Cutdown day brings a downpour of news that is relevant for fantasy football. We've got you covered so that you don't miss a thing.
Arizona
The Cardinals placed RB James Conner (foot/ankle) on the injured reserve - designated to return list.
Why It Matters: Conner was considered a possible trade target given the Cardinals' surplus of running backs. Instead, they traded 2025 UDFA Corey Kiner to the Patriots (who will serve as their #3 back) and placed Conner on injured reserve. The team still has Jeremiyah Love, Tyler Allgeier, and Bam Knight, so Conner could be a trade deadline name to watch if he gets healthy in October.
Atlanta
The Falcons kept four quarterbacks on the initial 53-man roster.
Why It Matters: Tua Tagovailoa was basically the loser of the quarterback competition even though he was unopposed because Michael Penix Jr. was finishing his ACL recovery. Cooper Rush is the third-string quarterback, and UDFA Jack Strand out of Minnesota-Mankato was kept as the fourth-string quarterback after an impressive preseason. Given Penix's injury history, we could see one or both of Rush and Strand get starts this season.
Baltimore
The Ravens placed RB Adam Randall (needed a roster spot) on the injured reserve - designated to return list.
Why It Matters: Randall didn't appear to be injured in the preseason, so we wouldn't be worried about his status. Rasheen Ali will be the #3 back behind Derrick Henry and Justice Hill to open the season, but Randall is still worth carrying in dynasty leagues even though he is off of our redraft radar for now.
Cleveland
The Browns placed QB Dillon Gabriel (back) on the injured reserve - designated to return list.
Why It Matters: The Browns were able to keep four quarterbacks even though only three are on the active roster. Gabriel was having the best camp of any of the Browns' quarterbacks by some accounts, but sixth-round athletic wonder Taylen Green will be the #3 quarterback behind Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders to open the season. Green and/or Gabriel could get a chance to start by the end of the season.
Dallas
The Cowboys waived RB Jaydon Blue and RB Phil Mafah and claimed RB Emari Demercado after he was waived by Kansas City.
Why It Matters: The Cowboys gave both 2025 draft picks ample opportunity to prove that they are worth a roster spot, but neither succeeded. Malik Davis and his very sound, if unspectacular, game will be the team's #2 running back, and he should be on the waiver wire watch list, if not drafted in deep leagues. Demercado is a passing-down specialist who should help the offense stay on the field on third down. He is no threat to Javonte Williams' value.
