NFL Bubble Watch: Three Surprise Players That Could Be Cut

As of this posting, the two most notable names to turn in their playbooks are Aldon Smith and the polarizing Tim Tebow. Smith was released by the Seahawks for off-the-field issues and Tebow’s likely last chance ended in Jacksonville as he attempted to resurrect his NFL career at the tight end position.

Let’s take a look at three other prominent players who could be on the verge of getting cut this preseason.

Nick Foles, QB Chicago Bears

It’s not often a player goes from Super Bowl MVP to the unemployment line, but the writing appears to be on the Windy City wall for Foles. The Bears signed Andy Dalton in the offseason and then made Justin Fields the 11th overall pick in the NFL Draft, creating a competitive, but crowded QB room in Chicago.

As soon as Carson Wentz went down with a foot injury during a training camp practice this summer, Indianapolis seemed like a logical landing spot for Foles who had grown accustomed to stepping in for Wentz before. But the new Colts’ QB seems poised to return in time for the season opener, which makes a trade with the Bears less probable.

Should Chicago cut ties with Foles, the Bengals would make more sense than the Browns in terms of backup vacancies. Cleveland has a veteran of their own in Case Keenum behind Baker Mayfield, but Foles would be an immediate upgrade over Brandon Allen in Cincinnati and offer a solid veteran shoulder for Joe Burrow to lean on.

Mark Ingram, RB Houston Texans

Ingram is entering his 11th year in the NFL in what would be his first in Houston. Signing with the Texans in the first place raised some eyebrows but now he appears in danger of losing his job altogether.

Phillip Lindsay has emerged as the lead back so far with David Johnson and Rex Burkhead also competing for reps. Johnson’s contract was restructured and his guaranteed money doubled back in March so it appears unlikely he would go, and Burkhead edges out Ingram on third downs.

The former Saint and Raven has rushed for 353 yards and three touchdowns in six games against the Bengals in his career and 238 yards with two touchdowns in five games against the Browns.

Dwayne Haskins or Mason Rudolph, QB Pittsburgh Steelers

I am by no means suggesting the Steelers will let go both of these quarterbacks, but there is a chance that one will not be in black and gold come September. Haskins was brought in on a flier for his potential after the Washington Football Team released the former first-rounder for immaturity off the field.

Rudolph has been the primary backup in Pittsburgh for the past two years, playing in 10 games his rookie year after Ben Roethlisberger went down with an injury. 

Big Ben is back for his 18th (and likely final) season in the NFL, as the Steelers are scheduled to take on the Bengals in Weeks 3 and 12, and the Browns in Weeks 8 and 17.