The NFL roster cuts happened yesterday, with every team needing to go from 90 players to 53. That's a huge cut, but there's also still hope for many of the players cut to sign to NFL practice squads. Each NFL team also gets 13 players on their practice squads, and most will sign players they recently cut.
Since the Wisconsin Badgers had 12 UDFAs and not a single one was signed to a 53-man roster, all then cleared the waivers, the next hope is NFL practice squads. As of this writing, not all practice squads have been announced; this post will be fully updated when that happens, but for now, there are some reported signings for former Wisconsin Badgers.
Here's the full list (being updated throughout the day as more news comes out):
1. Vinny Anthony II - Atlanta Falcons
Anthony showed a ton of promise both in training camp and in the preseason. His versatility was evident, as he can return kicks as well as provide depth on the offense. That's a big deal for the Falcons, and getting him to their practice squad was an important priority for the team.
2. Jay'Viar Suggs - New Orleans Saints
Suggs had a decent preseason and showed some real promise for the Saints along the defensive line. The former Badger was on the fringe of getting a practice squad offer or needing to find a new home, but the Saints need the depth; Suggs provides it.
3. Riley Mahlman - Atlanta Falcons
Mahlman is an interesting case, as he does look like a player who could play in the NFL, but just not yet. As offensive linemen are prone to injury, stashing players like Mahlman is important for NFL teams, especially if they show potential. Mahlman could find his way onto an active roster fairly quickly if there are injuries above him.
4. Parker Petersen - Carolina Panthers
Petersen wasn't a stat stuffer, but he is a line stuffer, and the Panthers liked what he showed in the preseason. There was a lot of talk about how he would be one of the cuts to 53, but that the Panthers would work to bring him to the practice squad; that's exactly what happened.
Related: Jim Leonhard's defensive expertise in the preseason is taking the NFL by storm
5. Mason Reiger - Philadelphia Eagles
Reiger was released by the Dolphins a couple of weeks ago with an injury designation. He's now been signed with the Eagles' practice squad. It's a great opportunity. Tons of talent, but injury concerns abound.
As noted above, the list will continue to be updated as the news comes out. Typically, by the end of the day, most of the practice squads will be filled. There may be some movement immediately after as the NFL teams look around and see other options, but you can expect that most spots will be settled for Week 1.
The players left to be signed from the UDFAs:
Nyzier Fourqurean
Darryl Peterson III
Ben Barten
Players who were not signed to their preseason team's practice squads:
Ricardo Hallman (Denver)
Lance Mason (Pittsburgh)
Austin Brown (Indianapolis)
Jackson Acker (Buffalo)
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