The evaluation process that culminates with the finalization of the 53-man roster is a long one. Training camp and the preseason give the coaches and front office a lot of tape to analyze, and by the time the fourth preseason game rolls around, most of the choices are clear-cut.
But this year, with his team set to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Thursday’s preseason finale at Heinz Field, head coach Ron Rivera admits the decisions to come aren’t all that straightforward.
"This final cut we make – no pun intended – is not very clear-cut," Rivera said.