This article is part of our Depth Chart Watch series.
After four weeks of watching second- and third-string players battle for their NFL lives, the preseason has thankfully come to a close; we're finally coming up on real game action! That means we're down to normal 53-man rosters which in turn means you and I have a whole bunch of cuts and job battles to sort through. Let's do so.
QUARTERBACK
Dallas Cowboys
Mark Sanchez was released after failing to win Denver's quarterback job, so the Cowboys – needing a veteran backup for rookie Dak Prescott, who's set to spend at least half the season as the starter – have gone out and signed up the former Jet and Eagle to be their No. 2 man. Meanwhile, Tony Romo's going to remain on the active roster rather than IR despite facing a return timeline of 8-to-10 weeks, a decision that resulted in the Cowboys cutting Jameill Showers.
Denver Broncos
No veteran backup needed here; the Broncos' No. 2 man behind starter Trevor Siemian is rookie Paxton Lynch. They did, however, just sign Austin Davis to be third on the chart after he was cut by the Browns.
Los Angeles Rams
Not only did No. 1 pick Jared Goff not win the starting job, he's not even the top backup to Case Keenum – that would be Sean Mannion, a third round pick from last season. Still, I don't think it would be hugely surprising to see all three of these guys make starts at some
After four weeks of watching second- and third-string players battle for their NFL lives, the preseason has thankfully come to a close; we're finally coming up on real game action! That means we're down to normal 53-man rosters which in turn means you and I have a whole bunch of cuts and job battles to sort through. Let's do so.
QUARTERBACK
Dallas Cowboys
Mark Sanchez was released after failing to win Denver's quarterback job, so the Cowboys – needing a veteran backup for rookie Dak Prescott, who's set to spend at least half the season as the starter – have gone out and signed up the former Jet and Eagle to be their No. 2 man. Meanwhile, Tony Romo's going to remain on the active roster rather than IR despite facing a return timeline of 8-to-10 weeks, a decision that resulted in the Cowboys cutting Jameill Showers.
Denver Broncos
No veteran backup needed here; the Broncos' No. 2 man behind starter Trevor Siemian is rookie Paxton Lynch. They did, however, just sign Austin Davis to be third on the chart after he was cut by the Browns.
Los Angeles Rams
Not only did No. 1 pick Jared Goff not win the starting job, he's not even the top backup to Case Keenum – that would be Sean Mannion, a third round pick from last season. Still, I don't think it would be hugely surprising to see all three of these guys make starts at some point this season. Keenum has to rank among the bottom five starting quarterbacks in the league.
Minnesota Vikings
In the most authentically surprising transaction of the preseason, the Vikings actually paid a first round pick for Sam Bradford over the weekend. Yes, a first rounder, and no, this isn't the year 2010. That happened of course in the aftermath of the IR-causing knee injury Teddy Bridgewater suffered in practice shortly after the publication of my most recent column. His season's over before it began. With Bradford just having joined the fold, the 36-year-old Shaun Hill will draw the Week 1 start while the new acquisition learns the offense, but it's expected that the former No. 1 overall pick will be out there as soon as Week 2.
Philadelphia Eagles
It's sunny in Philadelphia right now – the Carson Wentz era is suddenly underway and anytime you can get a first round pick for a mediocre, oft-injured Bradford, you do it. So they did. Two whole reasons for Eagles fans to celebrate? It must be September! That said, here's your obligatory caveat about Wentz's injured ribs. It wouldn't be a total shock to see the team give the No. 2 overall pick in this year's draft some extra healing time by deploying Chase Daniel as the Week 1 starter.
San Francisco 49ers
Shocker! Blaine Gabbert will start at quarterback in SF! Alert the media! Wait, we are the media. Well, alert the rest of the media! On a serious note though, Gabbert will need to get off to a strong start – and then keep it going – to hold off former starter Colin Kaepernick, who to be fair does remain the No. 1 protester on the depth chart.
RUNNING BACK
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens made headlines by cutting starting running back Justin Forsett on Saturday, but they're expected to sign him right back at a discount – which seems warranted, considering he's a 30-year-old rusher who's had only one big season. He's expected to enjoy a significant workload with a new contract in hand come Week 1, with Terrance West and Javorius Allen serving as the primary backups.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos released their leading rusher from last season, Ronnie Hillman, on Saturday – a cost-cutting move that reflects both C.J. Anderson's hold on the starting role and rookie Devontae Booker's grasp of the backup job. Second-year man Kapri Bibbs made the roster as the No. 3 rusher following a strong preseason showing.
Kansas City Chiefs
Fantasy owners should slow their collective roll on Jamaal Charles, as his return from a knee injury may not permit him to play in Week 1. That would mean a timeshare between Spencer Ware (who most likely gets the heavier end) and Charcandrick West, perhaps with Knile Davis mixing in if he doesn't get traded. Even when Charles is back, the 29-year-old may never again enjoy the same sort of heavy use he did in his prime.
Seattle Seahawks
With Thomas Rawls having gotten just a touch of preseason action, he's considered ready to go for Week 1 and he'll serve as the starter in Seattle. Yes, Christine Michael is here too and he'll work in for probably a one-third share of the carries; between that and C.J. Prosise taking on third-down work, Rawls' fantasy value isn't as high as it could be right now. While I'm here, I may as well note that the Seahawks kept Alex Collins and cut Troymaine Pope, who was promptly picked up by the Jets and may eventually merit fantasy attention in New York.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans cut loose some familiar names in crafting their final roster – Bishop Sankey, Dexter McCluster and David Cobb were released into the wild, and Sankey's already been signed to the Patriots' practice squad. The other two will likely find NFL work of some sort soon enough. That leaves Antonio Andrews as the No. 3 man behind DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry. The real question here is how the carries break out between Murray and Henry; the veteran may have the early edge, but don't be surprised to see plenty of the rookie in action.
Washington Redskins
We're still waiting for more certitude regarding this situation, but currently it seems we're trending toward Matt Jones (shoulder) being ready for Week 1. While I've always been a believer in Jones' talent, the injury is scary – just think about taking NFL-grade hits with a shoulder ailment of any sort. Even with Jones active, Rob Kelley should still factor into the Week 1 carry mix and he could be the out-and-out starter if Jones isn't good to go. Either way, Chris Thompson will largely handle passing situations to start the year but Jones (when healthy) is a capable receiver and potential three-down back. The 'Skins released Mack Brown after a 149-yard Week 4 of the preseason, but he should catch on somewhere.
WIDE RECEIVER
Buffalo Bills
Greg Salas made the final roster and will be the No. 3 receiver for the Bills, lining up in the slot while Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods take the outside. Salas has always been a productive receiver in terms of yards per catch, but always in a bit role. It'll be interesting to see how the 28-year-old fares with increased looks this year.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins are expecting DeVante Parker (hamstring) and Kenny Stills (back) to be ready for Week , but it's worth checking back to ensure that's the case if you're invested. Rookie Leonte Carroo would be the beneficiary of any playing time that might open up.
Tennessee Titans
We already saw this coming but fifth-round rookie Tajae Sharpe will start for the Titans in Week 1. With Marcus Mariota on the other end of those passes, Sharpe merits interest from fantasy owners. Rishard Matthews will be the other starter, giving him a good chance to build on last year's semi-breakout in Miami. Kendall Wright (hamstring) is still here as the No. 3 man while vets Andre Johnson and Harry Douglas made the team as reserves.
TIGHT END
Detroit Lions
The status of Eric Ebron (ankle) remains unclear – while the player naturally wants to be back for Week 1, he made zero preseason appearances and only recently returned to practice. Cole Wick remains the No. 2 here.
Seattle Seahawks
Jimmy Graham (knee) seems like he's gotten pretty healthy but remains questionable for Week 1. In the event of his absence, Luke Willson would draw the start. Check back on game day if you're a Graham owner looking for a bounce-back year (and for his rather low draft cost, why not?).
