The NFL preseason has come to a close, and that means the final 53-man rosters are being finalized across the league. And while some WVU football alums in the league, such as Steelers center Zach Frazier and Jets quarterback Geno Smith, knew they had a final roster spot locked up, that wasn't the case for all former Mountaineers.
And several former West Virginia stars awaiting major career career updates learned their fate on Sunday, to varying results. Let's take a look at the news delivered to those representatives of the old-gold-and-blue.
Michael Coats Jr.
Coats Jr. got the best news of all West Virginia alums on Sunday. Despite being an undrafted free agent who didn't begin playing football until he was in college, he impressed the Browns enough during the preseason to earn a spot on the final 53-man roster after recording six tackles and one interception in the preseason.
Cornerback Michael Coats, who never played high school football and was an undrafted free agent out of West Virginia, made the Browns 53 man roster today.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 30, 2026
David Sills V
Sills injured himself during training camp, so he didn't get to see a ton of action during the preseason – and he had just one reception when he did make it onto the field. But the Tampa Bay Buccaneers clearly like something about the veteran receiver, as they are keeping him on the final roster entering the season. Though he is listed on injured reserve, meaning he will have to miss at least the next four games.
Garrett Greene
The other former WVU player for the Buccaneers didn't get positive news on Sunday. Despite shining in the team's preseason opener against the Jets and hauling in six receptions over the course of the preseason, Tampa Bay decided to waive Greene from the roster.
Two more receiver transactions for Bucs -- second-year WR Garrett Greene waived (could return on practice squad) and veteran David Sills will go on injured reserve to open the season, miss at least four games.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 30, 2026
Beanie Bishop Jr.
Bishop cannot seem to catch a break. Despite posting three tackles, three pass deflections, and two interceptions during the preseason for the Bears, Bishop did not do enough to earn a final roster spot for Chicago. He was waived on Sunday with an injury designation.
The #Bears have waived CB Beanie Bishop, who had 2 INTs and 3 pass deflections in the preseason.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 30, 2026
He was waived with an injury designation. pic.twitter.com/aDupq4L681
Doug Nester
Despite continuing to be employed by the Steelers organization for a third straight year, Nester cannot seem to land a spot on the main roster, as he was once again waived by the organization as they made their final round of cuts on Sunday.
Ex-@WVUfootball Mountaineer Doug Nester waived. https://t.co/pWSWyQxO5g
— Mitch Vingle (@MitchVingle) August 30, 2026
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