NFL Preseason Week 4: What to Watch for in Thursday's Action

The race to 53 begins now.

Coaches and starting players are looking toward the first regular-season game even with the final preseason contest yet to be played. But there are 25 to 35 players on the bottom of every team's depth chart hoping to continue their dreams of being professional football players.

The fourth preseason game is their time to shine as the cutdown for Saturday's 53-man roster deadline looms.

For the most part, rosters are set except for a handful of slots. As such, this is the last opportunity for a third- or fourth-string performer to turn heads. It could be with a special teams play, a big hit or an explosive offensive performance. Anything that gets a player noticed and leaves a positive impression matters, because other teams are scouting these games, and the possibility of landing on the practice squad exists too.

No one should expect any team's key contributors to be on the field Thursday, but there are still plenty of intriguing storylines to go around with 30 teams in action on the final day of the preseason.

Barkevious Mingo Takes Field for First Time with New England Patriots

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Barkevious Mingo went from the outhouse to the penthouse when the Cleveland Browns traded him for a fifth-round pick to the New England Patriots.

The former sixth overall selection disappointed during his first three seasons because he couldn't find a position where he truly excelled.

"We didn't see a fit for him," Browns head coach Hue Jackson said after the trade, per the Associated Press' Tom Withers.

Under Mike Pettine's tenure, the linebacker developed into a coverage specialist. Jackson and his staff tried him at inside linebacker. Ultimately, Mingo never showed he could be dominant in any particular area. It's now up to Bill Belichick and his coaching staff to figure out how they want to use the LSU product.

"He's charged," the Patriots head coach told reporters. "He's dropped. He's played on the line. He's played off the line. He's played in all phases of the kicking game, so we'll see."

New York Jets QB Christian Hackeberg Gets a Second Look

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The New York Jets spent a second-round pick on quarterback Christian Hackenberg yet didn't play him until the third preseason contest against the New York Giants. Like any rookie signal-caller, the Penn State product experienced ups and downs in his first appearance.

At first, Hackenberg looked exceptional. After throwing two incomplete passes, he completed four in a row and marched the Jets offense down the field before connecting with wide receiver Robby Anderson for a touchdown.

Later in the contest, the rookie threw his first interception. While poor tosses should be expected, Hackenberg's came from the Jets' 5-yard line, which set up a scoring opportunity for the Giants.

"That's something I have to learn from," Hackenberg said, per ESPN.com's Rich Cimini. "I can't do that, especially in that field position. It sucks, but it's a good learning tool."

Jets head coach Todd Bowles doesn't plan to play either Ryan Fitzpatrick or Geno Smith on Thursday against the Philadelphia Eagles. Instead, Hackenberg and Bryce Petty are expected to play the entirety of the game.

"I'd like to see more of the other two guys," the coach said on a media conference call. "Playing Geno would hinder that chance, so I wanted to see the other two guys play a full amount of time. This should be a perfect opportunity to do it."

En Guard: Luke Joeckel's Transition to Offensive Interior Continues

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For good or bad, former No. 2 overall pick Luke Joeckel is now a guard. While Joeckel played well at left tackle during training camp, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed Kelvin Beachum in free agency for a reason, and it has everything to do with Joeckel's underwhelming performance through his first three seasons.

On Tuesday, head coach Gus Bradley announced the inevitable: Beachum will start at left tackle this season, while Joeckel moves to the offensive interior, per John Oehser of the Jaguars' official site.

"I've always thought of myself as a tackle, but I've got to be ready at guard," Joeckel said, according to the Florida Times-Union's Hays Carlyon. "I've got to do what's best for the team and be my best at guard."

Joeckel didn't provide the best impression during his first start after making the transition. Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins destroyed the Texas A&M product. Now in his fourth season, the 24-year-old blocker is a work in progress, and he'll need to show improvement Thursday against the Atlanta Falcons.

Former First-Round WR DeVante Parker Needs to Show More

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The transition from college football to the NFL isn't easy. Elite talents often struggle after becoming high draft picks. Miami Dolphins wide receiver DeVante Parker serves as a perfect example.

Last season, Parker had difficulty making the active roster before showing signs of life late in the year. His struggles continued into the offseason when veteran Kenny Stills overtook him as the team's No. 2 option opposite Jarvis Landry.

Parker has been listed as day-to-day throughout the week with a hamstring injury and might not play Thursday. This only adds to the problem as head coach Adam Gase sees it, per the Sun Sentinel's Chris Perkins:

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Sometimes it takes some guys a little longer to learn than others. And eventually it gets to a point when you get tired of being the guy standing on the sideline. And I do think he's a little frustrated as far as, kind of, he's been the odd man out all the time and Kenny [Stills] and Jarvis [Landry] have been out there working together now and he's kind of had to watch.

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The former first-round pick has managed four receptions for 24 yards this preseason. His progress has been slow, and if he can't get on the field for the finale, it creates more opportunities for other young receivers such as Leonte Carroo and Jakeem Grant, who are trying to carve out a role within Miami's offense.

'Big Bird' Might Be Buffalo Bills' Solution to Linebacker Issues

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People love to root for the underdog, and millions more watched Sesame Street when they were children. Buffalo Bills linebacker Bryson Albright is the personification of both.

The young man nicknamed Big Bird due to his long, curly locks is the type of story everyone loves. He's an undrafted free agent from a small school—Miami of Ohio in this case—who overcomes challenges due to hard work.

Granted, it's a position the Bills never wanted Albright to be in, but numerous injuries in the linebacker corps forced their hand.

Manny Lawson and first-round pick Shaq Lawson have both dealt with injuries—the team placed the rookie on Reserve/PUP Tuesday, per Chris Brown of the team's official site. The organization also waived IK Enemkpali after he suffered a torn ACL earlier in the preseason and subsequently signed Kroy Biermann.

All these issues presented Albright with an opportunity to play far more than expected, which gives him a legitimate chance to become a part of the team.

"You know you always have to be ready to do what you are asked to do," Albright said, according to Alec Rhodes of the team's official site. "Especially in a position like mine where you go undrafted, you always have to be ready to step up and fill whatever shoe they need you to fill. You have to be comfortable with it from that standpoint."

Indianapolis Colts' Abbreviated LG Competition

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The Indianapolis Colts received good news earlier this week when doctors found Jack Mewhort won't miss the entire season with a knee injury. Instead, he'll only miss two to four weeks, according to Colts owner Jim Irsay. But he still leaves a gaping hole at left guard until his return.

Since Joe Haeg and Hugh Thornton are dealing with injuries, Jonotthan Harrison appears to be the logical choice to start in Mewhort's stead.

"I'm ready if I'm called upon," Harrison said Saturday, per ESPN.com's Mike Wells. "I've started at center and I've gotten reps at guard in the game. The coaches prepare us to play multiple positions."

Harrison started 19 games over the last two seasons, but those opportunities came at center. He's been cross-trained at guard, though.

"[Harrison] has played in there [and] has position flex, which is good," head coach Chuck Pagano said Monday, per Andrew Walker of the team's official site. "There are a number of things that we will look at."

Haeg still has an opportunity to capture the starting spot if he can get back on the field, but the coaching staff isn't sure if he'll be ready by Week 1, according to Kevin Bowen of the team's official site.

Javon Hargrave Adds Different Dynamic as Pittsburgh Steelers Nose Tackle

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Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt make the Pittsburgh Steelers defense go. Those two talented defensive linemen are difficult to block and provide the pressure that used to come from the outside linebacker position in Pittsburgh's system.

But the team hasn't had a legitimate difference-maker at nose tackle since Casey Hampton retired after the 2012 campaign. Everything could change with rookie Javon Hargrave in the middle of the Steelers defense.

Daniel McCullers is a traditional two-gap nose tackle. He's massive at 6'7" and 352 pounds, and his game is predicated on taking up multiple blockers for others to make plays. Hargrave falls on the other side of the spectrum. The South Carolina State product relies on a quick first step to regularly penetrate into a team's backfield.

"His pedigree routinely flashes," head coach Mike Tomlin said during training camp, per ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler. "He's a talented guy, yes."

Through three preseason games, the third-round pick known as Gravedigger or J Wobble has the highest pass-rush grade for any defensive tackle, according to Pro Football Focus. This ability to be a consistent disruptive force only adds to Pittsburgh's talented defensive line.

Crockett Gillmore Time for Baltimore Ravens After Ben Watson Injury

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When Benjamin Watson crumbled to the ground Saturday on the first play against the Detroit Lions with a torn Achilles, the Baltimore Ravens needed to reassess their tight end situation.

"I'm confident, because I have faith in a lot of things," Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said, per ESPN.com's Jamison Hensley. "I know that things are going to work out for the good, and we are going to work hard for that."

Crockett Gillmore is the logical choice to replace Watson for the short term. The Colorado State product caught 33 passes for 412 yards and four touchdowns during his sophomore campaign. However, he's still trying to work himself into shape after being placed on injured reserve last season with a back injury.

"Crockett continues to improve," Harbaugh said, per Hensley. "He has been out of football for a long time; he was hurt. Even getting in football shape, in terms of his leg strength, his balance, his power, his explosiveness—that stuff is coming back quickly, but it is not there yet."

Harbaugh also expects Dennis Pitta and Maxx Williams to be back on the practice field in the coming days after dealing with injuries throughout training camp, according to the team. For now, Gillmore is the team's top tight end option until the coaching staff can start working other veterans into the mix.

How Can the Cleveland Browns Generate a Pass Rush?

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The Cleveland Browns' new regime continued to dismantle the roster when it released Paul Kruger on Monday. Without Kruger in the lineup, the organization lacks a proven pass-rusher.

Kruger's production in 2015 fell short of his massive contract. When the Browns front office weighed his value versus recent play, it decided to move in another direction.

Where does the team now turn to provide a consistent edge presence?

Cleveland will get much younger with second-rounder Emmanuel Ogbah and third-rounder Carl Nassib expected to pick up the slack. Both have looked athletic and displayed nonstop motors through the first three preseason contests. They'll need to continue their impressive showings to validate the team's decision to release Kruger.

Outside of Ogbah and Nassib, Nate Orchard, Joe Schobert and Armonty Bryant—once he returns from his four-game suspension—will be relied upon heavily as the the team's top edge defenders. It's a scary proposition since the group consists of three rookies and two young veterans who have combined to start 15 career games and compile 11.5 sacks.

Green Bay Packers RB Brandon Burks Runs Away with Roster Spot

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Running backs Eddie Lacy and James Starks remain entrenched atop the Green Bay Packers depth chart. However, a team's running back stable often requires three or even four backs throughout the season due to the nature of the position. Injuries occur and runners get dinged. The Packers appear to have found a legitimate third option in undrafted free agent Brandon Burks.

The Troy product is second behind Lacy with 89 yards on 19 carries. After the Packers placed fellow runner John Crockett on injured reserve due to a shoulder injury, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Tom Silverstein, Burks' status appears far more stable.

Even before Crockett's injury, the 208-pound Burks had a shot at making the team's active roster.

"Burks can change direction and make something happen," an anonymous personnel man said, per the Journal Sentinel's Bob McGinn. "Crockett cannot. There isn't anything there with Crockett. Burks is a threat."

The rookie's ability to create makes him a threat any time he touches the football, which separates him from other backs on the roster. He's already overcome most of the competition and placed himself in a position to be the primary ball-carrier Thursday against the Kansas City Chiefs.

"There's always the thought that you could be cut," Burks said, per McGinn. "But I feel like I've put myself in a position where I made plays. I follow the rules and try to do everything they wish of a player."

Rams, Vikings Have Quarterback Issues

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The world revolves around quarterbacks.

The Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings know this well as they prepare to face each other in the final preseason contest. With No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff on the Rams roster and the Vikings' challenges in dealing with the Teddy Bridgewater injury, each organization needs time to evaluate the game's most important position.

Goff hasn't played well in his first three professional appearances. The rookie is 16-of-33 passing for 165 yards, a touchdown, an interception and two fumbles. As a result, the Rams' plan remains the same.

"What I've been saying since day one is we're going to be patient with him," Rams head coach Jeff Fisher told reporters last week. "Case [Keenum] is our starter. [Goff is] progressing, he’s getting better."

For the Vikings, the organization has 10 days to figure out its approach without Bridgewater. Shaun Hill is a veteran presence behind center, and Joel Stave played relatively well in limited preseason opportunities. Will the team add any other quarterbacks? Hill and Stave's performances Thursday could determine Minnesota's direction as the regular season nears.

Dallas Cowboys' Backup Plan

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Where do the Dallas Cowboys go from here?

Tony Romo is hurt, and he's expected to miss a large portion of the season. Rookie Dak Prescott is now the team's starting quarterback, and the Cowboys have to worry about the backup to the previous backup plan.

As of now, second-year signal-caller Jameill Showers is Dallas' top option if anything were to happen to Prescott unless the organization swings a deal or signs a quarterback in the coming days. As a result, Showers believes he'll play the majority of the fourth preseason game against the Houston Texans, per Nick Eatman of the Cowboys' official site:

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They haven't told us how much we will play Thursday but I have to assume I'm going to get a lot of the snaps, if not all of them. So I'll be ready for that. I'm excited for that chance. I know I can't put too much pressure on myself. I have to play within myself. But at the same time, I'll be prepared because I know this is an important opportunity for me.

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The UTEP product has been erratic in his appearances, but a strong performance Thursday should ease some of the concerns in Dallas.

Arizona Cardinals' Search for No. 2 CB Continues

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The Arizona Cardinals need Justin Bethel to perform much better than he did a year ago, especially after Mike Jenkins suffered a season-ending knee injury Sunday, according to the team.

Jenkins and Bethel had competed throughout training camp to become the starter opposite Patrick Peterson. With Jenkins out of the picture, Bethel didn't perform well against the Texans. His play is a continuation of last year's subpar effort.

"He struggled last year thinking he let the team down when somebody caught a pass on him," head coach Bruce Arians said last week, per ESPN.com's Josh Weinfuss. "It bothered him."

He'll be bothered even more this week after allowing a 26-yard touchdown to Texans rookie Will Fuller.

"They're going to catch passes on you, because they're going to throw a hell of a lot of them at you," Arians said, per Weinfuss. "Just come back and battle, which he did a pretty good job of."

The 26-year-old cornerback might not get an opportunity to bounce back this week, though. His status for the Denver Broncos contest remains uncertain due to a sore foot, according to Darren Urban of the team's official site. If Bethel doesn't play, rookie Brandon Williams could solidify a starting spot with a strong effort.

C.J. Prosise's Second Appearance in Seattle Seahawks Backfield

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Ready or not, Seattle Seahawks rookie running back C.J. Prosise can expect to carry the load Thursday against the Oakland Raiders.

"We're going to use the heck out of him this week and expect him to play a lot and have a big role in preparation for the opener," Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said, per SeattlePI.com's Stephen Cohen.

This year's third-round pick carried the ball four times for 23 yards against the Cowboys after dealing with a hamstring injury earlier in the preseason. But the coaching staff has much bigger plans for him during the regular season. Prosise discussed his role as the team's third-down back with Cohen:

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I'm really enjoying it. I get to go out there and make big plays in the passing game, also make big runs, too. So it's exciting for me. I'm feeling really comfortable as far as pass protection. I'm really picking that up well. Working with (Russell Wilson) really well. And as far as empty and the pass and stuff, I'm doing really well coming out the backfield and making plays there, too.

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Thomas Rawls and Christine Michael are the team's top two backs. They're expected to fill the void created by Marshawn Lynch's retirement. Prosise should be the changeup the Seahawks lacked in recent years when Seattle needed a more explosive option during obvious passing downs.

Colin Kaepernick's Last Stand?

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Will he or won't he?

It's unclear if Colin Kaepernick will play another game with the San Francisco 49ers beyond the fourth preseason contest. Fox Sports' Jay Glazer questioned whether the quarterback can make it through Saturday's final wave of cuts.

"No political views, he just hasn't been effective," Glazer said (via Fox Sports' Nunzio Ingrassia). "He's regressing as a player. I'd be shocked if he's on this roster by the end of this year. He may not be on it in the next two weeks."

The organization is still evaluating the quarterback, though. His performance Thursday could make the discussion far more interesting if he plays well.

"Unfortunately because of Colin's injury, missing those first two preseason games, he's only gotten 13 snaps," head coach Chip Kelly said in a Tuesday press conference. "We've got to move forward and see if we can get him some more snaps here."

Many will closely watch what happens when San Francisco faces the San Diego Chargers, as it might be the last time Kaepernick wears a 49ers uniform.