The 2025-26 NFL season kicks off this week, so all 32 teams will start their seasons with their first 53-man rosters.
Following the conclusion of the preseason, more than 1,100 NFL players received their walking papers on Aug. 26, also known as Cutdown Day. Some of these players were claimed on waivers, while others signed to teams’ 17-player practice squads.
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Here’s a closer look at Southwest Florida players who are on NFL team rosters and practice squads as of 5 p.m. on Sept. 2.
These SW FL NFL players made the cutClaudin Cherelus
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 13: Claudin Cherelus #53 of the Carolina Panthers pressures Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Team: Carolina Panthers
Position: Inside Linebacker
High School: Golden Gate
Cherelus, who was undrafted coming out of Alcorn State in 2023, will begin his third season with the Panthers. Last year, the 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker had 28 tackles in 13 games before undergoing season-ending surgery on his toe following Week 15. The 26-year-old is a core special teams performer for Carolina and a backup at inside linebacker.
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From June: Carolina Panthers LB Claudin Cherelus returns to Golden Gate High for first youth camp
Quan Martin
Washington Commanders safety Quan Martin intercepts a pass intended for Detroit Lions receiver Tim Patrick during the first half of the NFC divisional round at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. Martin ran 40 yards for a touchdown and 24-14 lead.
Team: Washington Commanders
Position: Safety
High School: Lehigh
The 2023 second-round pick is entering his third year with the Commanders and second as a starter. Last year, he had 87 total tackles, three passes deflected, three forced fumbles and one interception in 16 regular-season games. In the playoffs, the 6-foot, 190-pound Martin added 12 combined tackles and a 40-yard interception return for a touchdown in Washington’s Divisional Round victory over the Detroit Lions.
SW FL players on practice squadsD’Ernest Johnson
Aug 23, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back D’Ernest Johnson (30) runs with the ball ahead of Washington Commanders linebacker Kam Arnold (46) in the fourth quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jordyn Harris-Imagn Images
Team:Â Baltimore Ravens
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Position:Â Running back
High School:Â Immokalee
Johnson is entering his seventh season in the NFL and his first with the Ravens. Last year, the 5-foot-10, 210-pound Johnson played in 14 games for the Jaguars, rushing for 143 yards, catching 12 passes for 96 yards, and returning seven kickoffs for 126 yards. In the preseason with Baltimore, Johnson rushed for 163 yards and two touchdowns.
More: Jaguars RB, Immokalee grad D’Ernest Johnson hosts annual Slowgrind Foundation Football Camp
Jeshaun Jones
Aug 22, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jeshaun Jones (82) celebrates his first down catch against the Tennessee Titan during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Team: Minnesota Vikings
Position: Wide receiver
School: South Fort Myers
Jones, who went undrafted out of Maryland in 2024, will start his second straight year on the practice squad. Last season, the 25-year-old did not record any stats for Minnesota. In the 2025 preseason, the 6-foot-1, 188-pound receiver led the Vikings with 100 receiving yards on nine receptions.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: NFL Opening Day 2025: SW FL players on rosters, practice squads