CHICAGO ― The Cleveland Browns opened the preseason on Aug. 15 in Chicago. The result of the game on the scoreboard is, let’s been real, irrelevant in the grand scheme of things,
What it was relevant for was being able to evaluate who may or may not be moving up or down the depth chart as the team assesses players for the eventual initial 53-man roster. The Browns have until 6 p.m. Aug. 30 to get down to that first 53, although it won’t be the last.
We’ve projected what that roster could look like, both after the June minicamp and before training camp started in July. Now, we’ll take a look at a guess after the first preseason game.
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Let’s dive into this latest guess that’s sure to look foolish in hindsight, but at least has 13 training camp practices and one preseason game behind its thinking. The players are listed alphabetically under each position group.
Offense (25)
Quarterbacks (3)
Notable cut: Taylen Green
There’s a world where the Browns trade Gabriel, and there’s a world where they Browns keep four quarterbacks. This is the projection that doesn’t have either of those happening. Green didn’t even warm up, really, before the Bears game, and certainly didn’t play.
Running backs (3)
Notable cut: Raheim Sanders, Michael Burton (fullback)
Burton was signed to be the Browns’ fullback, but has spent the time hurt. That could open the door for them to keep one of the tight ends who could also serve as the fullback. Marshall moved in front of Sanders in the pecking order, judging by the snaps received in Chicago.
Tight ends (3)
Notable cuts: Brendan Bates, Joe Royer, Joe Stoll
Ryan may find a way onto the roster if he can learn to play fullback well enough. Royer’s personal reasons for missing all of camp so far likely cost him, same with Stoll and his injury issues. Leaving Bates on here as a fourth tight end for now until more is seen.
Wide receivers (6)
Notable cuts: Malachi Corley, Luke Floriea, Jamari Thrash, Cedric Tillman
The first five feel obvious, with Larvadain as a potential swing guy who could hinge on his special teams work. Tillman could be a trade candidate before all is said and done.
Offensive line (10)
Notable cuts: Jeremiah Byers (T), Kingsley Eguakan (C), Kendrick Green (G), Tyre Phillips (G/T), Luke Wypler (C), Zak Zinter (G)
This is one of a couple of position group that still feels a bit uncertain because of injuries and shuffling around. We’ll have to let this one marinate for a bit before really feeling confident in the group.
Defense (25)
Defensive line (10)
Notable cuts: Logan Fano (DE), Sam Kamara (DT)
This is one big shrug emoji because of the injuries at defensive tackle. There’s also the veteran defensive end (Za’Darius Smith, perhaps?) they seem to be chasing to add to the roster.
Linebackers (5)
Notable cuts: Nathaniel Watson
It feels like they’ll carry five. This feels like the five for now.
Defensive backs (10)
Notable cuts: Tre Avery (CB), Myles Bryant (CB), Michael Coats Jr. (CB), Donovan McMillon (S)
Another position that is a mess right now because of injuries. We need some guys returning to play, plus more time to develop, to figure this one out.
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Specialists (3)
Notable cuts: Wes Pahl (P)
Pahl handled all of the holding, and did the kickoffs in the second half in Chicago. Bojorquez isn’t a foregone conclusion on the roster.
Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ. Sign up for Browns Insider newsletter at https://profile.beaconjournal.com/newsletters/browns-insider/
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns’ 53-man roster projection: 2026 post-Bears preseason game prediction
Reporting by Chris Easterling, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Chris Easterling, Akron Beacon Journal | USA TODAY Network
