NFL changes key roster cut-down date

We will know the Las Vegas Raiders’ 53-man roster earlier than usual this year as the NFL owners approved a major date change for cut-down deadlines.

According to the NFL Network, the league will require teams to get to the initial 53-man roster cutdown by Aug. 31. That is 12 days before Sunday of Week 1. The Raiders, of course, open the season on Monday, Sept. 13, at Allegiant Stadium against the Baltimore Ravens.

It has long been established that the 53-man roster cut-down date would be eight days before the season starts. So now players will have less time to impress their teams before the make-or-break deadline.

The Raiders report to training camp on July 27 and their roster must be set exactly five weeks later. The final cut-down date is two days after the Raiders end the three-game preseason at the San Francisco 49ers.

Don’t worry, it will be enough time for Raiders’ coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock to make all of their tough roster decisions. On the flip side, the Raiders will have more time to work with their initial roster in advance of the Week 1 matchup against the Ravens. So overall, I think this is a good thing.