Friday NFL preview: Colin Kaepernick not alone in protest
— -- NFL Nation reporters assess the top storylines to watch for every team on Friday.
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys
As the Cowboys look to pare down their roster to the 53-man limit, they will actually trim the roster even more because they plan to be active in waiver claims. The Cowboys will be fourth in the claiming order for the first month of the season and in position to add players at need positions such as pass rush and offensive line. The roster that the Cowboys end with Saturday won't be the same as the roster they have at practice Monday. -- Todd Archer
New York Giants
The Giants have some decisions to make at wide receiver. Victor Cruz flashed on one play but didn't catch a pass in the preseason finale. He did remain healthy for the second time in five days, however. That was a big step. The Giants have to find room for wide receiver Tavarres King. He completed a strong spring and summer with an eye-opening performance Thursday night against the Patriots. King had four catches for 89 yards, including a 59-yard score in the third quarter. -- Jordan Raanan
Philadelphia Eagles
Expect the Eagles to be active over the next several days as they look to add talent at key positions, including wide receiver. Rookie Paul Turner had another productive outing Thursday against the Jets, which included a 71-yard punt return for a touchdown. But that won't stop general manager Howie Roseman from trying to upgrade a group that had a less-than-spectacular summer overall. Whether by trade or by waiver wire, he'll be on the lookout for moves to bolster the lower half of the roster. -- Tim McManus
Washington Redskins
The Redskins have a number of players who made decisions a lot tougher when it comes to final cuts based on their performance in the preseason finale vs. Tampa Bay. Safety Deshazor Everett and running back Mack Brown, both of whom likely would have been off the roster, might have played their way on. Everett is an excellent special-teams player, which helps, and he might be why the Redskins keep five safeties. Brown could end up being a fourth running back -- the Redskins don't need to keep a fullback so they could afford to do this. And center Austin Reiter played his best game of the summer. If they keep nine linemen, he might take that spot. -- John Keim
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears
Now that preseason action is over, the Bears can focus on the health of Kyle Long (shoulder) and Pernell McPhee (knee). The outlook on Long is optimistic. The three-time Pro Bowl guard is expected to try and practice next week, and he could return for Chicago's Week 1 game at Houston. McPhee is a different story. The pass-rusher is a strong candidate to open the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and miss a minimum of six weeks. McPhee has done rehab work on the side at practice, but he does not look ready to test out his balky knee in true game conditions. The question now becomes when, if ever, McPhee will resemble the player the Bears signed in free agency in 2015. -- Jeff Dickerson
Detroit Lions
There are some tough roster decisions for the Lions over the next few days, but a few players made their cases during the preseason finale. Defensive lineman Kerry Hyder, a longshot, had three sacks in the first three quarters Thursday. Receiver Jay Lee, in a legit competition for the final receiver spot, caught a touchdown, as did slot receiver Jace Billingsley. It'll be a long couple of days for those three players, but they have good tape at worst for other teams to watch. At best for them, all three end up with Detroit either on the practice squad or 53-man roster. Or if they are cut, another team claims them. -- Michael Rothstein
Green Bay Packers
Will the Packers keep five, six or even seven receivers? Part of that might depend on the severity of rookie Trevor Davis' shoulder injury. The fifth-round pick left Thursday's preseason finale against the Chiefs after the first series. He landed hard on his right shoulder after a 13-yard catch near the sideline. -- Rob Demovsky
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings will be hunting for a quarterback over the weekend, and their answer could come in the form of a veteran who is released in final roster cuts. General manager Rick Spielman said the team is not going to mortgage its future for quarterback help after Teddy Bridgewater's injury, and though Spielman has to project a position of strength to other GMs, it isn't the Vikings' style to part with young players or high picks. Considering the team is spending only about $5.5 million on quarterbacks for the 2016 season, the Vikings could afford to use some of their cap room on a free agent, should one be available. -- Ben Goessling
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons
It was a positive sign to see wide receiver Julio Jones out on the field before Thursday night's game working on some light pass-catching drills. Jones, who injured an ankle in last week's preseason game against Miami, wasn't spotted on the practice field all week, although coach Dan Quinn said he wasn't too concerned about it. Jones is expected to be fine for the regular-season opener against Tampa Bay. Jones wasn't moving full speed during his brief pre-game appearance, so it's hard to say how much the ankle still bothers him, if at all. But it makes sense for the Falcons to be extra cautious with their best player. -- Vaughn McClure
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers got a head start on installation for their regular-season opener at Denver, and they will continue Sunday with a short week before the Thursday night game. The next two days will be about cutting the roster to 53 players. The toughest decision will be at wide receiver, where depth is better than ever with the return of Kelvin Benjamin. Deciding whether to keep rookie linebacker Jeremy Cash or put him on the practice squad -- where he is vulnerable to being scooped up by another team -- will be another position to watch. -- David Newton
New Orleans Saints
We still don't know how smooth the Saints offense will look when they line up for the real thing next Sunday at home against the Raiders. But at least they got to end on a (somewhat) high note after an ugly preseason. Quarterback Drew Brees led the starting offense on a field goal drive before calling it a night in Thursday's preseason finale against the Ravens' backup defense. Brees hadn't started a preseason finale since 2006, but coach Sean Payton wanted to generate a little momentum. Brees was 3-of-6 for 40 yards. Even better, running back Mark Ingram ran three times for 21 yards. -- Mike Triplett
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In his day-after-game news conference, coach Dirk Koetter was asked about what appeared to be a sideline outburst from tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins in Wednesday night's game. "Oh, I'd say frustration was the cause of that. Any time you see situations like that, it's almost always caused by frustration, and last night was no exception. That kind of stuff happens in every game; sometimes you guys see it, sometimes you don't. It happens in practice almost every day; sometimes you guys see it, sometimes you don't. But it's caused by frustration." Koetter also said ASJ played extensively in that game because the team thought he needed to play more, and also because Kivon Cartwright left the game with a shoulder injury. -- Jenna Laine
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals
Former CFL sack master Tristan Okpalaugo left the game in the second quarter of Arizona's preseason finale with a right knee injury, and it was announced he wouldn't return. While he was on the bubble to make the 53-man roster, Okpalaugo would've provided depth to already stout pass rush. But if he's either released or placed on IR, a roster spot can open for another defensive or offensive lineman. -- Josh Weinfuss
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams' front office and coaches watched film of their last preseason game during their flight from Minnesota to Los Angeles late Thursday night. They'll reconvene at around 10 a.m. PT, and at 11, they'll begin making final cuts, trimming the roster from 75 to 53 before Saturday's 4 p.m. ET deadline. Rams coach Jeff Fisher said the toughest cuts will come at offensive line, linebacker and wide receiver. Mike Thomas, Austin Hill, Paul McRoberts, Duke Williams and veteran Brian Quick seem to be on-the-bubble receivers. Darrell Williams, Isaiah Battle and Eric Kush could be vying for spots on the offensive line. At linebacker, it's probably Josh Forrest and Nic Grigsby. -- Alden Gonzalez
San Francisco 49ers
49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick did not stand or sit for the national anthem in Thursday's preseason finale against San Diego. Instead, Kaepernick took a knee just before the song. This time, he had company. Safety Eric Reid joined Kaepernick in taking a knee, and the pair hugged when the song was over. Nate Boyer, the former Green Beret and long snapper, stood next to Kaepernick and Reid as the anthem played. Kaepernick started the game and led the opening drive as boos rained down on him from the Chargers crowd. -- Nick Wagoner
Seattle Seahawks
Cornerback Jeremy Lane took a seat during the national anthem before Thursday night's preseason finale against the Raiders. Lane, 26, has been with the Seahawks since 2012. He re-signed with the team as a free agent this offseason and is expected to be the starter opposite Richard Sherman. Sherman said earlier in the week that teammates had discussed potentially following Colin Kaepernick's lead. Sherman noted he wouldn't go against the flag and that any player who was thinking about sitting should be ready to deal with the criticism.-- Sheil Kapadia
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills
The Bills rested 28 players for Thursday's preseason finale in Detroit, but they did not emerge unscathed from the game. Safety Colt Anderson (foot) left the game in the second quarter with a foot injury and was later ruled out. The extent of the injury is unclear; Anderson was expected to make the 53-man roster as a special-teams contributor. Any extended absence could help Jonathan Meeks' chances to earn a roster spot. -- Mike Rodak
Miami Dolphins
Dolphins first-round pick Laremy Tunsil joined key veterans Thursday night by not playing in the preseason finale against the Titans. This is a sign that Miami's coaching staff is comfortable with what they've seen from Tunsil, who started the previous two preseason games at left guard. His next game action? When the regular season begins next week at Seattle. -- James Walker
New England Patriots
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady played the entire first half of the team's preseason finale against the Giants, totaling 39 offensive snaps and finishing 16-of-26 for 166 yards with one touchdown pass and one interception. While it wasn't a shock that Brady started, his extended workload was a bit of a surprise, in part because the Patriots lost starting left tackle Nate Solder on the ninth snap of the game to a leg injury. While Brady took some hits, he appeared to come out of the game clean in his last work until he returns from suspension Oct. 9 against the Browns. In all, Brady played 55 snaps over two games in the preseason. -- Mike Reiss
New York Jets
The Jets will start making cuts Friday, but the quarterback suspense could be gone. Bryce Petty suffered a throwing-shoulder injury of unknown severity, which could save the Jets from having to cut one of their four quarterbacks. Even if it's not a long-term injury, they can't possibly make him the No. 2. That role will go to Geno Smith, who will back up Ryan Fitzpatrick. Rookie Christian Hackenberg will be stashed at the bottom of the roster. -- Rich Cimini
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens
Wide receiver Breshad Perriman looked sharp in his NFL debut. In the preseason finale, he finished with two catches for 25 yards in one half of work. The Ravens targeted the 2015 first-round pick on the first two plays, and he came through with crisp routes and physical runs after the catch. This should give Perriman and Baltimore confidence heading into the regular season. -- Jamison Hensley
Cincinnati Bengals
There were few surprises in the fourth preseason game against the Colts, as the Bengals sat most of their significant starters. There likely won't be many surprises during final roster cuts Saturday, either. The release of kick returner Brandon Tate earlier in the week is likely going to be their biggest name on the transaction wire by the time they're done cutting the roster to 53. They'll be saying goodbye to starting linebacker Vontaze Burfict for a while, however, as he'll begin his three-game suspension at the conclusion of the preseason. -- Katherine Terrell
Cleveland Browns
Is the Browns offense ready for the season opener? In the first quarter when the starters played, Robert Griffin III totaled 31 yards on eight throws. Top running backs Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson ran for 19 yards on eight carries. The top three receivers ( Terrelle Pryor, Corey Coleman and Andrew Hawkins, with Josh Gordon suspended) had no catches. And the Browns' touchdown came on a short field after the Bears bungled a punt. -- Pat McManamon
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers were looking to solidify their defensive back depth in the preseason finale against the Panthers, and even though giving up 138 first-half passing yards to Joe Webb is rarely a good thing, first-round cornerback Artie Burns had his bright moments with multiple pass breakups, including a near-interception in the red zone. He looks recovered from that nagging quad injury and eager to give the Steelers a return on investment. -- Jeremy Fowler
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans
During the Texans' fourth preseason game against the Cowboys, coach Bill O'Brien and general manager Rick Smith got a good look at a few players who are on the bubble of making the 53-man roster. Wide receiver Keith Mumphery, who is competing for a fifth or sixth receiver spot, had two nice catches, including a 64-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Brandon Weeden. At running back, Akeem Hunt and Kenny Hilliard played well -- though Hilliard did fumble -- but both will likely still fall short of making the regular-season roster. -- Sarah Barshop
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts had a successful night in their preseason finale against the Bengals. They didn't add any names to their long list of key players already injured. That happened because coach Chuck Pagano didn't play any players expected to have a key role with the Colts this season. That means there was no sign of Andrew Luck, T.Y. Hilton, Frank Gore, D'Qwell Jackson or Mike Adams on the field against the Bengals -- Mike Wells
Jacksonville Jaguars
Linebacker Myles Jack certainly made an impact quickly at weakside linebacker in the Jaguars' preseason finale. He made tackles on Atlanta's first three offensive snaps. Jack has spent all of training camp and the previous three preseason games working behind middle linebacker Paul Posluszny, but the Jaguars wanted to get him snaps at weakside linebacker, which is the spot manned by Telvin Smith. That may be a bit of a message to Smith, in addition to getting Jack some much-needed experience. -- Mike DiRocco
Tennessee Titans
The Titans have major questions in the return game, which may provide comfort for incumbent punt returner Dexter McCluster, a veteran running back. Rookie cornerback Kalan Reed got his chance Thursday night in Miami. In the first half, he fumbled two punts, losing one, and grabbed another after waving for a fair catch -- after the ball bounced. -- Paul Kuharsky
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos
The Broncos held out 25 players of Thursday night's preseason finale in Arizona, and that meant several young players who find themselves on the roster bubble were in prominent roles. Start with running back Kapri Bibbs, who needs the Broncos to keep four running backs, in addition to fullback Andy Janovich, to have a shot at making the roster. Bibbs opened the game at running back against the Cardinals, ahead of Ronnie Hillman (the Broncos' leading rusher in 2015) and looked comfortable. Also, linebacker Zaire Anderson continued to state his case for a roster spot. He was consistently around the ball when he was in the game and had a fumble recovery. -- Jeff Legwold
Kansas City Chiefs
The preseason concluded without key veterans playing snaps: linebackers Justin Houston and Tamba Hali, safety Eric Berry and running back Jamaal Charles. The bigger issue is whether any will play and how effective they will be in the regular-season opener against the Chargers. Houston won't play, but the others have been practicing and should be available. -- Adam Teicher
Oakland Raiders
As expected, the Raiders sat most of their starters for their preseason finale against the Seahawks. Only two players on defense -- rookies Jihad Ward (defensive lineman) and Karl Joseph (strong safety) -- who were atop the team's unofficial depth chart started. Oh, and every Raiders player stood for the national anthem. -- Paul Gutierrez
San Diego Chargers
Joey Bosa participated in an on-field workout with veteran players but did not suit up for San Diego's final preseason game, watching from the sideline in a T-shirt and shorts. Bosa said he felt good after the workout. Chargers coach Mike McCoy will not disclose if Bosa will play in the season opener at Kansas City, but if all goes well during practice next week, the Ohio State product has a chance to play. -- Eric D. Williams
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