Duke in the NFL: Cutdown day to 53

While Duke was kicking off its college football season in Atlanta, former Blue Devil players around the country were awaiting their NFL fates.

There were several no-brainers.

Daniel Jones made the Giants as Eli Manning’s backup—and eventual replacement—at quarterback.

Jamison Crowder made the Jets as a receiver. Long snapper Thomas Hennessy also made the Jets.

Center Matt Skura made the Ravens.

Offensive lineman Laken Tomlinson made the 49ers.

Obviously, teams can continue to sign and release players after Saturday’s 4:00 PM Eastern deadline to cut down to 53-man rosters, but here are the bubble players who, at least initially, made their respective teams.

Ross Cockrell made the Panthers as a corner/safety.

Cornerback Breon Borders and rookie linebacker Joe-Giles Harris both made the Jaguars roster.

#Jaguars finalize 53-man roster. A couple of talented UDFAs made the roster including S Andrew Wingard, and LB Joe Giles-Harris: https://t.co/rso62aGNAp
— Demetrius Harvey (@Demetrius82) August 31, 2019

Offensive lineman Lucas Patrick, in a battle with Justin McCray for the last spot on the Packers, seemed to wrap up a spot when McCray was released.

The Packers are releasing versatile O-lineman Justin McCray, a source told ESPN. McCray has played in 25 games (13 starts) over the last 2 seasons. Tough spot for McCray, who was forced to play all 55 snaps in Thursday's preseason finale only to get let... https://t.co/RO4MdPMoBA
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) August 31, 2019

In a surprise move, RB Shaun Wilson, who suffered an injury in the second preseason game and hasn’t played since, will apparently make the Washington roster. The team’s plan is reportedly to put him on its initial roster so it can then put him on injured reserve and have the option to bring him back later this year.

Update: Redskins expected to keep RB Shaun Wilson on the 53, per source. Would likely then land on the in-season IR with a chance to return. Flashed as KR before suffering an ankle injury,
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) August 31, 2019

Three rookies looking to land on NFL rosters will need to work their way back through the practice squad.

WR T.J. Rahming was cut by the Dolphins.

Dolphins cut WR TJ Rahming, the Duke rookie. So at moment, 7 WRs remain - Parker, Stills, Wilson, Grant, Preston Williams, Hurns, Ford. One more could go.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) August 31, 2019

TE Daniel Helm was cut by the 49ers.

#49ers waiving TE Daniel Helm (per @mattbarrows) on the way to 53-player roster. https://t.co/44m1wKQ5Rd
— 49ers Webzone (@49erswebzone) August 31, 2019

WR Johnathan Lloyd was cut by the Rams.

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