NFL team axe 16 as brutal reality of training camp emerges following roster date rule change

In Cleveland it’s been all about the quarterback battle, but the reality of the race for an NFL roster place is also hitting home.

Sunday’s deadline for all 32 NFL franchises to name their 53-player rosters is fast approaching with the final preseason games taking place.

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The Cleveland Browns completed their three-game slate with a win over the New England Patriots on Thursday night.

That game – like most of training camp – threw up another quarterback curveball, but it also gave Cleveland a jump on the rest of the league when it comes to naming their squad.

And on Friday night general manager Andrew Berry and head coach Todd Monken began the process of getting to the roster that will enter the next couple of weeks before the September 13 opener.

Tight End Jack Stoll is the most high-profile name on the list, with his contract terminated from Injured Reserve.

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The five-year veteran joined the Browns in Free Agency, becoming the fourth stop in his career having been undrafted in 2021 – only to make the Philadelphia Eagles roster.

After signing a deal worth just over $1million, the 28-year is free to join another team having agreed a settlement with the Browns.

Cornerbacks Tre Avery and Tyler Hall also had their contracts terminated, alongside Tackle Tyre Phillips.

In addition 12 further players were waived.

Drew Biber, Jeremiah Byers, Nik Constantinou, Christopher Edmonds, Nate Evans, Coziah Izzard, Patrick Jenkins, Jeremiah McClendon, Izavion Miller, Jamil Muhammad, Ben Patterson and Jermaine Terry II will now seek fresh options.

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Cleveland will also have the option of adding the cut players to their practise squad, should they clear waivers, while they will also be monitoring waivers for the flood of available players.

Teams can name a practise squad of 17 players, although the 17th spot is reserved for international players as part of the International Player Programme.

Who do the Browns face in Week 1?

The Browns begin the regular season with two games on the road – they are in Florida to face Jacksonville in Week 1, before taking on Tampa Bay in Week 2.

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Deshaun Watson has already been named as the starter for the season, but how long he lasts remains to be seen.

The controversial $230m quarterback angered fans with his response to being booed and critics are already suggesting that two games on the road gives the franchise a chance to ease him into the season.

Cleveland are not at home until Week 3, when the Carolina Panthers visit Huntington Bank Field, and the hope from ownership is that he will have played himself into form.

The alternative is Shedeur Sanders, who many feel should be given the start to see what he has learned after a rookie season in which he flashed enough in a handful of starts.

The Browns long-term future at the position is likely to lie in the 2027 NFL Draft, but both Watson and Sanders are certain to make the roster.

Sanders’ fellow 2025 draft pick Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green are also in the competition and it remains to be seen what status they take.