NFL coaches must perform one of the hardest parts of their jobs over the next few days.
They have to cut players.
No one in the locker room wants to see “The Turk,” the guy who tells the player that coach wants to see him, and to bring his playbook.
Teams must reduce their rosters to 75 players by 4 p.m., Tuesday and to 53 by 4 p.m., Saturday.
There already have been some big names sent packing. Here are some surprises.
Fred Jackson
The running back is third on the Bills’ all-time rushing list with 5,646 rushing yards, behind only Thurman Thomas and O.J. Simpson.
In 2013, Jackson ran for nine touchdowns. His rushing yardage dipped from 890 in 2013 to 525 last year, but he also went from 47 receptions to 66.
With LeSean McCoy out, Jackson was the Bills’ starting running back in Saturday’s preseason game against Pittsburgh Steelers and broke free for a 41-yard run on the first play from scrimmage to put the ball on the Steelers’ 2-yard line. Jackson also got the goal-line duty with two straight 1-yard runs to finish the drive.
that’s crazy 👀 RT @AdamSchefter: Bills now have announced that veteran RB Fred Jackson officially has been released.
— Le’Veon Bell (@L_Bell26) August 31, 2015
This cut is a little bit of a head-scratcher considering Jackson’s workload on Saturday. Then again, Tyrod Taylor was the third quarterback to enter the game and now he’s the Bills’ starter.
Backup running backs Anthony Dixon and Bryce Brown both have been nursing injuries. Apparently, though, they’re healthy enough for the 34-year-old Jackson to be expendable.
New England is a possible landing spot for Jackson. Bill Belichick (who probably enjoys cutting players more than he enjoys press conferences) would probably seize any opportunity he could to stick it to Rex Ryan. A running-back-by-committee situation might be ideal for Jackson at his age.
If there is one over-riding factor as to why the #Patriots might bring Fred Jackson in.. it’s his experience as a pass protector. — Mike Loyko (@NEPD_Loyko) August 31, 2015
ORCHARD PARK, NY – AUGUST 29: Fred Jackson #22 of the Buffalo Bills dives over the top for the game’s first touchdown during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers during a preseason game on August 29, 2015 at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Fred Jackson
Tim Jennings
Just two years ago, Tim Jennings was making his second straight Pro Bowl appearance for the Chicago Bears. In 2012, he led the NFL with nine interceptions, including four in the first three games.
The 5’8″ cornerback had four interceptions and 13 passes defended in 2013. He had no interceptions last season, however, despite starting all 16 games.
Jennings, 31, lost his starting job to Alan Ball, according to the Chicago Tribune. The Bears signed the 30-year-old Ball as a free agent from Jacksonville during the offseason.
The Cowboys would make sense as a suitor for Jennings after they lost Orlando Scandrick last week, but it won’t happen according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media.
@CowboysNation Cowboys like their CBs. No Tim Jennings for them
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 31, 2015
CHICAGO, IL – NOVEMBER 23: Tim Jennings #26 of the Chicago Bears leaves the field after the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 23, 2014 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
Brandon Bostick
This cut isn’t as surprising as it is noteworthy. Bostick, cut Sunday by the Vikings, is the former Packers tight end who muffed the onside kick and opened the door for the Seahawks’ miraculous comeback in the NFC championship game.
The Race Isn’t Given To The Swift Nor The Strong,But Those Who Endure To The End! #TheDreamLivesOn! #Blessed#Boom
— Brandon Bostick (@Bostick11) August 31, 2015
The 26-year-old Bostick didn’t contribute much on offense. He has nine career receptions on 18 targets. Bostick’s primary role is on special teams, and that’s where he became infamous. But any team willing to listen to a few wisecracks that needs special teams help could give Bostick a call.
SEATTLE, WA – JANUARY 18: Brandon Bostick #86 of the Green Bay Packers bobbles an onsides kick as Chris Matthews #13 of the Seattle Seahawks and Jordy Nelson #87 of the Green Bay Packers close in during the fourth quarter of the 2015 NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field on January 18, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Denarius Moore
Moore caught 51 passes, including seven touchdowns, for the Raiders in 2012 and followed that up with a 46-catch season in 2013. Injuries limited him to 12 catches in 2014.
The 26-year-old Moore had a chance to revive his career under Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, who was the Raiders head coach when Oakland took him in the fifth round of the 2011 draft. But he made just one catch in three preseason games.
Were high hopes for Denarius Moore, but he just never showed up this preseason. Losing battle to Tate, Little.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) August 31, 2015
The Carolina Panthers are thin at receiver and might want to give Moore a once-over.
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 03: Safety Earl Wolff #28 of the Philadelphia Eagles brings down wide receiver Denarius Moore #17 of the Oakland Raiders on a 27-yard catch on the third play from scrimmage in the first quarter on November 3, 2013 at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, California. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)