NFL preseason Week 3 takeaways and 53-man roster predictions - ESPN

Week 3 of the 2024 NFL preseason continued Sunday as teams prepare to turn their focus to the regular season.

The final preseason games were many players' last chance to prove themselves before the 53-man roster cut-down deadline on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.

Our NFL Nation reporters offered their roster projections at the conclusion of every game. To keep you updated on what to expect of Tuesday's biggest roster questions, they lay out the latest on final roster spots and position battles.

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

Preseason Week 3 result: Lost to Carolina, 31-26

Most of the game saw playing time handed out as expected, but some of the subsequent decisions the team has to make on the bubble will involve whom they believe could be claimed on waivers by others. Under GM Brandon Beane, the Bills have a history of players they want on the practice squad being claimed. This year, that group could include the likes of linebacker Joe Andreessen — a Buffalo native — and defensive end Kingsley Jonathan, among others. With the injuries the Bills have, protecting players the team wants to develop is important.

The other battle to note is kicker Tyler Bass' battle with himself. The camp issues on long kicks continued Saturday — Bass missed a 51-yarder — and although he is not in danger due to his salary and the team's belief in him, it's an issue to monitor. — Alaina Getzenberg

Season opener: vs. Arizona Cardinals (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 8)

Alaina Getzenberg's final 53-man roster projection (ESPN+)

Preseason Week 3 result: Lost to Tampa Bay, 24-14

Yet again, the spotlight