NFL preseason Week 3: 53-man roster projections, game analysis - ESPN

The third week of the 2025 NFL preseason is over, and now teams will make their decisions ahead of Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline to trim rosters to 53 players. How did Week 3's games impact the roster outlook for all 32 teams? Our NFL Nation reporters have takeaways from every matchup.

We also put together final 53-man roster projections for every team, predicting who will be cut, who will make the team and what each lineup could look like heading into Week 1. Click the links below to view your favorite team's roster projection:

Jump to a team:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH

Week 3 result: Cowboys 31, Falcons 13

After less than stellar showings in the first two preseason games, Joe Milton III was much steadier against the Falcons with a touchdown pass and a TD rush. He was much better with his decision-making, finishing with 132 yards on 10-of-18 passing. The final receiver spot comes down to Ryan Flournoy and Jalen Brooks, who both had their moments. Brooks had a 29-yard diving TD catch, while Flournoy showed some strength in his receptions.

Then there's defensive tackle Mazi Smith. The former first-round pick played the entire first half. He recorded a tackle for loss and three tackles. Perhaps it secures him one of the last defensive line spots as Earnest Brown IV deals with a leg injury. — Todd Archer

Cowboys 53-man roster projection

Next game: at Philadelphia Eagles (8:20 p.m. ET, Sept. 4)

Week 3 result: Giants 42, Patriots 10

Some bottom-of-the-roster spots seem to have been secured Thursday night. Cornerback Art Green might have solidified his place as the fifth