The NFL preseason continues to roll along as most teams have completed their second game this past weekend. Final rosters are beginning to take shape as teams have started to make some initial cuts. NFL rosters are at 90 at the beginning of training camp and were cut to 85 last week.
All three former Liberty players currently on an NFL roster made the first round of cuts. Additional cuts will be made this week when rosters are trimmed from 85 to 80 by Tuesday, Aug. 24 at 4 p.m. ET. The third and final roster cut will follow Week 3 of the preseason. On Tuesday, Aug. 31, teams have until 4 p.m. ET to cut their roster down from 80 players to 53 players.
Here’s how former Liberty players fared in the first full weekend of preseason games.
ANTONIO GANDY GOLDEN
AGG fought through several injuries during his rookie campaign in 2020. The 4th round draft pick of the Washington Football Team played in six games while making two starts last season, finishing with one reception for three yards and one rushing attempt for 22 yards. This year, Gandy-Golden has some added competition in the receiver room in Washington as he will have to fight to make the 53-man roster.
Preseason Week 1: Reserve; targeted once, no catches; had a tying 2-point conversion catch overruled because of replay.
Preseason Week 2: Reserve; targeted three times, led the team with three receptions for 38 yards, also hauled in a two-point conversion.
JESSIE LEMONIER
After going undrafted in 2020, Lemonier was quickly signed by the Los Angeles Chargers where he spent his rookie campaign going back and forth from their active to inactive roster. Lemonier played in six games in 2020, recording two tackles. He is still with the Chargers and will again be looking to make their active roster.
Preseason Week 1: Reserve; 1 tackle.
Preseason Week 2: Reserve; three tackles, one assisted, one tackle for loss, and one sack.
ELIJAH BENTON
Benton, who began his Liberty career as a walk-on before becoming a main stay at safety, joined the Cleveland Browns after going undrafted in 2020. He spent most of the year last season on the Browns’ practice squad.
Preseason Week 1: Reserve; 1 tackle.
Preseason Week 2: Reserve; two assisted tackles
