The latest NFL preseason news includes Michael Penix Jr. sitting out the finale, Commanders offensive-line concerns, Braden Smith’s injury and potential trade candidates.
🏈 Latest NFL News and Notes Ahead of Cutdown Day
With the NFL preseason entering its final stage, teams are making their last evaluations before reducing their rosters to 53 players.
CBS Sports HQ's Tyler Sullivan discussed several of the biggest storylines around the league, including Michael Penix Jr.'s preseason status, Washington's offensive-line problems, Braden Smith's injury and players who could become trade candidates.
The final preseason games are particularly important for players competing for roster spots, while teams must also make difficult decisions before the final cutdown deadline. Washington, for example, will finish its preseason against the Baltimore Ravens on Friday, with roster decisions looming immediately afterward.
🚨 Michael Penix Jr. Will Sit Out the Final Preseason Game
One of the headline developments concerns Michael Penix Jr., who will not play in the final preseason game.
The decision comes as Atlanta continues to manage its quarterback situation carefully. Penix has been working his way back after suffering a torn ACL last November and was medically cleared to return to full-team practice earlier this week.
Penix started nine games last season and is now competing with Tua Tagovailoa for the Falcons' starting quarterback position.
With the regular season approaching, avoiding unnecessary risk in a preseason finale could be viewed as a sensible decision.
🔴 Commanders' Offensive Line Raises Concerns
The Washington Commanders are facing growing questions about their offensive line following their joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens.
The unit struggled to consistently protect Jayden Daniels, with injuries to important players making the situation even more complicated.
Washington has already dealt with injuries involving key offensive linemen, while the center position remains a particular concern. Reports from the joint practice indicated that the Ravens' defensive pressure exposed weaknesses in Washington's protection.
The issue is especially important because Daniels is expected to be one of the central figures in Washington's offense.
If the offensive line cannot provide consistent protection, it could limit the quarterback's ability to operate effectively during the regular season.
⚔️ Ravens Provide a Tough Test
The joint practice with Baltimore offered Washington a valuable evaluation before Friday's preseason finale.
The Ravens' offense also experienced some difficulties against Washington's defense, demonstrating that both teams are still working through their final adjustments. Baltimore's receivers faced physical coverage, while Lamar Jackson experienced pressure during team drills.
The upcoming preseason game therefore represents another opportunity for players on both rosters to make their case.
🚑 Braden Smith Carted Off During Practice
Another concerning development around the NFL involved Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Braden Smith, who was reportedly carted off the field during Wednesday's practice.
For a player competing in one of football's most physically demanding positions, any significant injury concern immediately becomes an important storyline heading into the regular season.
The Colts will now have to assess Smith's condition and determine how it affects their offensive-line depth.
🔄 Trade Candidates Could Become Available
As Cutdown Day approaches, teams across the NFL are evaluating players who could potentially become trade targets.
Roster decisions can create opportunities for clubs looking for additional depth, particularly at positions where injuries have created weaknesses.
Players who are unlikely to make their current team's final roster could become attractive trade pieces rather than simply being released.
This is one of the most interesting periods of the NFL calendar because a player's future can change rapidly in the final days of preseason.
📋 Why Cutdown Day Matters
The final roster deadline forces NFL teams to make difficult decisions.
Coaches and general managers must balance:
- Current performance
- Positional depth
- Injuries
- Special teams value
- Salary considerations
- Long-term potential
- Trade opportunities
The Commanders, for example, have several roster battles still developing, including at wide receiver and safety, while special-teams performance could influence the final decisions.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The final days of the NFL preseason are bringing major storylines across the league.
Michael Penix Jr. will sit out the final preseason game as Atlanta continues to manage his return and quarterback competition. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders' offensive line remains a significant concern after a difficult joint practice against Baltimore.
The injury situation surrounding Braden Smith is another development worth monitoring, while potential trade candidates could become increasingly important as teams finalize their 53-man rosters.
With the regular season approaching, every practice rep and preseason appearance can influence a player's future.