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Buffalo Bills cut-down analysis

Most significant move: The Buffalo Bills releasing quarterback Dennis Dixon reduces the depth chart at the position to three players as the team heads into the preseason finale. Dixon saw his first action of the preseason in Saturday's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and didn't fare well, losing control of the ball three times in his six snaps. Coach Doug Marrone said he wanted to give Dixon a shot but he pulled him after that drive because of the ball security issues. The Bills now have Jeff Tuel and Thad Lewis rounding out the depth chart behind EJ Manuel. Will it stay that way? Lewis' roster spot may still be tenuous, and I would expect the Bills to keep a close eye on the waiver wire for backup options at quarterback.

Special teams competitions over: Kicker Dustin Hopkins and punter Jake Dombrowski were both waived, ending competitions at both positions. Hopkins had been battling for a spot as a kickoff specialist but ultimately didn't show a marked difference in that area over Dan Carpenter, who was already considered better on field goals. Dombrowski didn't punt at all in Saturday's loss and never got his footing against 38-year-old incumbent Brian Moorman. I wouldn't rule out the Bills monitoring the waiver wire for another punter, given Moorman's struggles Saturday. Two of his punts went for 27 and 34 yards in the open field.

Bills' cuts: QB Dennis Dixon, RB Ronnie Wingo, WR Tori Gurley, WR Chris Summers, C Macky MacPherson, G J.J. Unga, DT Damien Jacobs, S JaJuan Harley, S Derek Brim, K Dustin Hopkins, P Jake Dombrowski