Do or die at training camp: Five NFL players who must impress or risk being cut

The 2026 NFL training camp is approaching fast. Rookies report in late July (as early as July 21-22 for some teams), with veterans following shortly after. These sessions, followed by the preseason, represent the final cutdown from 90-man rosters to the 53-man active roster.

Many players enter camp on thin ice after OTAs and minicamps: veterans fighting for depth roles, young players battling rookies and specialists proving their value. 

Here are five across the league who must deliver or risk being among the final cuts:

Mecole Hardman Jr., WR, Buffalo Bills

Hardman joined Buffalo as a veteran presence and return specialist in 2025, but a calf injury cut his season short. His best path to a roster spot lies on special teams, rather than carving out consistent wide receiver snaps in a new and competitive room.

At training camp, Hardman needs to demonstrate reliability in the return game, stay healthy and flash enough in the receiving game to justify keeping him over younger or cheaper options. A strong showing could lock in a rotational role; anything less could result in his release. 

Mason Rudolph, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Rudolph has long served as a reliable veteran backup. However, the emergence of second-year quarterback Will Howard and draftee Drew Allar has complicated the picture. The Steelers may prefer to keep only three quarterbacks, putting pressure on Rudolph to prove his value as a mentor, competitor or emergency option.

In camp, Rudolph must show he can still command the offense, avoid mistakes in drills, and provide leadership. If Howard, who has been spoken highly of by Rodgers, continues his strong progression, Rudolph could find himself on the outside looking in unless the team commits to carrying four signal-callers.

Kelee Ringo, CB, Philadelphia Eagles

The 2023 fourth-round pick was expected to develop into a starter but has yet to take that next step. He has provided value on special teams, but the Eagles have added veteran Jonathan Jones and younger corners like Jakorian Bennett, Mac McWilliams and Brandon Johnson, creating significant depth in the secondary. 

Ringo enters camp needing to show improved consistency in coverage and earn meaningful defensive snaps. A strong camp could secure a depth role; continued struggles could lead to a release or trade as the team prioritizes other options.

Rashee Rice, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Rice remains their WR1 but enters the summer with significant off-field and injury baggage. He recently served a 30-day jail sentence after violating probation terms tied to his 2024 legal issues. He also underwent a knee cleanup procedure and rehabbed while incarcerated, causing him to miss OTAs and mandatory minicamp.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has publicly stated he expects Rice to be ready for training camp, which begins in late July. The NFL investigated recent personal conduct matters and decided against any additional suspension for the 2026 season. With so much drama, a younger core behind him featuring intriguing potential in Xavier Worthy, Tyquan Thornton, Jalen Royals and more, and potential trade options, this could be a non-surprising move by August. 

Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints

Kamara posted career lows in rushing and receiving yards in 2025 and has a massive cap hit. The Saints have younger backs in the pipeline (Travis Etienne Jr., Kendre Miller and more) and could save significant money with a post-June 1 cut. 

His veteran presence is valuable, but production and contract math make him a logical cut candidate. Otherwise, he'll need to show he can still be an explosive, versatile weapon, as anything less will accelerate cut talks.