Jack Markowski· Aug 20, 2026
Markowski expects Steelers WR Brandon Smith to miss the 53-man roster, be released at final cuts, and land on Pittsburgh's practice squad if healthy.
“Smith feels like a practice squad lock should he be relatively healthy”
published in writing · Sports Illustrated · read the original →
2 checkable claims — 2 roster spot calls — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing bet.
It names 2 players and teams, each linked to their own record.
None of them have settled yet — they grade once their results are in.
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Who this take is about
2 checkable claims in this take
Each one is scored on its own against the published methodology. A pundit naming several outcomes is graded on each, not on all-or-nothing.
Brandon Smith to be cut
“Assuming he is released at final roster cuts and another team doesn't pick him up, however, Smith feels like a practice squad lock should he be relatively healthy”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Brandon Smith to be cut
“his chances to crack the 53-man roster might be all but gone at this point”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
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More roster spot calls
The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
- Scott KennedyRoster Spot Calls · Michael Penix Jr.Hit · 100Kennedy reports that Atlanta is expected to keep three quarterbacks on its 53-man roster: Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr., and undrafted rookie Jack Strand.
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- Jeff CavanaughRoster Spot Calls · Hunter LuepkeHit · 100Jeff projected the Cowboys' offensive 53-man roster: nine offensive linemen (with Bass, Shelton, Leverett and Cornelius as the depth pieces and Nate Thomas and Keegan cut), three tight ends, Javonte Williams and Malik Davis atop the backfield, and five receivers with Mingo in and Camden Brown headed to the practice squad. He also gave reception and passing projections and said Jayshawn Barham will be starting before long.
- Jeff CavanaughRoster Spot Calls · Jonathan BullardHit · 100Building his projected Cowboys 53-man roster on defense, Jeff keeps five interior linemen (Kenny Clark, Quentin, Tito Obonia, LT Overton, Bullard), six edge rushers including Von Miller, Malachi Lawrence and Marist Liufau while cutting Sam Williams, four linebackers with Jayshawn Barham starting, six corners including rookie Devin Moore, and four safeties including Marquise Bell.
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