Cut-down day reshapes NFL rosters as teams trim to 53 while Washington emphasizes a fluid 70-man plan, with final practice squad decisions looming and Hartman out as depth at quarterback shifts behind Daniels and Mariota.

A league-wide ripple sees Edwards-Helaire and Simmons cut, underscoring turnover across backfields and linebacker rooms. Washington’s top pass-catchers remain McLaurin and Samuel, with Ertz and Bates anchoring the tight end group; Cosmi’s PUP status tightens early-line guard plans as the roster moves continue to develop into Week 1 vs the Giants.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s release reshapes the Saints’ backfield, elevating Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller and Devin Neal as the top trio behind a thin depth chart. Kamara’s workload could rise, Miller gets a real shot at lead work, and Neal profiles as a versatile third-down option. Cam Akers’ release compounds the shift, leaving CEH’s presence a fading memory and highlighting early-season questions for New Orleans’ rushing attack. Across the league, Mixon’s recovery and Meyers’ trade demand loom large for fantasy plans.

The Saints cut Cam Akers, leaving Kamara as the clear starter with a backfield competition for the RB2. Miller and Edwards-Helaire are the leading challengers, while Devin Neal’s hamstring situation keeps his upside on hold. Expect a committee behind Kamara that could shift weekly based on health and preseason usage, making Kamara owners watchful for snaps and goal-line chances.

In fantasy terms, the Akers exit raises Kamara’s floor but could sap his ceiling if the RB2 battle lingers. Miller or CEH could become reliable flex plays if they win early-down work, with Neal possibly joining once healthy. Rosters should reflect backfield volatility and plan for split carries in a Saints offense that still leans on Kamara.

The NFL cut-down clock ticks toward Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline, with nine veterans flagged as possible roster casualties and several others whose spots look perilous after summer auditions. fantasy players should watch not only where these vets land, but also how teams reshuffle depth charts and special teams units as Week 1 rosters take shape.

Kyle Duggar headlines the potential ripple effects in New England after a nine-INT, high-tackle run, followed by David Ojabo in Baltimore, Malachi Corley in New York, Beanie Bishop in Pittsburgh, Kiran Amegadjie in Chicago, Hendon Hooker in Detroit, Clyde Edwards-Helaire in New Orleans, Jeff Wilson Jr. in San Francisco, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling in Seattle. Each situation could alter waiver play, role definitions, and late-season fantasy upside.

As teams save cap space or unlock roster flexibility, the ripple effects could open up unexpected value for sleepers and provide new paths to upside for veterans who land elsewhere. Stay alert to practice-squad moves, trades, and surprise elevations that could reshape fantasy rosters before Week 1.

Cam Akers was released by the New Orleans Saints as the team trimmed its roster ahead of Tuesday’s cut deadline, reshaping a backfield led by Alvin Kamara. Akers joined in June to compete for a backup role behind Kamara, but the Saints opted for depth in Miller and others. Kamara’s role remains central, while Kendre Miller flashed in camp and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Devin Neal, Marcus Yarns, and Velus Jones Jr. sit in the mix. Akers’ departure follows stops with the Rams, Texans, and Vikings, where last season he posted 64 carries for 297 yards and 1 rushing TD, plus 10 receptions for 52 yards and 2 receiving TDs across 12 games. The Saints haven’t finalized their 53-man roster, keeping a crowded, dynamic RB room in flux behind Kamara.