p.m. ET, September 7)

NFC West

Arizona CardinalsResult of Week 3: Cardinals 20, Raiders 10 The only question posed by Saturday’s final preseason game for the Cardinals is whether running back Michael Carter has shown enough to make the roster. He had an impressive 38-yard run that fueled the debate, but whether he makes the team is still up in the air. His speed is coveted, but the other running backs, Emari Demercado and Trey Benson, have roles on third down and in the red zone, while Carter might not. Besides creating a debate about Carter, the game could have improved the chances of certain players to make the team, such as receiver Simi Fehoko and linebacker Xavier Thomas. – Josh Weinfuss Next game: at New Orleans Saints (1 p.m. ET, Sept.