Next Tuesday marks one of the most challenging days on the NFL calendar.

On the league’s annual cutdown day, all 32 teams are required to reduce their rosters to 53 players ahead of the regular season. Although these rosters may change following the day as teams pursue new talent through waivers, for many players, this day can signify either a major disappointment or the end of their football journey.

While most cuts will likely involve undrafted free agents and lesser-known players, there are also several noteworthy individuals who could face the axe after having previously held important roles on their teams.

Here are nine key players who might find themselves on the roster cutting list before next Tuesday’s deadline:

QB Zach Wilson, Denver Broncos

Bo Nix has officially been named the starting quarterback, and Jarrett Stidham appears to have the upper hand for the backup position. This leaves Wilson in a precarious situation. Denver traded for Wilson in March for just a late-round pick, showing that the organization doesn’t have significant commitments to him as the second overall pick from 2021. Although Sean Payton has praised Wilson’s strong arm and decision-making, he struggled mightily in those areas with the New York Jets. With Denver’s roster lacking depth, Wilson may have to outperform Stidham to secure a spot on the team.

QB Bailey Zappe, New England Patriots

Zappe is the only remaining quarterback from last year’s lineup in what is about to be a revamped group in New England. Executive vice president Eliot Wolf recruited three new quarterbacks this offseason: seasoned veteran Jacoby Brissett, top draft pick Drake Maye, and developmental prospect Joe Milton. After starting eight games over the last two years, Zappe may attract attention from teams seeking backup quarterbacks. Yet, considering that he was a surprising cut last August, he’s unlikely to get a second chance this time.

WR Dee Eskridge, Seattle Seahawks

Due to injuries and a six-game personal conduct suspension last season, Eskridge has rarely appeared on the field since being drafted in the second round of 2021. He needs to show his worth to new coach Mike Macdonald but missed the previous week due to injury. Standing at 5-9 and weighing 190 pounds, Eskridge could still contribute to the offense with jet sweeps, but the rising performance of Laviska Shenault Jr. as a returner and playmaker may jeopardize Eskridge’s position in Seattle.

WRs Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore, Kansas City Chiefs

The two-time reigning champions have signaled that they won’t settle for underperformance from their receiving group. With first-round pick Xavier Worthy joining the ranks and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown showing no significant injury concerns, Toney and Moore, who previously seemed essential for their offense, may soon be out of a job.

Once a star in Super Bowl 57, Toney’s drop in trustworthiness could lead to his removal from the roster after a year full of mistakes, which included pivotal drops in the season opener against the Detroit Lions and a costly offside penalty that negated a touchdown against the Bills. He was inactive for the last seven games of the season, including Super Bowl 58, and his issues have persisted into the current preseason, where he has already committed two penalties on his first playing snap. Coach Andy Reid has been patient with Toney, but that patience might be wearing thin.

Moore is also struggling to meet high expectations after creating a buzz during training camp last year. The second-round pick from 2022 could still find a position by focusing on intermediate routes and being a dependable blocker. However, with special teams coach Dave Toub pushing for receiver Nikko Remigio, Moore may find himself further down the depth chart.

WR Terrace Marshall Jr., Carolina Panthers

After a promising season with an average of 17.5 yards per catch last year, Marshall was expected to have a breakout performance. However, his trade request during the season led to a significant downturn, resulting in nearly two months without a catch. With the Panthers acquiring Diontae Johnson and first-round rookie Xavier Legette, along with veteran Adam Thielen and second-year player Jonathan Mingo, Marshall faces tough competition for a roster spot. Although new coach Dave Canales praised his promising summer performance, he has to surpass competitors like Ihmir Smith-Marsette, another deep threat and potential returner, and David Moore, who offers more reliability and familiarity with Canales’ system from his time at the Seahawks and Buccaneers.

OT Jackson Carman, Cincinnati Bengals

The demand for skilled offensive linemen consistently exceeds the available talent, so a former second-round draft choice with the ability to play both tackle and guard shouldn’t be worried about securing a spot on the 53-man roster. Nevertheless, Carman seems to be in a precarious position, even on a team grappling with front-line injury issues after years of facing turmoil due to line inconsistencies. The 6-foot-5, 322-pound player started six games in his rookie year but has participated in only six games over the past two seasons. His performance during the summer has seemingly hurt his chances further, as he incurred four penalties during the Bengals’ first preseason game. His appearance in the fourth quarter of the second exhibition likely indicated an impending departure.

DE/LB Jamin Davis, Washington Commanders

Is Davis making strides in mastering the edge rush? Selected in the first round of the 2021 draft as a linebacker, the Kentucky product is now attempting to secure his role in Washington as an edge rusher. While still developing, the 6-foot-4, 234-pound player has been collaborating with Ryan Kerrigan, a four-time Pro Bowler and assistant linebackers coach, to refine his pass-rushing capabilities. Evidence of his potential was clear in last week’s preseason matchup against the Miami Dolphins, where he achieved a strip-sack against second-round rookie offensive tackle Patrick Paul. With the Commanders having opted out of Davis’ fifth-year option, the investment made by the prior regime in him holds little weight for his current chances of remaining on the team. However, the skill and agility that initially got him drafted could be beneficial in a late bid to secure a spot.

S Lewis Cine, Minnesota Vikings

Following the trade of second-round cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. earlier in August and the underperformance of fellow Day 2 selections Ed Ingram and Brian Asamoah, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s first draft class is proving problematic for Minnesota. The most significant letdown from that 2022 draft class is Cine, who was the last pick in the first round. The former Georgia standout saw his rookie season cut short due to a fractured leg and has managed only 10 defensive snaps over two years. Currently, he finds himself deep on the depth chart, expected to be the sixth string at his position at best. Although he recorded 11 tackles, an interception, and a sack in last week’s game against the Cleveland Browns, that performance may primarily serve to draw interest from other teams.