It is the final week of the NFL preseason, and the last chance for several former Indiana University football stars to make their case for landing on an NFL opening day roster. We go through player by player below for each former IU player that was not a certainty to make the cut.
The official cut-down day is coming up on Saturday Sep. 1 at 4.00 p.m.
IAN THOMAS, CAROLINA TE
Thomas played in 48 percent of the teams snaps in preseason thus far and seems like a lock to make the opening day roster as the backup to starting tight end Greg Olsen. On the preseason he has three catches for 37 yards and a touchdown.
Outlook: Will make roster.
RASHARD FANT, CHICAGO DB
Fant had a frustrating time in the spring dealing with an injury that caused him to miss the NFL combine, and those frustrations have carried over to the summer. Fant hasn’t been able to see the field for the Bears and every analysis we’ve read suggests that he won’t make the team. He’ll have one last chance in week four against Buffalo.
Outlook: Cut/could make practice squad.
(This neat moment was captured in Chicago during week three)
Bears vs Chiefs
Rashard, Robert & Jordan
Hoosier Brothers pic.twitter.com/sHLLMdvzJB— Next Level Student Athlete Inc 🙏🏾🧠📚🎓 (@NextLevelSport) August 25, 2018
CHRIS COVINGTON, DALLAS LB
Covington had three tackles including one solo in week three of the preseason against Arizona. He’s in a very close battle to make the team and it may come down to the week four game against the Texans on Thursday. The decision may ultimately hinge on how many linebackers the Cowboys decide to keep.
Outlook: Too close to call.
MICHAEL HUNTER, DENVER DB
Hunter did not play for the second straight week and appears to be on track to be cut.
Outlook: Cut/could make practice squad.
SHANE WYNN, JACKSONVILLE WR
Wynn is in a battle for the final wide receiver roster spot. With top Jags receiver Marqise Lee out possibly for the season, Wynn’s odds improved, but it is still an uphill battle. If he has a big week four showing against Tampa, including perhaps some return work, he could still make the opening day squad.
Outlook: Too close to call.
ROBERT MCCRAY, KANSAS CITY LB
McCray impressed in week three against Chicago, with three solo tackles (one for a loss), and a quarterback hit. He isn’t appearing on any Chiefs 53-man roster projections at this time.
Outlook: Cut/could make practice squad
TEGRAY SCALES, LOS ANGELES RAMS, LB
After extensive action in the first two games, Scales was only on the field on defense for eight plays in week three. He had two tackles. Scales also played on special teams. That might be his key to making the team, which he appears set to do.
Outlook: Will make roster.
CODY LATIMER, NEW YORK GIANTS WR
Latimer had one catch for 54 yards in week three against the Jets. The play was a bomb from Eli Manning that took the ball down to the six yard line. He also returned a kickoff for 23 yards. Latimer appears to be set as the No. 3 receiver in New York.
https://twitter.com/Giants/status/1033150562093555712
Outlook: Will make roster.
NATE SUDFELD, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES QB
Sudfeld is leading the NFL in preseason passing yards through three games with 524. He has five touchdowns and three interceptions. The IU all-time passing yards leader is a lock to make the Eagles’ roster, but he needs to find a new home if Philly is going to keep both Carson Wentz and Nick Foles in front of him.
Outlook: Will make roster.
SIMMIE COBBS, WASHINGTON REDSKINS WR
Cobbs had one catch for 18 yards and a touchdown in week three. Overall he has four catches for 34 yards and the touchdown. He is not appearing on any projected Redskins’ rosters.
Outlook: Cut/could make practice squad.
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