As the preseason comes to a close, NFL teams are putting the final touches on their rosters ahead of the 2026 regular season. The deadline for teams to trim their rosters to 53 players is next week. Here is all you need to know about the 53-man cutdown deadline.
When is the 53-Man Roster Deadline?
Sunday, August 30, at 6 PM
Teams have to reduce their roster to 53 players by Sunday at 6 p.m. EST. Teams can also place two players on Injured Reserve Sunday: These players do not take up active roster spots until they are eventually activated.
When is the Deadline for Teams to Claim Released Players?
Monday, August 31, at 1 PM
The deadline to claim waived players is Monday, August 31, at 1 p.m. EST. Waivers will be granted based off the team's waiver priority. The Bengals are currently 10th in waiver priority.
Players that are released by teams during cutdown day can sign with other teams. Those with fewer than four accrued NFL seasons go on waivers, meaning teams can claim them and pick up their current contracts. A season counts as accrued if the player spent six or more regular season games on a club's active/inactive, reserve/injured or reserve/physically unable to perform lists. Players with more than four accrued NFL seasons hit free agency and can be added immediately.
When will the 2026 Practice Squad Deadline?
Monday. August 31, at 6 PM
Practice squads must be reported to the league 24 hours after the initial roster is finalized, Monday, August 31, at 6 p.m EST.
How Many Players are Allowed on a Practice Squad?
Teams can have a maximum of 16 players on their practice squad. They may add a 17th if said player is from the International Pathways Program.
View the top photos from the Bengals' preseason victory over the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 22, 2026.
WRs Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase during Preseason Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.
WR Dohnte Meyers after Preseason Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.
QB Josh Johnson celebrates a touchdown during Preseason Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.
DT Landon Robinson sacks QB Miller Moss during Preseason Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.
WR Ja'Marr Chase during Preseason Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.
QB Josh Johnson throws the ball during Preseason Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.
DT B.J. Hill during Preseason Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.
QB Joe Burrow during Preseason Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.
WR Colbie Young scores a touchdown during Preseason Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.
RB Tahj Brooks during Preseason Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.
WR Noah Thomas catches a touchdown pass during Preseason Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.
DT Landon Robinson during Preseason Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.
WR Dohnte Meyers during Preseason Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.
WR Tee Higgins and QB Joe Burrow during Preseason Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.
CB Ja'Sir Taylor ahead of Preseason Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.
QB Sean Clifford runs during Preseason Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.
QB Sean Clifford ahead of Preseason Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.
P Ryan Rehkow during Preseason Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.
QB Josh Johnson scrambles out of the pocket during Preseason Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.
QB Sean Clifford before the snap during Preseason Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.
DE Isaiah Foskey pressures the quarterback during Preseason Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.
K Evan McPherson celebrates a 58-yard field goal during Preseason Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.
DT Howard Cross III knocks down a pass during Preseason Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.
WR Colbie Young catches a pass during Preseason Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.
WR Dohnte Meyers runs after the catch during Preseason Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.
