The opportunities to impress this coaching staff have dwindled with one preseason game left before the 53-man roster cutdowns. Friday’s game against the Carolina Panthers represents the final opportunity for players to put compelling tape together and earn a spot on this roster.
Given the number of injuries this training camp, there are more roster spots available than anticipated. Notably, the fourth defensive end, third and fourth running back, fifth and sixth receiver, and multiple linebacker spots are up
for grabs. All it takes is one to two elite plays for a fringe player to compel Nick Caserio and DeMeco Ryans to keep them on the team.
Below, you’ll find the eight players who are on the outside looking in of the roster who can secure their spot with a good performance. A few have climbed the depth chart thanks to injuries elsewhere, including Solomon Byrd, yet they still have to prove they’re a better fit than whoever becomes available once rosters are trimmed.
Injured honorable mentions:
- Jawhar Jordan, RB
- Dominique Robinson, DE
- Collin Wright, CB
- Jake Hansen, LB
- Brevin Jordan, TE
Solomon Byrd, DE
The seas have parted for the former 2024 seventh-round draft pick. He’s been cut in successive offseasons, but finally has a chance to make the roster. Injuries to Dylan Horton and Dominique Robinson elevate him to he DE4 role. He’s looked stout against inside runs and play actions, but has struggled against outside zone where he loses contain. A big performance against the Panthers can seal a roster spot for him.
British Brooks, FB/RB
The veteran fullback has out with an injured wrist all training camp. The offense has fully adapted without his presence and TE Cade Stover has assumed the role. He must demonstrate him impact on the entire offense by proving the run game is incrementally better with him than without. Not a tall task given how poor the run game has looked, but he only gets one shot to do so.
Brooks can also tote the rock. Fans have been dying to see the 17-pound weight loss’ affect on British Brooks’ mobility and power. Anther special teams ace who provides versatility to the offense.
Jared Wayne, WR
Wayne watched as Nick Caserio did his thing and added three wide receivers to the room. He was a rising star this offseason, making plays in training camp and rising up the depth chart. However, Caserio wouldn’t of added veterans Sterling Shepard and Zay Jones if he had the utmost confidence in Wayne. It’s unclear where Wayne ranks on the depth chart now and he needs to win on the field and through his knowledge of the offense.
Alijah Huzzie, CB
Huzzie is in contention for the final defensive back spot alongside injured Collin Wright and veteran Tremon Smith. Huzzie has been competing for reps throughout camp and has played significant snaps in the preseason. He is a smaller corner who plays primarily in the slot, but doesn’t have the safety versatility to completely match Pitre’s role. He has let up a handful of catches in games, but has overall played well. He was on the practice squad last year for the majority of the season and will try to avoid the same fate in 2026 with one final, solid outing today.
Jake Andrews, OC
Andrews entered camp as the incumbent starter at center and will leave camp most likely without a roster spot. Evan Brown has leapfrogged him at center, and Brown can also play guard. Andrews lack of versatility limits his upside on an offensive line desperately in need of a solidinterior. It may already be too late for Andrews, but one final good showing could keep him on the roster as the 10th and final lineman.
Naquan Jones, DT
I wrote in the Rosterology that Jones has been given every possible opportunity to shine and has yet to impress. He played in four games last year, but may return as a practice squad. He has to beat out veteran and incumbent DT Mario Edwards Jr. and show that he’s the better, more durable option at DT.
Aiden Fisher, LB
The last rookie in the class has navigated this tumultuous linebacker room as well as possible. He’s the signal caller for the third string and made plays in special teams. Making the roster will be almost entirely predicated on his special teams play this game.
Tremon Smith, CB
After trading away safety Jaylen Reed, the five corner backs are slated to make the roster. That means two of Tremon Smith, Alijah Huzzie, and Collin Wright. Smith is the odds-on favorite and listed higher inthe roster. Smith has struggled with protection in the preseason, but he’s known best for his special teams. Smith has to hold off both Huzzie and wright by dominating this last preseason game on defense and special teams.
