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 tonight at 6 p.m. 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 Philadelphia Eagles, Friday, August 28, 2026.
RB Kentrell Bullock scores a touchdown during Preseason Week 3 against the Eagles in Philadelphia, Friday, August 28, 2026.
DT Landon Robinson celebrates a play during Preseason Week 3 against the Eagles in Philadelphia, Friday, August 28, 2026.
QB Joe Burrow throws the ball during a break in the action during Preseason Week 3 against the Eagles in Philadelphia, Friday, August 28, 2026.
CB Josh Newton ahead of Preseason Week 3 against the Eagles in Philadelphia, Friday, August 28, 2026.
CB Tacario Davis ahead of Preseason Week 3 against the Eagles in Philadelphia, Friday, August 28, 2026.
WR Ke'Shawn Williams celebrates a touchdown during Preseason Week 3 against the Eagles in Philadelphia, Friday, August 28, 2026.
The Bengals ahead of Preseason Week 3 against the Eagles in Philadelphia, Friday, August 28, 2026.
G Jalen Rivers ahead of Preseason Week 3 against the Eagles in Philadelphia, Friday, August 28, 2026.
WR Ke'Shawn Williams scores a touchdown during Preseason Week 3 against the Eagles in Philadelphia, Friday, August 28, 2026.
QB Sean Clifford and RB Jamal Haynes celebrate a touchdown during Preseason Week 3 against the Eagles in Philadelphia, Friday, August 28, 2026.
RB Jamal Haynes celebrates a touchdown during Preseason Week 3 against the Eagles in Philadelphia, Friday, August 28, 2026.
DT Howard Cross III pressures the QB during Preseason Week 3 against the Eagles in Philadelphia, Friday, August 28, 2026.
RB Kentrell Bullock during Preseason Week 3 against the Eagles in Philadelphia, Friday, August 28, 2026.
CB Bralyn Lux makes a tackle during Preseason Week 3 against the Eagles in Philadelphia, Friday, August 28, 2026.
RB Jamal Haynes during Preseason Week 3 against the Eagles in Philadelphia, Friday, August 28, 2026.
WR Dohnte Meyers runs after the catch during Preseason Week 3 against the Eagles in Philadelphia, Friday, August 28, 2026.
QB Sean Clifford looks to throw during Preseason Week 3 against the Eagles in Philadelphia, Friday, August 28, 2026.
QB Sean Clifford throws the ball during Preseason Week 3 against the Eagles in Philadelphia, Friday, August 28, 2026.
WR Ke'Shawn Williams celebrates a catch during Preseason Week 3 against the Eagles in Philadelphia, Friday, August 28, 2026.
DE Antwuan Powell-Ryland celebrates a play during Preseason Week 3 against the Eagles in Philadelphia, Friday, August 28, 2026.
