One player from every NFL practice squad most likely to make a real impact this season
The 53-man rosters may be somewhat finalized, but the roster moves are far from over in the NFL. The first game of the 2025 season is a week away and there’s a lot left to be desired about which players are going to make an impact this year. But let’s not talk about the ones that have already made the official roster. We’re talking about practice (squad)!
One player from every NFL practice squad most likely to make a real impact this season
- AFC North
- AFC East
- AFC South
- AFC West
- NFC North
- NFC East
- NFC South
- NFC West
These players have a chance to make an impact this year for a number of reasons. The most obvious is injury but aside from that, there’s a fair amount of players that were roster casualties simply because there wasn’t enough space to keep everybody. Practice squad players are just as important as the starters and backups, even if they get a bad reputation.
Here’s one player from every practice squad that should have a chance to make an impact this season.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
Thomas Graham Jr., defensive back
Thomas Graham is one of three listed defensive backs on the Baltimore Ravens and one of two cornerbacks. Why he might have a chance to make an impact is he’s been in the NFL for three years, but hasn’t really been a significant piece of the defense. With Jaire Alexander’s injury status up in the air for Week 1 – though it’s been reported he’s expected to be back next week – depth could be key here.
The Ravens beefed up their secondary this offseason and if injuries become key, Graham might have the path to shine. He has 12 games played in three seasons. He doesn’t have an interception yet in the NFL, but he could be a depth, emergency option if any of the corners get injured this year.
Cincinnati Bengals
Jalen Davis, defensive back
Honestly, you could take your pick of just about any defender listed on the practice squad for the Cincinnati Bengals. They’re defense is miserable and let’s be honest, bringing back Trey Hendrickson only solves part of the problem. The defensive line and linebacker rooms are probably the ones with the most certainty. Their secondary might be one of the worst in the NFL.
That’s why if any player on the practice squad is going to get a shot, it’s going to be a defensive back. And with Davis, he’s got NFL experience, having been around since 2018. He’s played in 57 games, spending most of his career in Cincinnati. From 2021-2023, he played in at least 13 games in every season. The Bengals know what he’s capable of. It’s not a matter of if, but when he’ll get moved to the active roster.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Trey Sermon, running back
The Pittsburgh Steelers running back room looks a little suspect right now so it’s likely Trey Sermon actually gets a chance to play on the active roster this year. In each of the last two seasons, he’s played in at least 14 games, both of those seasons coming in Indianapolis. Jaylen Warren isn’t quite their feature back yet and Kaleb Johnson could be a liability in their passing game.
When it comes down to it, the Steelers might not have a choice but to give Sermon the chance to play in this offense. The last thing Aaron Rodgers needs is a lack of run game. They need all the help they can get and Sermon just may be their answer.
Cleveland Browns
Cole Strange, offensive lineman
The Cleveland Browns have a lot of holes around this entire roster but the most important question mark they have is on their offensive line. They have no reason to turn to rookies to fill those right now, though they have two on their practice squad if that’s how they feel. They have Cole Strange and I think there’s a good chance he plays at some point this year.
Any veteran offensive lineman that gets a chance with the Browns will have a chance to make an impact, that’s how bad this offensive line is. Last year the Browns moved their offensive lineman around practically all season. I see that being an issue again, one that Strange could at least give a little clarity.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills
Kristian Wilkerson, wide receiver
Josh Allen might be the reigning MVP, but he’s nothing without weapons and right now the Buffalo Bills are thin at receiver. They have three receivers that could miss the start of the season. That’s not a lot to be worried about right now, but something to monitor. Kristian Wilkerson is a vet on the practice squad that could provide some much needed depth if need be. Think what Amari Cooper added last year.
Miami Dolphins
Cornell Armstrong, defensive back
The Miami Dolphins have a major problem in their secondary. They wanted to get rid of Jalen Ramsey and it cursed them as injuries piled up in training camp. They’re as thin as it gets in their secondary which is why Cornell Armstrong could end up saving the day for them. Armstrong hasn’t played since 2022, but could be somebody that gives the Dolphins some much needed depth.
New York Jets
Quentin Skinner, wide receiver
The New York Jets took just six receivers onto their initial 53-man roster and with three of them facing some injury issues, Quentin Skinner could get the opportunity he wants to make an impact. Of course this is predicated on how well Justin Fields plays. But it’s likely Skinner gets a chance if receiver depth becomes an issue early in the season.
New England Patriots
Mekhi Butler, offensive lineman
The New England Patriots probably aren’t interested in trotting out a rookie lineman to protect their franchise quarterback, but they just might have to, with some of the early injuries. They took eight offensive lineman onto the active roster and two of them are on injured reserve. It’s not a guarantee Butler or any of the young lineman on the practice squad get a chance. But if they do, don’t be surprised to see Butler be the one to make the most of any opportunity.
AFC South
Houston Texans
K.C. Ossai, linebacker
The Houston Texans have really good depth around the field. Their safety room is a little suspect with injuries right now, but aside from that, are relatively healthy everywhere else. The one position they may need to keep an eye on is their middle linebacker. Azeez Al-Shair is the only listed middle linebacker. They could obviously rotate some guys, but one name that comes to mind is K.C. Ossai.
He had a solid preseason and making the practice squad should give him a chance to get on the active roster if the Texans’ linebacker room takes any injury hits.
Tennessee Titans
Xavier Restrepo, wide receiver
Cam Ward was able to link with his college teammate and receiver, Xavier Restrepo, during the preseason. Unfortunately, Restrepo didn’t make the 53-man roster, but was brought back to the practice squad. The Titans receiver room has had major questions for quite some time. Restrepo might get a chance to make an impact at the NFL level, especially if injuries come into play.
Indianapolis Colts
Khalil Herbert, running back
The Indianapolis Colts have just two healthy running backs as of now, that could change before Week 1, but that’s going to be a position to monitor. With that said, Khalil Herbert was a late season acquisition for the Cincinnati Bengals and could serve that same role again with the Colts. Jonathan Taylor is their guy, but with Tyler Goodson and Salvon Ahmed currently hurt, their depth will be tested.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jabbar Muhammad, defensive back
The Jacksonville Jaguars are putting a lot of pressure on Travis Hunter. He’ll have to be an elite weapon for Trevor Lawerence on offense while filling a massive vacancy on defense at cornerback. They can’t expect him to be superior at both each week, which is why a player like Jabbar Muhammad could get a chance. Muhammad had a breakout year with Washington back in 2023, but fizzled out with Oregon last season.
If depth continues to be an issue for the Jags’ secondary, I could see them turning to a rookie to see if they can get a fill in until next offseason.
AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs
Mike Edwards, defensive back
The Kansas City Chiefs secondary has been in the spotlight for years. It hasn’t kept them from making Super Bowl runs, but it has been a continuing problem, the 2025 season no different. Edwards is a veteran with Super Bowl experience that will most certainly be an asset at some point this year.
Denver Broncos
A.T. Perry, wide receiver
A.T. Perry hasn’t played an NFL down since 2023 when he appeared in 10 games for the New Orleans Saints. That said, he also had nearly 250 receiving yards and four touchdowns that season. If there’s anybody that could use another weapon it’s Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos. Denver brought just five receivers onto the active roster. Perry’s one injury away from getting his shot.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jalen Reagor, wide receiver
It’s no surprise the LA Chargers have a receiver deficiency that needs immediate attention. Jalen Reagor may not save the receiving core, but he could certainly be an asset to Justin Herbert while Tre Harris and Quentin Johnson recover from injury. If they become liabilities this season, Reagor might get his one final chance at NFL success.
Las Vegas Raiders
Shedrick Jackson, wide receiver
The Las Vegas Raiders receiver room is something to monitor as Jakobi Meyers demanded a trade away on roster cut day. While the Raiders haven’t actively shopped him, if they don’t agree on an extension he could end up dealt before the trade deadline. And with that, a new receiver could fill in, specifically Shedrick Jackson.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
Tre Flowers, defensive back
Tre Flowers is a player that could ultimately find a role with the Chicago Bears if injuries become a problem in the secondary. Though he only played in five games last year, he’s been a core veteran in the secondary since his rookie season. The Bears could turn to him if they’re in desperate need of help.
Detroit Lions
Dan Skipper, offensive lineman
The Detroit Lions waived Dan Skipper, only to bring him back to the practice squad. You only do that if you not only see value, but see potential depth needed. The Lions certainly have a need for depth on their offensive line. Frank Ragnow retired from the Lions earlier this offseason so preserving veteran experience might serve them well this season.
Green Bay Packers
Jaylin Simpson, defensive back
The Green Bay don’t have an immediate need at cornerback like they do at safety. Their current depth is depleted by some training camp injuries. If they spill over into the regular season, it could open a chance for Jaylin Simpson to be elevated off the practice squad. Last season, he floated around practice squads. This year, he could finally get a chance to make an NFL squad.
Minnesota Vikings
Lucky Jackson, wide receiver
To say the Minnesota Vikings need a wide receiver is an understatement. If J.J. McCarthy is to be anything close to solid this year, he needs help and right now that could come from the practice squad. Lucky Jackson was a bubble roster player this preseason but was ultimately cut. If they don’t solve their depth issue, they could look at Jackson as a short term option.
Notable Absence from Miami Dolphins’ Team Captains
In his first three seasons with the Miami Dolphins, wide receiver Tyreek Hill was a team captain. Now? He’s not.
The Dolphins named their team captains for the 2025 season and they are quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, fullback Alex Ingold, edge rusher Bradley Chubb, center Aaron Brewer, defensive tackle Zach Sieler and linebacker Jordyn Brooks.
Back in May, Hill said that he didn’t deserve to be a team captain and that he needed to regain the trust of his teammates.
“I’ve got to prove myself,” Hill said then. “This OTAs, training camp, I’ve got to prove myself. I’ve got to show up different. The mindset has got to be different. I don’t feel like I deserve it, and if I didn’t get it, I wouldn’t dwell on it. I wouldn’t sweat it because I put myself in that position.”
Tyreek Hill talked his way out of the captaincy back in January
Following the team’s season-ending loss to the New York Jets in January, Hill made some real un-captain-esque comments to reporters. A team leader would have taken responsibility and emphasized hard work and focus moving forward into the offseason.
Hill decided to go in a different direction.
“This is my first time I haven’t been in the playoffs,” Hill told reporters. “I just gotta do what’s best for me and my family. If that’s here or wherever the case may be, I’m finna open that door for myself. I’m opening the door. I’m out, bro.
“It was great playing here, but at the end of the day, bro, I got to do what’s best for my career. I’m too much of a competitor to be just out there.”
Remember that time he said he had to prove himself again to his teammates? This is what he was referring to. So, based on his previous comments, Hill himself is not surprised that he wasn’t named a team captain.
Tyreek Hill even criticized De’Von Achane because of course he did
Yes, Hill was asked about his opinion on the Dolphins’ short-yardage struggles in early August and he answered. But, he needs to do a better job of navigating these things. He’s 31-years old and should know better than to get baited by a reporter. And not for nothing, what insight would a short, outside speed demon provide regarding 3rd-and-1 situations?
“Take De‘Von [Achane] out on third down — what?” Hill said. “That’s my honest opinion. If it’s third-and-short, he’s not a power back. I keep telling him that in the locker room, but he swears he’s a power back. I love De’Von, but if I’m being honest like that’s why you got Jaylen Wright, that’s why you got Ollie Gordon II, for those kind of situations.”
When head coach Mike McDaniel was informed of these comments, he surely didn’t have some private, table-flipping meltdown. But, he was most likely in the ‘I really don’t want to deal with this nonsense again’ camp.
“I thought it was genius reporting by Tyreek, seeing how we had a short-yardage period that very day that you guys were in attendance for, and his suggestion was I guess congruent with [running backs coach Eric] Studesville — that’s exactly how we repped the backs in that short-yardage period that very day,” McDaniel said. “But we thought it was funny that he reported the news that wasn’t news on that practice day in that short-yardage period that you guys were all there, too, for.”
These are absolutely the kinds of things that flashed through his head when picking team captains. Tyreek was most likely crossed off the list of potential captains further back than any of us know.
