The NFL’s 53-man cut deadline is looming, and a slate of notable players across multiple teams could be on the chopping block. Among the most consequential are Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker and Kendrick Bourne from New England, headlined by Polk as a second-year option whose path to the active roster is not guaranteed despite draft investments. Kyle Dugger and Anfernee Jennings also stand in the Patriots’ crosshairs, tied to cost and schematic fit as New England reshapes under a new voice.

Washington’s Brian Robinson Jr. faces questions about a changing backfield, while Kansas City’s Skyy Moore and Baltimore’s David Ojabo appear on the radar as teams balance talent with cap and role clarity. The Jets’ Malachi Corley and the Saints’ Isaiah Foskey are listed as potential cuts that could redraw depth charts, with Beanie Bishop Jr. and DeMarvin Leal representing Pittsburgh’s cost/fit calculus on defense.

Outside the Patriots, those moves echo across the league: veteran certainty versus cost and scheme fit, undrafted rookies stepping up, and the ripple effects on Week 1 roles. The piece underscores that even bigger names can be vulnerable when coaches recalibrate rosters to maximize versatility, speed, and special-teams value in August rhythms.

For fantasy managers, the takeaway is clear: late-August roster churn can create or erase sleeper windows. Depth charts can flip quickly at WR, LB and edge spots as teams finalize rosters, so stay nimble on waiver wires and be ready to pivot as cuts and claims unfold.

New Orleans lost 27-13 to Los Angeles in Week 1 of the preseason, but the result isn’t the point for fantasy players. The Saints flashed depth on defense and showed upside at quarterback, while the offensive line and pass-catching corps struggled mightily. Injuries ramp up the stakes for depth spots and roster decisions, making Week 2 critical for interpreting who may emerge as Week 1-ready contributors.

Tyler Shough looked like a playmaker with upside, delivering a clean arc and strong arm to go 15-of-22 for 165 yards with a TD, plus a solid late two-minute drive (42 yards on 5 of 8). Spencer Rattler’s night was rough—pressure and reads overwhelmed him, finishing 7-of-11 for 53 yards with a sack-fumble—yet the QB competition stays intriguing as the line and weapons remain unsettled. defensively, Saints depth showed promise with Shepherd, Boyd, Stalbird, Ford, Diggs, and Rumph II all making plays, while Isaiah Foskey didn’t flash as a pass rusher and could be on the roster-cut line.

Offensively, the line was responsible for most of the misery; Radunz struggled at RT, and Ruiz/Clapp/Simpkins didn’t fully steady things, leaving the backfield with just 30 rushing yards (2.2 ypc). Penning exited with an injury, and Clapp/Means also left with concerning issues, hinting the Saints will add WR/OL depth in the near term. Still, Moore’s varied play-calling offered a spark of potential if the line can hold and the receiver group can gain consistency.

In short, Week 1 offered red flags and reasons for cautious optimism. Shough’s ceiling and the defensive depth give fantasy managers something to monitor, while the OL and WRs require improvements before trusting Saints offense as a Week 1 roster upgrade. Week 2 will reveal whether the early flashes translate to real depth or remain tantalizing but incomplete.

The Saints kicked off Week 1 of the 2025 preseason with a defense-first focus, rotating through backups on the edge as veterans rested. Chris Rumph II started at defensive end after the Saints’ top pass-rushers were held out, and a second-play offsides penalty briefly stalled the drive. New Orleans still forced a punt, thanks to Isaac Yiadom breaking up a pass from Taylor Heinicke on third down. The sequence underscored the Saints’ ongoing evaluation of depth pieces behind Cameron Jordan and Carl Granderson, with Isaiah Foskey in a tight battle for a roster spot.

Rumph II’s early audition is critical for fantasy managers eyeing Saint edge-waxers beyond the obvious anchors. Foskey’s continued development looms large for a pass-rush upside inshallah, particularly in dynasty leagues where cheap, role-based contributors can pay off. The Jets and Chargers previews aside, the Saints must decide who mans the edge when Jordan and Granderson rest—this game was a practical, data-filled test.

On the back end, Isaac Yiadom’s early breakups offered a hopeful note for a secondary eager to prove versatility. Heinicke’s aerial attempts gave the defense a live test, even if the drive produced limited long-term gains. Clean technique and consistent pressure will be the themes as New Orleans uses August to refine its depth and establish a clearer path to the 53-man roster, especially against teams like the Chargers who push the balance of run and pass in preseason contexts.

As the New Orleans Saints prepare for their first preseason game on August 10, several young players are under pressure to make an impact. Key among them is Isaiah Foskey, the former top-50 draft pick, who must prove himself in a competitive defensive lineup. Next up, Kendre Miller gets a prime opportunity to shine as Alvin Kamara sits out; he needs to establish himself as the clear RB2 amidst competition. Jordan Howden's path to starting safety is hindered, having dropped to third on the depth chart, and a strong performance is crucial for him to regain momentum.

Bub Means has yet to make a name for himself, failing to outshine veterans in training camp, while newcomers like Fadil Diggs are making waves. Each of these athletes has a distinct chance to secure a spot on the roster, especially with roster decisions looming. Preseason performances will be telling, as the Saints seek to develop their young talent into reliable contributors.

With just 55 days until the New Orleans Saints kick off their 2025 season against the Arizona Cardinals, defensive end Isaiah Foskey dons the No. 55 jersey, following a rich lineage of players who have worn it. Foskey seeks to carve his legacy into the franchise's history, as he's only the 25th player to wear that number since its inception. The history of No. 55 is storied, with notable names like Jackie Burkett, Mark Fields, and Scott Fujita contributing significantly during their tenures.

Burkett, the first to wear No. 55, played a pivotal role in the team's inaugural season, showcasing impressive defensive skills. He set a high standard, with Fields later becoming the most successful to wear the number, making a Pro Bowl and amassing significant career stats. Foskey aims to build upon this legacy, as the competition for spots heats up ahead of the new season.