By R.L. Bynum
During the first full weekend of NFL exhibition games, some Tar Heels tried to move up the depth chart, and others worked simply to win roster spots, while many who expect to play more significant roles got limited snaps.
Rookie Drake Maye’s preseason debut was an uneventful six-snap appearance for the New England Patriots. Sam Howell led the Seattle Seahawks to victory while Dyami Brown, Ty Chandler and Michael Carter had solid efforts.
Second-year Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs didn’t get on the field after suffering a high ankle sprain in practice Wednesday. He is expected to miss two or three more weeks.
Also out for his team’s exhibition opener was rookie Cedric Gray. Listed as the Titans’ second-string inside linebacker, he’s battling a shoulder injury.
The Las Vegas Raiders waived rookie defensive tackle Tomari Fox with an injured designation last week. If he clears waivers, though, the Raiders are expected to put him on the reserve/injured list.
There was plenty of depth-chart movement for UNC alums, including:
—Joshua Ezeudu moving from third-string Giants left tackle to second string.
—Antoine Green, who had three catches on three targets in a 14–3 Thursday loss at the New York Giants, moving from first-string Lions left wide receiver to second string.
—Marcus McKethan going from third-string Giants right guard to fourth string.
Shifting positions were:
—Cole Holcomb from second-string Steelers left inside linebacker to second-string right inside linebacker.
—Mack Hollins going from second-string Bills right wide receiver to second-string left wide receiver.
—Kyler McMichael moving from fourth-string Steelers left cornerback to fourth-string right cornerback.
—Rookie Myles Murphy shifting from fourth-string Cardinals right defensive end to fourth-string left defensive end.
—Rookie Spencer Rolland going from third-string Vikings right tackle to third-string right guard.
—Chazz Surratt moving from third-string weakside Jets linebacker to third-string middle linebacker.
Maye connected on 2 of 3 passes for 19 yards, including a 13-yard connection, and an 84.0 passer rating. He figures to get more than one series when the Patriots host the Philadelphia Eagles at 7 p.m. Thursday (NFL Network).
Howell, in his first action with the Seattle Seahawks after an up-and-down rookie season in Washington, started and played 57 snaps in a 16–3 road win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Check out highlights here.
The backup quarterback to Geno Smith, who didn’t play, Howell connected on 16 of 26 passes for 130 yards and one touchdown, including a 26-yard completion and had an 89.9 passer rating. He was sacked only twice after leading the league in sacks last season and ran for 17 yards (including this 14-yard run).
“It was good to get back out there,” Howell said. “Offensively, we did some good things, but I thought we could have scored more points.”
Brown, Howell’s former passing target with the Commanders, played 19 snaps. He only had two catches on three targets, but one was a spectacular grab for 42 yards in Washington’s 20–17 Saturday road loss to the New York Jets. He is listed as the second second-string left wide receiver behind Terry McLaurin.
Chandler, a second-year Vikings running back standing second on the depth chart, made the most of his 15 snaps in their 24–23 home win over Las Vegas with seven carries for 33 yards, including a 16-yard run.
Carter, in his first Cardinals training camp, played 20 snaps in Arizona’s 16–14 home win over New Orleans. He got seven carries for 41 yards, including an 11-yard gain, and one touchdown.
Mitch Trubisky, in his return to the Buffalo Bills, played 30 snaps in a 33–6 home loss to Chicago. The backup quarterback to Josh Allen, he completed 10 of 18 passes for 82 yards, including a 19-yard gainer, with no touchdowns, no interceptions and a 67.4 passer rating.
Tez Walker had a quiet NFL exhibition debut in 19 snaps during Baltimore’s 16–13 home loss to Philadelphia. Listed as the Ravens’ second-string wide receiver, he had no catches on only one target.
As expected, Broncos starting running back Javonte Williams didn’t play much in their 34–30 win at Indianapolis. In nine snaps, he had four carries for 15 yards (including a seven-yard run) and had one catch for five yards.
Rookie British Brooks is likely in a tough fight to earn a roster spot in Houston, listed as a sixth-string running back. He only played four offensive snaps and 10 special-teams snaps in the Texans’ 20–12 win at Pittsburgh, getting two carries for three yards.
Another rookie, linebacker Amari Gainer, is listed as the Raiders’ fourth-string weakside linebacker. He got 19 defensive snaps and 16 special-teams snaps in Las Vegas’ 24–23 loss at Minnesota, recording two tackles and one special-teams tackle.
Tar Heels who didn’t play last weekend but weren’t listed as injured were Falcons first-string left cornerback Mike Hughes, Holcomb and Hollins.
British Brooks, Houston Texans running back
Age 24 | 5–11, 225 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2018–23
Roster situation — Sixth-string running back
2023 statistics (UNC) — 12 games, 75 carries, 387 yards, 2 TDs; 2 catches, 14 yards
Exhibition opener — 21–17 loss Thursday to Chicago in Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio; 1 carry, -2 yards; 1 target, no catches; 1 special-teams tackle
Week 1 exhibition — 20–12 win at Pittsburgh; 2 carries, 3 yards (3 longest); 4 offensive snaps (6%); 10 special-teams snaps (42%)
Next exhibition — vs. New York Giants, 1 p.m. Saturday
Dyami Brown, Washington Commanders wide receiver
Age 24 | 6–0, 195 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Second-string left wide receiverbehind Terry McLaurin
2023 statistics — 17 games, 1 start; 12 catches, 164 yards (35 longest), 1 TD; 1 rush, 0 yards; 1 assist; 2 special-teams tackles; 1 special-teams assist; 1 of 1 passing, 4 yards, 83.3 passer rating
Exhibition opener — 20–17 Saturday loss at New York Jets; started; 2 catches on 3 targets, 55 yards (42 longest), 19 offensive snaps (27%), 3 special-teams snaps (11%)
Next exhibition — at Miami, 7 p.m. Saturday
Michael Carter, Arizona Cardinals running back
Age 25 | 5–8, 201 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2017–20
Roster situation — Fifth-string running back
2023 statistics (Cardinals and Jets) — 14 games, 30 carries, 187 yards (21 longest); 24 catches, 101 yards (10 longest), 1 TD
Exhibition opener — 16–14 loss vs. New Orleans; 7 carries, 41 yards (11 longest), 1 TD; 20 offensive snaps (28%)
Next exhibition — at Indianapolis, 7 p.m. Saturday
Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings running back
Age 26 | 5–11, 204 | third NFL season | UNC 2021
Roster situation — Second-string kick returner behind Kene Nwangwu; second-string running back behind Aaron Jones
2023 statistics — 17 games, 102 carries, 461 yards (31 longest), 3 TDs; 21 catches, 159 yards (19 longest); 4 kick returns, 97 yards (33 longest), 24.2 average; 1 tackle
Exhibition opener — 24–23 win vs. Las Vegas: started; 7 carries, 33 yards (16 longest); 0 catches on 2 targets; 15 offensive snaps (23%)
Next exhibition — at Cleveland, 4:25 Saturday
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Turns 23 Aug. 12 | 5–9, 171 | second NFL season | UNC 2020–22
Roster situation — Starting slot wide receiver ahead of Anthony Gould
2023 statistics — 17 games, 7 starts; 68 catches, 771 yards (59 longest), 2 TDs; 2 tackles; 6 punt returns, 63 yards, 10.5 average (14 longest), 6 fair catches; 2 kickoff returns, 24 yards, 12.0 average, 1 fair catch
Exhibition opener — 34–30 loss vs. Denver: didn’t play (high ankle sprain suffered in practice on Wednesday)
Next exhibition — vs. Arizona, 7 p.m. Saturday
Joshua Ezeudu, New York Giants offensive lineman
Turns 25 Sept. 19 | 6–4, 310 | third NFL season | UNC 2016–21
Roster situation — Second-string left tackle behind Thomas Andrew
2023 statistics — 6 games, 5 starts
Exhibition opener — 14–3 Thursday win vs. Detroit: Started at left tackle, played 32 offensive snaps (55%), 2 special-teams snaps (9%)
Next exhibition — at Houston, 1 p.m. Saturday
Tomon Fox, New York Giants linebacker
Age 26 | 6–2, 245 | third NFL season | UNC 2016–21
Roster situation — Third-string right outside linebacker
2023 statistics — 1 game, 1 special-teams tackle
Exhibition opener — 14–3 Thursday win vs. Detroit: Didn’t play
Next exhibition — at Houston, 1 p.m. Saturday
Amari Gainer, Las Vegas Raiders linebacker
Age 24 | 6–3, 235 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2023
Roster situation — Fourth-string weakside linebacker
2023 statistics (UNC) — 13 games, 27 tackles (17 solo), 2.5 sacks, 2 passes defended, 1 forced fumble
Exhibition opener — 24–23 loss at Minnesota: 2 tackles, 1 special-team tackle; 19 defensive snaps (30%); 16 special-teams snaps (52%)
Next exhibition — vs. Dallas, 10 p.m. Saturday, NFL Network
Cedric Gray, Tennessee Titans linebacker
Age 21 | 6–2, 234 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2020–23
Roster situation — Second-string right inside linebacker behind Kenneth Murray
2023 statistics (UNC) — 12 games, 121 tackles (64 solo), 1 interception, 4 passes defended, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 forced fumbles
Exhibition opener — 17–13 win vs. San Francisco: inactive for game (shoulder injury)
Next exhibition — vs. Seattle, 7 p.m. Saturday
Antoine Green, Detroit Lions wide receiver
Age 24 | 6–2, 200 | second NFL season | UNC 2017–20
Roster situation — Second-string left wide receiver behind Kalif Raymond
2023 statistics — 9 games, 1 catch, 2 targets, 2 yards
Exhibition opener — 14–3 Thursday loss at New York Giants: Started; 3 catches on 3 targets, 13 yards (7 longest), 4.3 average; 22 offensive snaps (31%)
Next exhibition — at Kansas City, 4 p.m. Saturday, NFL Network
Charlie Heck, Houston Texans offensive lineman
Age 27 | 6–8, 311 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2015–19
Roster situation — Second-string right tackle behind Tytus Howard
2023 statistics — 8 games, 4 starts; 253 offensive snaps, 29 special-teams snaps
Exhibition opener — 21–17 loss Thursday to Chicago in Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio; didn’t play as he recovers from plantar fasciitis in a foot
Week 1 exhibition — 20–12 win at Pittsburgh; didn’t play (plantar fasciitis)
Next exhibition — vs. New York Giants, 1 p.m. Saturday
Cole Holcomb, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker
Age 28 | 6–1, 240 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2015–18
Roster situation — Second-string right inside linebacker behind Elandon Roberts
2023 statistics — 8 games, 8 starts, 54 tackles (31 solo), 2 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles; finished season on injured reserve with a left knee injury
Exhibition opener — 20–12 loss vs. Houston; didn’t play
Next exhibition — vs. Buffalo, 7 p.m. Saturday, NFL Network
Mack Hollins, Buffalo Bills wide receiver
Turns 31 Sept. 16 | 6–4, 221 | eighth NFL season | UNC 2013–16
Roster situation — Second-string left wide receiver behind Keon Coleman
2023 statistics (Atlanta) — 14 games, 3 starts; 18 catches, 30 targets, 251 yards (45 longest), 3 catches of at least 20 yards, 1 catch of at least 40 yards; 3 special-teams tackles; 1 assist
Exhibition opener — 33–6 loss vs. Chicago: didn’t play
Next exhibition — at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. Saturday, NFL Network
Sam Howell, Seattle Seahawks quarterback
Turns 24 Sept. 16 | 6–1, 225 | 2nd NFL season | UNC 2019–21
Roster situation — Second-string QB behind Geno Smith
2023 statistics (Washington) — 17 games, 17 starts; 388 of 612, 63.4%, 3,946 yards (51 longest), 21 touchdowns, 21 interceptions, 78.9 passer rating; 1 two-point conversion completion; 48 carries, 263 yards (24 longest), 5.5 average, 5 TDs
Exhibition opener — 16–3 win at Los Angeles Chargers: started; 16 of 26, 130 yards (26 longest), 1 TD, 2 sacks for 13 yards, 89.9 passer rating; 4 carries, 17 yards (14 longest); 57 offensive snaps (70%)
Next exhibition — at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. Saturday, NFL Network
Mike Hughes, Atlanta Falcons cornerback
Age 27 | 5–10, 191 | seventh NFL season | UNC 2015
Roster situation — Starting left cornerback ahead of Clark Phillips III
2023 statistics — 15 games, 3 starts, 20 tackles, 13 solo, 7 assists, 2 tackles for losses; 11 punt returns, 67 yards (16 longest), 6 fair catches; 3 kickoff returns, 46 yards (19 longest), 15.3 average
Exhibition opener — 20–13 loss at Miami; didn’t play
Next exhibition — at Baltimore, noon Saturday
Drake Maye, New England Patriots quarterback
Turns 22 Aug. 30 | 6–4, 225 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2021–23
Roster situation — Second-string QB behind Jacoby Brissett
2023 statistics (UNC) — 12 games, 269 of 425, 3,608 yards, 24 TDs, 9 INTs; 12 carries, 112 yards, 9 TDs; 2 punts, 40.5 average
Exhibition opener — 17–3 Thursday win vs. Carolina: Played second series; 2 of 3 for 19 yards (13 longest), passer rating of 84.0; 6 offensive snaps (9%)
Next exhibition — vs. Philadelphia, 7 p.m. Thursday, NFL Network
Marcus McKethan, New York Giants offensive lineman
Age 24 | 6–7, 335 | third NFL season | UNC 2018–21
Roster situation — Fourth-string right guard
2023 statistics — 16 games, 5 starts; 387 offensive snaps, 40 special-teams snaps; finished season on injured reserve with a toe injury
Exhibition opener — 14–3 Thursday win vs. Detroit; played tackle off bench, 26 offensive snaps (45%), 2 special-teams snaps (9%)
Next exhibition — at Houston, 1 p.m. Saturday
Kyler McMichael, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback
Age 24 | 6–0, 202 | second NFL season | UNC 2020–21
Roster situation — Fourth-string right cornerback
2023 statistics (Arizona) — Didn’t play
Exhibition opener — 20–12 loss vs. Houston; 7 special-teams snaps (29%)
Next exhibition — vs. Buffalo, 7 p.m. Saturday, NFL Network
Myles Murphy, Arizona Cardinals defensive end
Age 22 | 6–4, 312 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2020–23
Roster situation — Fourth-string left defensive end
2023 statistics (UNC) — 13 games, 24 tackles (15 solo), 1 fumble recovery
Exhibition opener — 16–14 loss vs New Orleans; 1 tackle; penalty for neutral-zone infraction; 23 defensive snaps (33%); 2 special-teams snaps (8%)
Next exhibition — at Indianapolis, 7 p.m. Saturday
Asim Richards, Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman
Turns 24 Oct. 2 | 6–4, 307 | second NFL season | UNC 2019–22
Roster situation — Third-string left tackle
2023 statistics — 7 games; 39 offensive snaps, 32 special-teams snaps
Exhibition opener — 13–12 loss at Los Angeles Rams; started at left guard; 50 offensive snaps (70%), 5 special-teams snaps (25%)
Next exhibition — at Las Vegas, 10 p.m. Saturday, NFL Network
Spencer Rolland, Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman
Age 24 | 6–6, 306 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2023
Roster situation — Third-string right guard
2023 statistics (UNC) — 13 games; honorable mention All-ACC
Exhibition opener — 24–23 win vs. Las Vegas: 22 offensive snaps (34%) at tackle; 5 special-teams snaps (16%)
Next exhibition — at Cleveland, 4:25 Saturday
Andre Smith, Denver Broncos linebacker
Age 27 | 6–0, 240 | seventh NFL season | UNC 2014–17
Roster situation — Third-string left inside linebacker
2023 statistics (Atlanta) — 11 games, 1 start, 19 tackles (13 solo), 1 pass defended, 1 forced fumble
Exhibition opener — 34–30 win at Indianapolis: 2 tackles; 12 defensive snaps (23%), 13 special-teams snaps (45%)
Next exhibition — vs. Green Bay, 8 p.m. Sunday, NFL Network
M.J. Stewart, Houston Texans safety
Age 28 | 5–11, 205 | seventh NFL season | UNC 2014–17
Roster situation — Third-string free safety
2023 statistics — 8 games, 1 start, 22 tackles (13 solo), 1 forced fumble; finished season on injured reserve with a shoulder fracture
Exhibition opener — 21–17 loss Thursday to Chicago in Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio; started; 1 tackle, 2 assists; 19 defensive snaps (54%), 5 special-teams snaps (24%)
Week 1 exhibition — 20–12 win at Pittsburgh; 2 assists; 22 offensive snaps (37%), 6 special-teams snaps (25%)
Next exhibition — vs. New York Giants, 1 p.m. Saturday
Chazz Surratt, New York Jets linebacker
Age 27 | 6–2, 233 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2017–20
Roster situation — Third-string middle linebacker
2023 statistics — 11 games, 1 assist, 6 special-teams tackles, 1 special-teams assist
Exhibition opener — 20–17 Saturday win vs. Washington: started; 2 tackles, five assists; 32 defensive snaps(45%); 10 special-teams snaps (37%)
Next exhibition — at Carolina, 7 p.m. Saturday, WRAZ
Mitch Trubisky, Buffalo Bills quarterback
Turns 30 Aug. 20 | 6–2, 220 | eighth NFL season | UNC 2014–16
Roster situation — Second-string QB behind Josh Allen
2023 statistics (Pittsburgh) — 5 games, 67 of 107 (62.6%), 632 yards, 5.9 average; (26 longest), 4 TDs, 5 INTs, 1 two-point conversion completion, 71.9 passer rating; 16 rushes, 54 yards (15 longest), 3.4 average
Exhibition opener — 33–6 loss vs. Chicago: 10 of 18, 82 yards (19 longest), 0 TDs, 0 INTs, 67.4 passer rating; 3 carries, 12 yards (7 longest); 30 offensive snaps (44%)
Next exhibition — at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. Saturday, NFL Network
Tez Walker, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver
Age 23 | 6–1, 198 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2023
Roster situation — Second-string right wide receiver behind Rashod Bateman
2023 statistics (UNC) — 8 games, 41 catches, 699 yards, 7 TDs; 3 carries, 23 yards
Exhibition opener — 16–13 loss vs. Philadelphia: 0 catches on 1 target; 19 offensive snaps (39%), 4 special-teams snaps (16%)
Next exhibition — vs. Atlanta, noon, Saturday
Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos running back
Age 24 | 5–10, 220 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Starting running back ahead of Samaje Perine
2023 statistics — 16 games, 14 starts; 217 carries, 774 yards (21 longest), 3.6 average, 3 TDs; 47 catches, 50 targets, 228 yards (18 longest), 2 TDs; 2-point conversion run; 2-point conversion reception
Exhibition opener — 34–30 win at Indianapolis: started; 4 carries, 15 yards (7 longest); 1 catch on 3 targets, 5 yards; 9 offensive snaps (11%)
Next exhibition — vs. Green Bay, 8 p.m. Sunday, NFL Network
Waived in camp
By Las Vegas Raiders: defensive tackle Tomari Fox (will go to reserve/injured list if he cleard waivers.
Photo via @NFL_stats
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