NFL Roster Updates: Doubs, Lazard, Smith, Ward, Bush

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur emphatically shut down rumors that wide receiver Romeo Doubs wouldn’t make the team’s 53-man roster.

“I’d be very shocked if he was going anywhere,” LaFleur told Kay Adams during an Up & Adams appearance on Thursday.

When asked again if Doubs would be cut, LaFleur responded, “No. That will not happen.” 

The uncertainty surrounding the fourth-year wideout stems from the Packers’ depth at the position after adding Matthew Golden and Savion Williams in April’s draft. However, LaFleur noted that the team was “missing a lot of guys,” namely returning starters Christian Watson and Jayden Reed. Watson, coming off an ACL tear in January, is expected to begin the year on the PUP list, while a sprained foot may sideline Reed for the beginning of the regular season. Williams (hamstring) and Dontayvion Wicks (calf) also missed practice on Tuesday, per ESPN.

As a result, Doubs’ roster spot is safe. Judging by LaFleur’s comments, he would’ve made the team even with a healthy receiver room.

“‘Rome’ is out there competing and doing everything that we need to see from him,” said LaFleur. “And obviously he’s played a lot of ball for us, and at a high level. He’s been a great teammate, he goes out there and you can count on him every day.”

Here are a few other updates on key roster situations around the league:

• Aaron Rodgers‘ departure from New York fueled offseason speculation regarding Allen Lazard, but the veteran wideout is set to remain with the Jets under Aaron Glenn, according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini. Lazard told Glenn early in the offseason that he wanted to stay in New York and backed up his words by accepting a pay cut. The 29-year-old is currently dealing with a shoulder injury with the goal of being ready for Week 1.
• 2023 first-round pick Mazi Smith may not make the Cowboys‘ 53-man roster, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. The 24-year-old defensive tackle earned poor grades from Pro Football Focus (subscription required) in his first two seasons and played deep into Dallas’ second preseason game this past weekend. While owner and de facto general manager Jerry Jones won’t give up on a former first-rounder easily, Smith’s roster spot is by no means secure.
• Texans safety Jimmie Ward is facing a civil lawsuit in addition to third-degree felony charges in a domestic violence case, per KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson. Ward is accused of sexually and physically assaulting his son’s mother. The 34-year-old was arrested on August 7 for violating the terms of his bail.
• Browns linebacker Devin Bush will have a jury trial in his simple assault/harrassment case on December 2, according to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot. That will likely push any league discipline to the 2026 season.