NFL roster cuts: Bengals RB Tra Carson, rookie TE Mason Schreck placed on IR

UPDATE: Both Carson and Schreck went straight to IR and will not need to face waivers.

Get the Bengals’ 53-man roster and all roster moves here.

Coming into cutdown day, Tra Carson was as close to roster bubble line as a player on the Cincinnati Bengals’ roster.

Carson had all but secured his spot as the fourth running back, but there was doubt as to whether the Bengals would keep that many, or if they would roll with just three backs.

On Saturday, the team made the decision to waive Carson. He suffered an injury in the third preseason game and was unable to play in the preseason finale.

If he clears waivers, he can revert to the season-ending Injured Reserve list.

The same is true for seventh round rookie Mason Schreck who injured his MCL in the third preseason game.

Because Carson and Schreck will not make the initial 53-man roster, they are not eligible to get the IR-return designation eight weeks into the regular season. If Carson and Schreck were to make the initial roster, they would be eligible for that designation.

Schreck indicated on Twitter he will be placed on IR.

While Carson did not appear in Thursday’s preseason finale versus the Indianapolis Colts, rookie undrafted free agent Jarveon Williams was the featured running back and shined in his opportunity. Williams is a top practice squad candidate after Carson was on the practice squad for all of last year.

As for quarterback Jeff Driskel, who’s also injured, he’s expected to make the 53-man roster on Saturday and then be moved to IR on Monday, making him eligible for the designation to return after Week 8. He broke two fingers in the preseason finale on Thursday.

Schreck marks the third rookie draft pick the Bengals have waived today. Earlier in the day fifth round picks J.J. Dielman (offensive lineman) and Jake Elliott (kicker) were waived, too.

Follow every Bengals roster move here!