Realistically, if I were told a week before training camp that either Austin or Stanback would not make the roster I would not have been that concerned.  With TO, (hopefully) Glenn and Crayton as the mainstays and Hurd, Austin and Stanback as the hopefuls and Lowber, Amendola and Jefferson as the long shots it could have actually been good news if there was too much talent to have both of them on the team. Not now... What a difference a month makes.

Now the WR depth is:

1. TO

2. Crayton

3. (Austin)

4. Hurd

5. (Stanback)

6. Amendola

7. Jefferson

8. Lowber

With the #3 and #5 guys out, we are now one shaken-up player from looking at Amendola or Jefferson in a 3 WR set (which could limit our ability to take advantage of a paper thin Cleveland secondary).  Also given the combined youth and inexperience of the WR corp ex TO its tough to expect any of the guys to be comfortable at multiple wide out positions.  Given the increasing complexity of Redball's offense, this is a mild concern -- not as a big a concern as the ultimate talent level of the 4th WR but still a concern.  

It increasingly looks like we will start the season with 4 players who cant play on the roster and two WR's unable to suit up.  My question is:  What does this mean for the rest of the roster?  

1. Is this the end for Danny Amendola?  I would not be surprised to see the team wait until the first week of the season (or whatever the date is that you can sign a vested veteran and not have his salary guaranteed for the full year) and sign Glenn or Horn to a low risk contract.  If that doesn't happen I wouldn't be surprised us to pick through another teams final cuts for a potentially less talented but more experienced WR.  It is starting to look like hiding an street free agent on the roster to see if he develops is a luxury we can't afford - especially if he can't fill in on coverage units.

2. Does this mean we carry 7 WR's? If we carry 6 with 2 hurt, we are dangerously thin.

3. If we are looking at starting the season with 4 players who cant play (3 of whom were special teams contributors) do we start the season with fewer offensive linemen who can't help on special teams?  Is Martin, McQ, Berger or Lek the loser here?  Do we have to cut one (or more) and hope we can pick them up when if we sign a vet WR after week 1 and cut him in week 4 or 5?

4. What is the impact of the increased need for gunners?  Does it impact the secondary situation?  I think we can make up for the loss of return men (Scandrick, Pac, Felix, Jenkins, Newman, and others can return the ball in  a pinch) but we need people to step up and handle coverage.  Does this mean a guy like Hannah gets a second lease on life he can be effective?

5.  Any other ways Jerry can manipulate the roster?