With three preseason games, there are now three cutdown dates.

With one fewer preseason game this year, the first round of cuts feel like they are happening so much earlier this year. Before 2017, NFL clubs had to trim their roster to 75 following the third preseason game. For the last few years there has just been one major cutdown day where rosters went from 90 to 53.

That format has again changed. The NFL is now utilizing three cutdown days, one following each of the preseason games. The first cutdown on Tuesday, at 2:00pm MT won’t be the mass blood-letting players experienced in before 2017. Rather, the first round of cuts will only take the roster from 90 to 85 players. The second round of cuts, trimming from 85 to 80 players, will follow the second preseason game on Tuesday, August 24 at 2:00pm MT. The final cutdown from 80 to 53 players will happen following the third preseason game on Tuesday, August 31 at 2:00pm MT.

While it’s unlikely the Broncos will make many waves with their first round of cuts, its not going to be a surprise to see some “name” players getting released from teams around the league. This new cutdown date format is going to take some getting used to, but already this preseason feels faster and more crisp than in year’s past. That’s a good thing.

HORSE TRACKS

NFL preseason Week 1 winners and losers: Broncos see two QBs light it up, rough start for Trevor Lawrence – CBSSports.com
The NFL’s first preseason week was not devoid of storylines

Syd’s Vids: Behind the scenes of Denver’s trip to Minnesota
Team reporter Sydney Jones takes you behind the scenes of the Broncos’ joint practices in Minnesota, Denver’s 33-6 win over the Vikings and more.

Tim Tebow preseason debut at tight end: Ugly block attempt goes viral, would-be catch stolen in 16 total snaps – CBSSports.com
Tebow’s first game as a tight end was an interesting one

Saints cut Noah Spence, Prince Amukamara – ProFootballTalk

Report: Patriots release Jerald Hawkins – ProFootballTalk

Giants agree to terms with Brian Lewerke – ProFootballTalk

No timetable for resolution of Deshaun Watson criminal complaints – ProFootballTalk

Brian Gutekunst says Packers have had “no discussions” about bringing back Clay Matthews – ProFootballTalk

Exasperated Seahawks plan to let Jamal Adams finish rookie deal, tag him twice if need be – ProFootballTalk

FMIA: Aaron Rodgers Takes Zen Approach at Packers Training Camp – Peter King, NBC Sports
Peter King’s Football Morning In America column begins in Green Bay with Aaron Rodgers, with training camp stops in Indianapolis, Buffalo, Chicago and more.

80-yard TD throw highlights Trey Lance’s first 49ers showing
An 80-yard touchdown throw stood as the indelible moment in Trey Lance’s first action as the 49ers lost to the Chiefs, 19-16, in preseason action on Saturday night.

Colts HC Frank Reich: Mixed performances a ‘best-case scenario’ for QBs Jacob Eason, Sam Ehlinger
Frank Reich has a lot to look at and think about regarding his quarterback situation. Either Jacob Eason or Sam Ehlinger will likely start the Colts’ season opener in four weeks. Both appeared in their first ever preseason game Sunday, and they offered re

Trevor Lawrence bounces back from early sack, turns in solid debut as Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback
Trevor Lawrence bounced back from a sack on the first play of Saturday’s game to turn in a solid but unspectacular performance in his preseason debut for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Former New York Jets, Robert Morris University coach Joe Walton dies at 85
Joe Walton, the former Jets coach who built Robert Morris University’s football program from the ground up, has died. He was 85.

Pittsburgh Steelers’ Joe Schobert says trade from Jacksonville Jaguars ‘came out of the blue’
New Steelers linebacker Joe Schobert said Sunday he was surprised to be traded by the Jaguars to Pittsburgh.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers waive former Navy CB Cameron Kinley, who was given special exemption
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers waived former Navy cornerback Cameron Kinley, who was given a special exemption by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to delay his service so he could attend training camp.

49ers sign Mychal Kendricks weeks after ex-Seahawks linebacker is sentenced for insider trading, per report – CBSSports.com
Kendricks was sentenced to one day in jail late last month

Jordan Love impressive in preseason debut for Packers; MRI on QB’s shoulder comes back clean – CBSSports.com
The former first-round pick had a solid NFL debut