4:05 p.m.: The deadline for roster cuts has passed, meaning every move is official now. A few notable names, via Schefter:
Giants released linebacker Jameel McClain, who led the team in tackles last season; and wide receiver James Jones.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 5, 2015
Patriots officially released RB Jonas Gray.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 5, 2015
3:55 p.m.: The Houston Texans have released “Hard Knocks” fan favorite Charles James, according to the Houston Chronicle’s John McClain.
3:43 p.m.: Some interesting context on Reggie Wayne’s reported release, from ESPN’s Adam Schefter:
WR Reggie Wayne asked to be released, according to source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 5, 2015
3:30 p.m.: In less surprising news, Tim Tebow is making a gracious exit from Philly.
Thanks @Eagles and Coach Kelly for giving me the opportunity to play the game I love!
Romans 8:28 #Blessed— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) September 5, 2015
3:26 p.m.: Well, this would be surprising.
ESPN’s Josina Anderson reports wide receiver Reggie Wayne might not begin the season with the Patriots.
A source just told me that #Patriots WR Reggie Wayne “will not be on 53.” Added, “he will not be there."
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) September 5, 2015
Also, this.
The Patriots gave Reggie Wayne $450,000 last week.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) September 5, 2015
2:50 p.m.: Former Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks is a free agent once again.
[tweet https://twitter.com/terrymc13/status/640233239756603392 align=’center’]
2:32 p.m.: Quarterback Matt Cassel is among the Buffalo Bills’ last-minute cuts.
Bills released:
DT Red Bryant
QB Matt Cassel
C Dalton Freeman
S Jonathan Meeks
LB Kevin Reddick— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 5, 2015
2:19 p.m.: The San Diego Chargers are making a change at kicker, per Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Chargers have released kicker Nick Novak, source says. Undrafted rookie Josh Lambo it is.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) September 5, 2015
1:36 p.m.: Devon Still had some kind words for the Bengals on his way out Saturday.
Have nothing but love for the Bengals organization and the city of Cincinnati. Both helped… https://t.co/EIRoFprfQx pic.twitter.com/oaBLOv7up7
— Devon Still (@devonjstill) September 5, 2015
1:34 p.m.: Chip Kelly has spoken on the Eagles’ decision to cut Tebow.
[tweet https://twitter.com/Jeff_McLane/status/640215862398615552 align=’center’]
1:30 p.m.: ESPN’s Field Yates reports a potential trade involving Gray could be in the works.
League source: the Patriots are planning to move on from RB Jonas Gray, but don't dismiss the idea that he could be traded still.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 5, 2015
1:15 p.m.: The New England Patriots are parting ways with one-hit wonder Jonas Gray, a source told the Providence Journal’s Mark Daniels.
12:40 p.m.: The Cincinnati Bengals have released defensive lineman Devon Still, ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio reports.
The Bengals kept Still on their roster last season while his daughter, Leah, battled cancer. Leah now is cancer-free, and her father will have financial backing as he tries to join another squad.
Still understood the situation and took major strides this preseason. Strictly a brutal numbers game on #Bengals DL.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) September 5, 2015
Still said in July, no matter what happened would always feel special connection to #Bengals for how they treated him. Special young man.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) September 5, 2015
Important to know, because #Bengals kept Still on last year, he and Leah now have 5 years of NFL health insurance regardless of NFL status.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) September 5, 2015
12:30 p.m: Backup quarterback Thad Lewis is done in Cleveland, according to multiple reports.
Am told Thad Lewis has just been made aware of his not making the Browns' final roster.
— Scott (@WFNYScott) September 5, 2015
Confirming @wfnyscott report that #Browns QB Thad Lewis is gone
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 5, 2015
12:26 p.m.: It appears Tebow still has some supporters, including New York Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara.
What more does Tim have to do to prove himself?
— Prince Amukamara (@PrinceAmukamara) September 5, 2015
12:20 p.m.: Tim Tebow once again is an NFL free agent, ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport report.
Eagles released QB Tim Tebow, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 5, 2015
The #Eagles released Tim Tebow, source confirmed (as @AdamSchefter said). This was likely his last shot. Perhaps back to TV.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 5, 2015
11:40 a.m.: The New York Jets have released backup quarterback Matt Flynn, according to Matt Flynn.
Thanks for the opportunity #nyjets, but it looks like I am headed back home to Louisiana.. Looking forward to what's next!
— Matt Flynn (@mflynn3) September 5, 2015
Flynn spent about two months on the New England Patriots this summer from June to August.
10:40 a.m.: Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver and NFL veteran James Jones is on the market, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
The #Giants are cutting WR James Jones, source said. The #Packers have a need..
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 5, 2015
10:10 a.m.: The Indianapolis Colts reportedly will be without defensive end Arthur Jones — older brother of New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones — this season.
The #Colts will place DL Art Jones on season-ending Injured Reserve, source said, following successful ankle surgery yesterday.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 5, 2015
10:07 a.m.: The New York Giants are sticking with Josh Brown as their kicker.
Giants have released kicker Chris Boswell per source.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) September 5, 2015
The Giants re-signed Chris Boswell after Brown bruised his leg earlier this preseason, but it appears the NFL veteran will be ready to go for New York’s season opener.
8:35 a.m.: The first big news of the day is of a big-name player NOT getting cut.
The Redskins have decided to keep Robert Griffin III as their second string quarterback behind Kirk Cousins, team sources told NFL Media’s Jeff Darlington.
The reported move is a bit of a surprise, as many thought Washington finally would part ways with the under-performing QB after a turbulent preseason. NFL Media’s Albert Breer also added this note:
[tweet https://twitter.com/AlbertBreer/status/640134558864789505 align=’center’]
8:20 a.m. ET: The final day of reckoning is here.
NFL teams must reduce their rosters to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, meaning the hopes of many promising players will be dashed before day’s end.
The NFL’s final round of cuts usually includes some big names, and this season already has been no different. Among the notable players already off rosters include defensive end Darnell Dockett, running back Robert Turbin and linebacker IK Enemkpali.
But there are plenty more big decisions to come. Will the Philadelphia Eagles finally give Tim Tebow another shot? Will the Washington Redskins wash their hands of Robert Griffin III?
Stay tuned to NESN.com’s Roster Cuts Live Blog to find out.
For a list of players who already have been cut so far, check out NFL.com’s Roster Cuts Tracker.
Thumbnail photo via Jim Dedmon/USA TODAY Sports Images
