By R.L. Bynum
Sam Howell looked good in his first game as an NFL starter, playing a little more than a quarter.
Howell completed 9 of 12 passes for 77 yards and a touchdown for a 119.1 rating in 19 snaps over three drives as the Washington Commanders won their exhibition opener Friday at Cleveland 17–15.
“I thought it was solid,” said Howell, who was sacked on Washington’s first drive. “Obviously, got off to a slow start with the first two drives, but I thought the third drive was really good. I was proud of our guys with how we battled back after a rough two drives, and we gave up a safety. Think our ability to bounce back was definitely good, and we put some good things on film.”
Howell is learning a new system under first-year offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who coached Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City the past few seasons.
“You’ve got to change your mindset from a decision-making standpoint and to learn new concepts and learning how to tie your feet to those concepts and trying to make good decisions in practice and then turn it over into games,” Howell said. “I think I’ve come a long way just from my knowledge of football and understanding what we’re trying to do on offense and what the defense is doing trying to stop this.”
After only playing in the season finale of his rookie season, he showed poise in the pocket to avoid pressure while still looking for open receivers. When there was nothing there, he threw the ball away, as he did on a first-down play at the Washington 5.
When the pocket collapsed on a third-and-six in the first quarter, he ran eight yards for a first down.
“Very encouraged. A lot of good things,” Washington coach Ron Rivera said. “I thought, again, he threw some really good balls. I thought the decision-making was what you want. He looked to have command of things, and it was good to see him get into a rhythm.”
In leading a 10-play, 80-yard second-quarter scoring drive, Howell scrambled before connecting with tight end Cole Turner for 13 yards down the right side on a fourth-and-three at the Browns 39.
“The defense did a good job of covering the concept we had, so I tried to get out of the pocket and make something happen, and Cole did a really good job just getting open,” Howell said. “We practice the scramble drill a lot.”
On the next play, he hit Jahan Dotson on a 26-yard touchdown pass.
“Cole did a good job on the touchdown,” Howell said. “We knew we were going to get man coverage, and we knew that’s a route that Jahan is really good at, and he could have made my job easy.”
Third-year Washington wide receiver Dyami Brown caught one of two passes targeted to him for 14 yards in his 19 snaps. All of his targets came from former N.C. State quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
Also starting in exhibitions so far this weekend were second-year Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler, rookie Detroit Lions wide receiver Antoine Green, second-year New York Giants offensive guard Joshua Ezeudu, New York Giants linebacker Tomon Fox, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb and sixth-year Houston Texans safety M.J. Stewart Jr.
In the Vikings’ 24–13 loss Thursday to the Seattle Seahawks, Chandler, still listed as third string, rushed for 41 yards on 11 carries, including a nine-yard run, and caught all four passes thrown to him for 29 yards, including a 13-yard reception.
Green caught all three passes that came his way for 36 yards in the Lions’ 21–16 home victory Friday over the New York Giants. In that game, Fox had one tackle.
Holcomb, in his fifth NFL season but first with the Steelers, had one tackle and one assist in Pittsburgh’s 27–17 road victory over Tampa Bay. It didn’t go well for quarterback Mitch Trubisky, who came off the bench and completed only 1 of 4 passes for 10 yards and was intercepted for a 0.0 rating.
Stewart had one tackle and one special-teams tackle in Houston’s 20–9 road victory Thursday over New England.
Tar Heels who sat out games so far this weekend were Houston offensive tackle Charlie Heck (on the PUP list), Atlanta wide receiver Mack Hollins and Denver running back Javonte Williams.
The Miami Dolphins have signed fourth-year safety Myles Dorn, who played five games last season for the Minnesota Vikings and participated in offseason workouts with the Carolina Panthers. Making the team may be challenging; he’s listed on the depth chart as fifth string.
In Miami’s 19–3 home loss to Atlanta on Friday, Dorn had one tackle and one special-teams assist. For the Falcons, linebacker Andre Smith had two tackles.
James Hurst, who played tackle last season, has shifted to left guard for the New Orleans Saints and is battling Andrus Peat for the starting job. The Saints face Tennessee at 1 p.m. Sunday (CBS).
Entering his 10th NFL season, Hurst could become one of 200 position players in NFL history to play in 150 games after being undrafted.
“It’s a huge blessing,” Hurst told nola.com. “Honestly, it’s hard to believe at times. My first four seasons were scratching and clawing and hoping I make the team.”
Before the official team depth chart was released, Dallas Cowboys rookie offensive lineman Asim Richards was listed as second string on most websites. The official depth chart, though, has him as the third-string left guard behind Tyler Smith and Mann Farniok. Dallas faces Jacksonville at 5 p.m. Saturday.
Cornerback Kyler McMichael is fighting for a roster spot with the Arizona Cardinals, listed as sixth string. In Arizona’s 18–17 home win over Denver on Friday, he had two tackles and forced a fumble.
Several Tar Heels have games the next two days, highlighted by Josh Downs’ first time in an NFL uniform as the Indianapolis Colts visit the Buffalo Bills at 1 p.m. Saturday.
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Dyami Brown, Washington Commanders wide receiver
Age 26 | 6–0, 195 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Second-string right wide receiver
Season statistics — 6 games, 2 starts, 9 catches, 94 yards (48 longest); 48.7 offensive grade, 51.2 pass grade, 60.8 run-block grade, 62.9 special-teams grade
Week 6 — 49ers 23, Commanders 17 (road on Monday) | didn’t start: 1 catch on 1 target, 6 yards; 1 assist on kickoff coverage; 33 offensive snaps (49%), 13 special-teams snaps (13%); 50.9 offensive grade, 51.2 pass grade, 60.8 run-block grade, 62.9 special-teams grade; 2.1 fantasy points
Week 7 — Open date
Week 8 — 8:30 Sunday vs. Philadelphia, NBC
Michael Carter, Tennessee Titans running back
Age 27 | 5–8, 201 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2017–20
Roster situation — Third-string running back
Season statistics — 2 games, 3 carries, 7 yards (3 longest); 1 catch on 1 target, 7 yards
Week 7 — Browns 27, Titans 24 (home) | 3 carries, 7 yards (3 longest); 1 catch on 1 target, 7 yards; 16 offensive snaps (25%)
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday at Cincinnati, CBS
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Age 25 | 5–9, 171 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2020–22
Roster situation — Starting slot wide receiver
Season statistics — 7 games, 5 starts, 26 catches, 307 yards (42 longest); 1 carry, 7 yards; 72.2 offensive grade, 71.8 pass grade, 63.1 run grade, 59.1 run-block grade
Week 7 — Vikings 16, Colts 10 (road) | started: 2 catches on 4 targets, 18 yards (13 longest); 1 punt return, fair catch; 52 offensive snaps(85%); 2 special-teams snaps (9%); 66.2 offensive grade, 65.9 pass grade, 59.1 run-block grade
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday at Jacksonville, CBS
Joshua Ezeudu, Kansas City Chiefs tackle/guard
Age 26 | 6–4, 310 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2018–21
Roster situation — Second-string left guard
Season statistics — 6 games, 1 start, 87 offensive snaps and 10 special-teams snaps; 57.3 offensive grade, 56.8 pass-blocking grade, 62.4 run-blocking grade; 61.1 special-teams grade
Week 7 — Seahawks 20, Chiefs 3 (road) | started (first start of season, 11th of his career; usual starters Jaylon Moore sideline with a concussion); 53 offensive snaps (100%), 3 special-teams snaps (16%); season-low 51.7 offensive grade, season-low 51.0 pass-block grade, 51.0 run-block grade
Week 8 — 4:25 Sunday at Denver, CBS
Cedric Gray, Tennessee Titans linebacker
Age 23 | 6–2, 235 | third NFL season | UNC 2020–23
Roster situation — Starting weakside linebacker
Season statistics — 6 games, 2 starts, 15 tackles, 14 assists, ½ sack; 62.2 defensive grade, 63.7 run grade, 87.6 tackle grade, 52.7 pass-rush grade, 63.4 pass coverage grade
Week 7 — Browns 27, Titans 24 (home) | didn’t start: 2 tackles, 2 assists, 1 assist on kickoff coverage; 39 defensive snaps (56%), 17 special-teams snaps (63%); season-low 45.9 defensive grade, season-low 36.9 run defense grade, 77.5 tackle grade, 60.5 coverage grade
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday at Cincinnati, CBS
Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers running back
Age 23 | 6–0, 220 | second NFL season | UNC 2022–24
Roster situation — Starting running back
Season statistics — 6 games, 4 starts, 80 carries, 289 yards, 3.6 average, 3 touchdowns; 9 catches, 56 yards (18 longest); 2 fumbles (2 lost); 62.2 offensive grade, 65.2 pass game grade, 80.5 pass-block grade, 60.9 run grade
Week 6 — Chiefs 22, Chargers 6 (road) | started: 7 carries, 18 yards (4 longest); 4 catches on 4 targets, 21 yards (15 longest); 34 offensive snaps (50%); 58.6 offensive grade, 65.9 pass grade, season-high 80.4 pass-block grade, 53.1 run grade, 60.0 run-block grade; 7.9 fantasy points
Week 7 — Open date
Week 8 — 4:05 Sunday at Los Angeles Rams, Fox
Cole Holcomb, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker
Age 29 | 6–1, 240 | eighth NFL season | UNC 2015–18
Roster situation — Second-string right inside linebacker
Season statistics — 7 games, 4 tackles, 4 assists; 63.6 defensive grade, 60.7 run grade, 71.7 tackle grade; 55.9 special-teams grade
Week 7 — Steelers 16, Saints 10 (Saint-Denis, France) | 1 assist; forced fumble; 2 defensive snaps (4%), 10 special-teams snaps (53%); season-high 75.7 defensive grade, 64.9 run grade, 71.7 tackle grade; 62.0 special-teams grade
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Cleveland, CBS
Sam Howell, Dallas Cowboys quarterback
Age 24 | 6–1, 225 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2019–21
Roster situation — Backup quarterback
2024 season statistics with Seattle (didn’t play last season; hasn’t played this season); didn’t play in 2025 when with Philadelphia — 2 games, 5 of 14, 24 yards, 1 interception, 14.6 passer rating; 1 carry, 2 yards
Week 6 — Packers 23, Cowboys 13 (road) | didn’t play
Week 7 — 8:15 Sunday at Philadelphia, ESPN
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Arizona, Fox
Mike Hughes, Atlanta Falcons cornerback
Age 29 | 5–10, 191 | ninth NFL season | UNC 2015
Roster situation — Starting cornerback
Season statistics — 7 games, 6 starts, 22 tackles, 11 assists, 4 passes defended; 49.1 defensive grade, 89.8 run grade, 62.0 tackle grade, 39.6 coverage grade
Week 7 — Falcons 29, 49ers 20 (home) | didn’t start: 1 tackle, 1 assist, 1 pass defended; 17 defensive snaps (26%), 3 special-teams snaps (13%); season-high 89.4 defensive grade, 60.0 run grade, season-high 80.7 tackle grade, season-high 87.1 coverage grade
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday at Tampa Bay, Fox
Alijah Huzzie, Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback
Age 25 | 5–10, 195 | second NFL season | UNC 2023–24
Roster situation — Reserve
Week 6 (season debut) — Texans 34, Jaguars 31 (in London) | 13 special-teams snaps (45%); 46.1 special-teams grade
Week 7 — Open date
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Indianapolis, CBS
Willie Lampkin, Philadelphia Eagles guard/center
Age 24 | 5–11, 290 | second NFL season | UNC 2023–24
Roster situation — Second-string left guard
Season statistics — 6 games, 2 starts; 128 offensive snaps, 19 special-teams snaps; 54.2 offensive grade, 44.8 pass-blocking grade, 63.9 run-blocking grade
Week 6 — Panthers 25, Eagles 14 (home) | started: 64 offensive snaps (100%); season-high 66.4 offensive grade, season-high 66.9 pass-block grade; season-high 63.9 run-block grade
Week 7 — 8:15 Monday vs. Dallas, ESPN
Week 8 — 8:20 Sunday at Washington, NBC
Drake Maye, New England Patriots quarterback
Age 23 | 6–4, 225 | third NFL season | UNC 2021–23
Roster situation —Starting quarterback
Season statistics — 7 games, 7 starts, 141 of 214, 1,784 yards (8.3 average), 13 touchdowns, 78interceptions, 13 sacks (59 yards in losses), 96.4 passer rating; 38 carries, 211 yards, 5.6 average, 2 touchdowns; 5 fumbles (2 lost); 79.7 offensive grade, 77.5 pass grade, 63.4 run grade, 60.0 run-block rating
Week 7 — Bears 30, Patriots 24 (road on Thursday) | started: 24 of 31, 321 yards, 2 sacks (11 yards in losses), 2 TDs (48-yard pass to R. Stevenson as first half ended; 30-yard pass to E. Raridon, 3:46, third quarter), 1 interception, 117.8 passer rating; 4 carries, team-high 26 yards (15 longest), 1 TD (7-yard run,11:33, second quarter); 54 offensive snaps (100%); 74.8 offensive rating, 73.5 passer rating, 63.4 run rating, 60.0 run-block rating; 28.44 fantasy points
Week 8 — 4:25 Sunday at Miami, CBS
Asim Richards, New Orleans Saints offensive lineman
Age 25 | 6–4, 307 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2019–22
Roster situation — Second-string left tackle
Season statistics — 7 games, 317 offensive snaps, 16 special-teams snaps; 50.9 offensive grade, 49.0 pass-blocking grade, 59.8
Week 7 — Steelers 16, Saints 10 (Saint-Denis, France) | started: called for false start; 57 offensive snaps (100%), 3 special-teams snaps (16%); 55.4 offensive grade, 58.2 pass grade, 59.8 run grade
Week 8 — Open date
Chazz Surratt, Seattle Seahawks linebacker
Age 29 | 6–2, 233 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2017–20
Roster situation — Third-string weakside linebacker
Season statistics — 3 games, 1 solo tackle, 1 assist; 52.6 special-teams grade
Week 7 — Seahawks 20, Chiefs 3 (home) | not active for fourth consecutive game (calf injury)
Week 8 — 8:15 Monday vs. Chicago, ESPN
Mitch Trubisky, Tennessee Titans quarterback
Age 30 | 6–3, 222 | 10th NFL season | UNC 2014–16
Roster situation — Second-string QB behind Cam Ward
2025 statistics with Buffalo (hasn’t played this season) — 4 games, 25 of 35, 313 yards (37 longest), 4 touchdowns, 1 2-point conversion completion; 9 carries, 6 yards (9 longest)
Week 7 — Browns 27, Titans 24 (home) | didn’t play
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday at Cincinnati, CBS
Tez Walker, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver
Age 25 | 6–1, 198 | third NFL season | UNC 2023
Roster situation — Second-string wide receiver
Season statistics — 6 games, 2 starts, 4 catches, 75 yards (47 longest), 1 touchdown; 54.2 offensive grade, 55.4 pass grade, 71.4 run-block grade, 61.9 special-teams grade
Week 7 — Bengals 35, Ravens 13 (home) | didn’t start: no statistics; 20 offensive snaps (30%), 6 special-teams snaps (24%); 57.5 offensive grade, 53.4 pass grade, 71.4 run-block grade
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday at Buffalo, CBS
Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys running back
Age 26 | 5–10, 220 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Starting running back
Season statistics — 6 games, 6 starts, 85 carries, 317 yards (3.7 average), 7 touchdowns; 19 catches, 103 yards (17 longest), 5.4 average, 1 touchdown; 1 fumble (recovered); 69.8 offensive grade, 81.9 pass rating, 58.4 pass-block rating, 70.2 run grade
Week 6 — Packers 23, Cowboys 13 (road) | started: 11 carries, 41 yards (8 longest), 1 touchdown (1-yard run, 9:19, 3rd quarter); 2 catches on 2 targets, 9 yards (9 longest); 57 offensive snaps (73%); 67.7 offensive grade, season-low 63.4 pass grade, 54.6 pass-block grade, 70.2 run grade; 13.0 fantasy points
Week 7 — 8:15 Monday at Philadelphia, ESPN
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Arizona, Fox
On season-ending injured reserve
— New Orleans running back Ty Chandler; suffered a knee injury in the second preseason game; ran for 45 yards in two preseason games
On injured reserve
— Houston running back British Brooks (hamstring injury)
— New York Giants rookie cornerback Thaddeus Dixon (torn Achilles)
— New England wide receiver Mack Hollins (calf injury)
On PUP list
— Houston safety M.J. Stewart (torn quad), who didn’t play during the preseason; estimated return Oct. 11
On practice squads
— Los Angeles Rams center Austin Blaske; played every offensive snap of all three preseason games
— Minnesota defensive tackle Jahvaree Ritzie; had four tackles and three assists in 77 total preseason snaps
— Baltimore linebacker Kaimon Rucker; had 5 tackles, 1 assist, 1 sack (6 yards), 2 tackles for losses and 1 quarterback hit in their 41–3 preseason win Friday
Waived
— Cornerback Marcus Allen (with injury settlement) by Minnesota; had 2 tackles, 1 assist in 45 preseason snaps
— Cornerback Storm Duck by Miami
— Linebacker Power Echols by Seattle
— Linebacker Tomon Fox by Los Angeles Rams; had 28 tackles and 13 special-teams tackles in two preseason games
— Linebacker Amari Gainer by New England; had 4 tackles and two assists in three preseason games
— Offensive lineman Charlie Heck by the Miami Dolphins
— Defensive end Smith Vilbert by Minnesota; had one tackle in 47 preseason snaps
Waived with injury designation
— Tight end Bryson Nesbit by Minnesota after collecting 3 catches for 29 yards in two preseason games; had been listed as fifth string
Photo via @Commanders
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