11 players who need big preseason games to make NFL rosters
· Yahoo Sports
With the 2026 NFL training camps officially underway and the preseason kickoff looming, coaches and front offices have some tough choices ahead evaluating their 90-man rosters. For established stars and top draft picks, these August games are just a warm-up to get in shape and refine their skills before the real season begins.
However, for players on the edge of getting cut, the preseason is a high-stakes job interview. Teams have to shrink their rosters down to just 53 players, meaning every single play, block and tackle matters immensely for these guys. It really is a fight to keep professional football careers alive.
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When deciding who gets those final few spots on the team, coaches aren’t looking at what a player achieved in the past. Instead, they want young players who can play multiple positions and contribute heavily on special teams. The margin for error is basically zero.
Here are 11 players who need extraordinary preseason performances to improve their chances of making the final roster.
11. Mecole Hardman Jr., WR, Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. (16) catches a touchdown pass during the first quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn ImagesMecole Hardman Jr. is fighting for one of the final receiver spots in Buffalo after winning three Super Bowls during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs. General manager Brandon Beane is already expected to keep DJ Moore, Keon Coleman, Skyler Bell and Joshua Palmer. That leaves Hardman battling players like Tyrell Shavers for a backup role.
His biggest advantage is his return ability. Buffalo already knows what he offers as a receiver. Now he must prove he can still change games on punt and kickoff returns. If he cannot produce explosive returns during the preseason, the Bills could move in another direction.
10. Xavier Restrepo, WR, Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Xavier Restrepo (87) exits the field after the loss against the Seattle Seahawks. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectXavier Restrepo has impressed throughout offseason workouts. He led the Titans in receptions during OTAs and quickly renewed chemistry with second-year quarterback Cam Ward, his college teammate with the Miami Hurricanes.
Still, his roster spot is far from secure. Tennessee rebuilt its receiver room this offseason. Restrepo mainly plays in the slot, and the Titans already have options there. Bryce Oliver also brings more special teams value. Because of that, Restrepo needs to make big plays in preseason games and force the coaching staff to keep him.
9. Scotty Miller, WR, Chicago Bears
Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn ImagesScotty Miller, a Super Bowl champion with Tom Brady’s 2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, signed with Chicago during the offseason, but nothing is guaranteed. The Bears already have Rome Odunze and rising second-year receiver Luther Burden III near the top of the depth chart.
Miller’s production with the Pittsburgh Steelers last season was limited to nine catches for 62 yards in 13 games. Meanwhile, younger players like Jahdae Walker continue pushing for Chicago roster spots. Miller needs a productive August to prove he still belongs in an NFL receiver rotation.
8. Malik Washington, WR, Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington (6) speaks to reporters after practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesMalik Washington enters camp under pressure despite having two years of experience in Miami’s system. Last season, he struggled to make an impact outside and now faces much stronger competition. Washington hauled in 46 passes for 317 yards and three scores.
Theo Wease finished last year well and continued that momentum during OTAs. Jalen Tolbert and TuTu Atwell have also added competition. Washington must produce consistently during preseason games if he wants to avoid being passed on the depth chart.
7. Ty Johnson, RB, Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson (26) throws the ball during warmups before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Highmark Stadium. Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn ImagesTy Johnson is in a direct battle with Frank Gore Jr. for Buffalo’s RB3 job. Experience works in Johnson’s favor, but the younger Gore offers upside and costs less against the salary cap.
Pass protection and burst will likely decide this competition. Johnson has to show he remains the better all-around option. Strong preseason performances could help him keep his place in the backfield.
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6. Jonathan Mingo, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys receiver Jonathan Mingo (81) carries the ball wearing a Guardian helmet cap at training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesDallas traded for Jonathan Mingo in 2024, hoping a new team would make him a better player. It hasn’t worked yet. Thus far, the gamble hasn’t paid off, and a recent minor groin strain hasn’t helped his availability.
While Mingo struggles to find his place on the team, another receiver, Traeshon Holden, is looking awesome in practice and taking his spot. If Mingo doesn’t play really well in the upcoming preseason games, Dallas will probably just cut him loose.
5. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, New York Giants
New York Giants wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (8) participates in drills during organized team activities at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesJuju Smith-Schuster, who won a Super Bowl with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in 2022, finds himself in a crowded Giants receiver room. Malik Nabers leads the group, while Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin III and Braxton Berrios are all competing for targets and roster spots.
His experience helps, but speed is no longer his biggest strength. Berrios also offers valuable special teams production. Smith-Schuster needs to separate consistently and catch everything thrown his way during the preseason. Otherwise, the Giants could choose younger and more versatile options.
4. Tyrel Dodson, LB, Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins linebacker Tyrel Dodson (25) speaking to media after mini camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Credit: Isabella Frias-Imagn ImagesTyrel Dodson has been a reliable linebacker for Miami, but the Dolphins are getting younger. Jordyn Brooks already holds a major role, and rookies Jacob Rodriguez and Kyle Louis are pushing for playing time.
Miami wants to develop those young linebackers quickly. That leaves Dodson with little room for error. Consistent preseason performances could help him hold onto his roster spot.
3. Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Chicago Bears
Former Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (71) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn ImagesJedrick Wills Jr. entered the NFL as the 10th overall pick in the 2020 draft. Injuries and inconsistent play have slowed his career since then.
After missing the entire 2025 season, he has another chance in Chicago. Kiran Amegadjie is also back from injury and competing for snaps. Wills needs to stay healthy and show he still has the movement skills that made him a first-round selection.
2. Michael Carter, RB, Tennessee Titans
Former Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) walks on the field during practice beore the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesThe Titans already have Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears and rookie Nic Singleton ahead of Michael Carter, a five-year veteran. That leaves only one realistic opening in the running back room.
Julius Chestnut is his biggest competition. Chestnut brings strong special teams value, while Carter offers more offensive experience. Tennessee must decide which skill set fits the roster better. Carter needs to make plays with the ball and prove he is too valuable to release.
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1. Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Dallas Cowboys
Jul 29, 2026; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker (86) at training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesLuke Schoonmaker faces one of the biggest preseason tests in the league. Dallas selected him in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but he has yet to become the complete tight end the team expected.
His offensive numbers have been disappointing, and he has not added much value on special teams. The Cowboys also signed undrafted rookie Michael Trigg, increasing the pressure even more.
Blocking will be just as important as receiving this August. Schoonmaker must show he can contribute in both areas. If he cannot, Dallas may finally decide to move on from its former second-round pick.