The Cleveland Browns have now had two preseason games. They’ve also had one joint practice with the Buffalo Bills.
The Browns’ second preseason game was also with the Bills, representing another opportunity to assess things heading into the roster cutdown deadline. 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 after the June minicamp, before training camp started in July and after the first preseason game. Now, we guess after a joint practice and a second preseason game.
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So let’s dive into this latest guess that’s sure to look foolish in hindsight, but at least has 17 training camp practices and two preseason games behind its thinking. The players are listed alphabetically under each position group.
Offense (26)
Quarterbacks (4)
Notable cut: None
The Watson contract and cap hit makes cutting him impossible. Gabriel has looked bad in two preseason games, albeit with the bottom of the roster. Green’s a talent they probably don’t want to part with just yet, because he’d be an easy waiver claim by someone else. All of this, again, is just a guess.
Running backs (3)
Notable cut: Ahmani Marshall, 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. Sanders had a great week against the Bills, jumping him ahead of Marshall.
Tight ends (3)
Notable cuts: Jermaine Terry, Joe Royer, Dae’Quan Wright
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. The rest of this room is simply a disaster right now.
Wide receivers (6)
Notable cuts: Luke Floriea, Gage Larvadain, Cedric Tillman
Floriea’s had a good camp, but it feels like the road’s not as easy for him. Corley has returned kicks in the first two preseason games. Larvadain is another player who could use special teams as a way to make the team.
Offensive line (10)
Notable cuts: Jeremiah Byers (T), Kingsley Eguakan (C), Tyre Phillips (G/T), Zak Zinter (G)
This is continues to be one of a couple of position group that still look a bit uncertain because of injuries and shuffling around. We’ll have to keep letting this one marinate for a bit before really feeling confident in the group.
Defense (24)
Defensive line (10)
Notable cuts: Sam Kamara (DT)
This is one big shrug emoji because of the injuries at defensive tackle. There could also be more veteran defensive end help on the way.
Linebackers (5)
Notable cuts: Nathaniel Watson
It looks like they’ll carry five, and this seems like the five for now.
Defensive backs (9)
Notable cuts: D’Angelo Ross (CB), Myles Bryant (CB), Christopher Edmonds (S), Daniel Thomas (S)
Another position that is a mess right now because of injuries.
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Specialists (3)
Notable cuts: Wes Pahl (P)
Pahl had more snaps than the other two punters against Buffalo. There’s a chance.
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-Bills preseason game prediction
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Reporting by Chris Easterling, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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By Chris Easterling, Akron Beacon Journal | USA TODAY Network
