By R.L. Bynum
The final weekend of the NFL preseason was the last audition for some UNC alums before Tuesday’s roster cuts. Fourteen Tar Heels sat out the final exhibitions while 18 played, with some solidifying roster spots and others pushing for practice squad spots.
Teams must trim their rosters to 53 players by 4 p.m. Tuesday but the season openers are two weekends away.
On Friday, the Steelers released Kyler McMichael and, on Sunday, the Vikings traded Sam Howell to the Eagles.
One rookie who made the most of his opportunity was tight end Bryson Nesbit (top photo), who signed with the Minnesota Vikings as a non-drafted free agent.
Minnesota lost tight end Johnny Mundt to free agency in the offseason, creating a need for the Vikings. They drafted Gavin Bartholomew in the sixth round, but he’s been out with a back injury.
Nesbit had five catches for 73 yards in three preseason games, which are better numbers than the other three tight ends combined.
His best game was in Friday’s 23–13 loss to the Tennessee Titans. Nesbit caught two passes for 45 yards, including a 24-yard reception and a 21-yard touchdown catch of a throw from quarterback Max Brosmer in the third quarter.
Nesbit is listed as third string behind starter T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver.
Others with big games:
Michael Carter — Running back, Arizona Cardinals
Carter reminded everyone that he’s a dangerous runner if given space. His 38-yard burst was the highlight of Arizona’s 20–10 win over Las Vegas and showed the explosiveness that made him a fourth-round pick. Carter averaged 9.4 yards per carry on five attempts (47 yards) and caught one pass. For a Cardinals team searching for depth behind James Conner, Carter’s performance came at the perfect time since he entered the game as fifth string.
Tomon Fox —– Linebacker, New York Giants
Fox played nearly the entire game (56 snaps on defense, 20 on special teams) as the Giants beat the New England Patriots (playing without Drake Maye and Mack Hollins) 42–10. He delivered two tackles, two assists, one sack, a tackle for loss and a QB hit. His strong finish likely solidified his third-string spot at outside linebacker.
Chazz Surratt — Linebacker, San Francisco 49ers
Surratt put together a stat-stuffing day for the 49ers in their 30–23 win over the Los Angeles Chargers (playing without Omarion Hampton), leading the defense in production. He racked up five tackles and five assists, recovered a muffed punt, and made a tackle on punt coverage. He’s the third-string Mike linebacker.
In other weekend action:
Houston Texans 26, Detroit Lions 7
Rookie Houston cornerback Alijah Huzzie didn’t play during the preseason and is on the team’s active/non-football injury list.
RB British Brooks (Texans) got plenty of work in Houston’s backfield, carrying the ball seven times for 23 yards. His longest run of the night went for 12 yards, and he wasn’t limited to offense — Brooks also chipped in with a tackle on kickoff coverage, highlighting his value as a special-teamer.
S M.J. Stewart (Texans) started in the secondary and continued to be a steady presence on defense. He finished with three total stops, playing more than half of Houston’s defensive snaps.
Arizona Cardinals 20, Las Vegas Raiders 10
In addition to Carter …
WR Nate McCollum (Cardinals) made the most of his chances, catching both of his targets for 17 yards, including a nice snag on the sideline. He also handled punt return duties, calling for a fair catch.
LB Amari Gainer (Raiders) had a quiet night defensively with just two snaps, but he remained active on special teams, logging 13 plays there as he fights for a spot on the coverage units.
Miami Dolphins 14, Jacksonville Jaguars 6
Wide receiver Dyami Brown didn’t play a preseason game in his first season with the Jaguars, but is expected to start.
TE John Copenhaver (Jaguars) earned the start at tight end and made his only target count, hauling in a six-yard reception. The rookie played 19 offensive snaps, giving Jacksonville another look at his blocking and route-running abilities.
CB Storm Duck (Dolphins) also started and contributed a tackle on defense. He played 17 defensive snaps and three more on special teams, and is expected to start for Miami in its opener.
Chicago Bears 29, Kansas City Chiefs 27
LB Power Echols (Bears) finished with one solo tackle, one assist, and another assist on special teams in 28 overall snaps after entering the game as a fourth-string linebacker.
New York Giants 42, New England Patriots 10
While Fox had a big game, second-string Giants left tackle Joshua Ezeudu didn’t play, in addition to Maye and Hollins sitting out the game for the Patriots.
DT Jahvaree Ritzie (Patriots) saw extended playing time up front, logging 33 defensive snaps. He registered a tackle and an assist.
Tennessee Titans 23, Minnesota Vikings 13
While Nesbit had a big game, running back Ty Chandler (listed as a third-string running back and second-string kickoff returner) and backup Sam Howell didn’t play before getting dealt to Philadelphia on Sunday.
LB Cedric Gray (Titans) made three tackles and two assists while starting for Tennessee. He was on the field for 20 defensive snaps and added two more on special teams. He is listed as second string but is reportedly competing with James Williams for a starting spot.
Dallas Cowboys 31, Atlanta Falcons 13
Two players expected to start, Atlanta cornerback Mike Hughes and Dallas running back Javonte Williams, didn’t play a down in the preseason.
OT Asim Richards (Cowboys) anchored the left side of the offensive line, starting and playing 40 snaps. He also appeared on special teams.
Baltimore Ravens 30, Washington Commanders 3
LB Kaimon Rucker (Ravens) was active from the start, recording two assisted tackles and playing 35 defensive snaps, the third-most on the team.
WR Tez Walker (Ravens) didn’t see a pass his way, but he made his mark on special teams with a tackle on kickoff coverage. He logged 25 offensive snaps and seven more on special teams.
Pittsburgh Steelers 19, Carolina Panthers 10
LB Cole Holcomb (Steelers) didn’t register any statistics in 24 snaps on defense.
DB McMichael (Steelers) recorded one tackle in 14 defensive snaps and also played seven special-teams snaps but was released on Friday.
Others sitting out the final exhibition games were:
— Indianapolis Colts starting wide receiver Josh Downs, who is nursing a hamstring injury.
—Tampa Bay Bucs left tackle Charlie Heck, listed as second string.
—Los Angeles Rams rookie center Willie Lampkin, who is listed as third string and was impressive in the first two games.
—Buffalo Bills quarterback Mitch Trubisky, who appears to have the edge over Mike White for the backup job.
British Brooks, Houston Texans running back
Age 25 | 5–11, 225 | second NFL season | UNC 2018–23
Roster situation — Fifth-string running back
Season statistics —13 games, 17 carries, 787 yards (20 longest); 5 special-teams tackles, 5 special-teams assists
Wild-card round: Texans 30, Steelers 6 — 1 assist on kickoff coverage; 18 special-teams snaps (72%)
Divisional round — 3 p.m. Sunday at New England, ESPN, ABC
Dyami Brown, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver
Age 25 | 6–0, 195 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Reserve wide receiver
Season statistics — 17 games, 7 starts, 23 catches, 220 yards (39 longest), 9.9 average, 1 TD, 1 fumble (lost); 5 carries, 26 yards (9 longest); 4 kickoff returns, 106 yards (31 longest)
Wild-card round: Bills 27, Jaguars 24 — Not active for the game
The Jaguars’ season ended with the loss.
Michael Carter, Arizona Cardinals running back
Age 26 | 5–8, 201 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2017–20
Roster situation — Starting running back
Season statistics — 14 games, 5 starts, 92 carries, 331 yards (22 longest), 1 touchdown; 33 catches on 39 targets, 267 yards (18 longest); 1 kickoff return, 27 yards; 1 tackle
Week 18: Rams 37, Cardinals 20 — Started; 7 carries, 18 yards (2.6 average, 5 longest); 3 catches on 3 targets, 21 yards (7.0 average, 11 longest); 29 offensive snaps (53%), 1 special-teams snap (4%)
Arizona finished fourth in the NFC West at 3–13.
Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings running back
Age 27 | 5–11, 204 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2021
Roster situation — Second-string kickoff returner; third-string running back
Season statistics — 3 games, 17 carries, 47 yards (5 longest); 3 catches on 4 targets, 11 yards (3.7 average; 11 longest); 1 assist on punt coverage
Week 18: Vikings 16, Packers 3 — 10 carries, 23 yards (2.3 average; 5 longest); 3 catches on 4 targets, 11 yards (3.7 average; 11 longest); 29 offensive snaps (43%), 6 special-teams snaps (26%)
Minnesota finished third in the NFC North at 9–8.
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Age 23 | 5–9, 171 | third NFL season | UNC 2020–22
Roster situation — Starting slot wide receiver
Season statistics — 16 games, 11 starts, 58 catches, 566 yards (34 longest), 4 touchdowns; 2 rush, -2 yards; 7 punt returns, 68 yards; 2 tackles
Week 18: Texans 38, Colts 30 — Started; 1 carry, -5 yards; 4 catches on 4 targets, 61 yards (15.3 average, 30 longest); 1 punt return, 13 yards; 41 offensive snaps (63%), 3 special-teams snaps (8%)
Indianapolis finished third in the AFC South at 8–9.
Cedric Gray, Tennessee Titans linebacker
Age 22 | 6–2, 234 | second NFL season | UNC 2020–23
Roster situation — Starting left inside linebacker
Season statistics — 16 games, 15 starts, 94 tackles, 65 assists, 7 tackles for losses, 1 sack for 7 yards, 3 passes defended, 2 quarterback pressures, 1 quarterback hit, 2 special-teams tackles, 2 fumble recoveries
Week 18: Jaguars 41, Titans 7 — Started; 3 tackles, 5 assists; 59 defensive snaps (97%)
Tennessee finished fourth in the AFC South at 3–14.
Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers running back
Age 22 | 6–0, 220 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2022–24
Roster situation — Starter
Season statistics — 9 games, 6 starts, 124 carries, 545 yards (54 longest), 4.4 average, 4 touchdowns; 32 catches, 192 yards (22 longest), 1 touchdown; 1 fumble recovery
Wild-card round: Patriots 16, Chargers 3— 1 carry, -1 yards, 2 offensive snaps (3%)
The Chargers’ season ended with the loss.
Charlie Heck, Tampa Bay Bucs offensive lineman
Age 28 | 6–8, 311 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2015–19
Roster situation — Backup right tackle behind Luke Goedeke
Season statistics — 18 games, 1 tackle; 701 offensive snaps, 642 special-teams snaps
Week 18: Bucs 16, Panthers 14 — 2 offensive snaps (3%), 5 special-teams snaps (23%)
Tampa Bay finished tied for first in the NFC South at 8–9 but didn’t make the playoffs.
Cole Holcomb, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker
Age 28 | 6–1, 240 | seventh NFL season | UNC 2015–18
Roster situation — Second-string right inside linebacker
Season statistics — 12 games, 3 starts, 19 tackles, 11 assists, 1 forced fumble, 5 special-teams tackles, 3 special-teams assists
Week 18: Steelers 26, Ravens 24 — Played off the bench
Wild-card weekend — 8 p.m. Monday vs. Houston, ABC, ESPN
Sam Howell, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback
Age 24 | 6–1, 225 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2019–21
Roster situation — Third-string quarterback
2024 season statistics (Seattle Seahawks); didn’t play in regular season — 2 games, 5 of 14, 24 yards, 1 interception, 14.6 passer rating; 1 carry, 2 yards
Wild-card round: 49ers 23, Eagles 19 — Not active for the game
Philadelphia’s season ended with the loss
Mike Hughes, Atlanta Falcons cornerback
Age 28 | 5–10, 191 | eighth NFL season | UNC 2015
Roster situation — Starting right cornerback
Season statistics — 11 games, 11 starts, 32 tackles, 9 assists, 4 passes defended, 2 tackles for losses; 1 interception
Week 18: Falcons 19, Saints 17 — Didn’t play (ankle injury)
Atlanta finished tie for first in the NFC South at 8–9 but didn’t make the playoffs.
Alijah Huzzie, Houston Texans cornerback
Age 24 | 5–10, 195 | rookie season | UNC 2023–24
Season statistics — 3 games, 3 tackles, 1 pass defended, 1 interception (0 return yards), 1 assist on kickoff coverage
Wild-card round: Texans 30, Steelers 6 — Not active for the game
Divisional round — 3 p.m. Sunday at New England, ESPN, ABC
Drake Maye, New England Patriots quarterback
Age 22 | 6–4, 225 | second NFL season | UNC 2021–23
Roster situation —-Starting QB ahead of Joshua Dobbs
Season statistics — 17 games, 17 starts, 354 of 492, 4,494 (72 longest), 71.9%, 31 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 47 sacks (201 yards in losses), 113.5 rating; 103 carries, 450 yards (28 longest), 4 touchdowns; 1 two-point conversion run; 3 fumbles (2 lost, 1 recovered)
Wild-card round: Patriots 16, Chargers 3— Started; 17 of 29, 268 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, 5 sacks (33 yards in losses), 86.6 passer rating; 10 carries, 66 yards (37 longest); 64 offensive snaps (100%)
Divisional round — 3 p.m. Sunday vs. Houston, ABC/ESPN
Asim Richards, New Orleans Saints offensive lineman
Age 24 | 6–4, 307 | third NFL season | UNC 2019–22
Roster situation — Second-string left tackle
Season statistics — 15 games, 4 starts, 359 offensive snaps, 53 special-teams snaps
Week 18: Falcons 19, Saints 17 — Rreported tackle-eligible twice; 56 offensive snaps (82%), 4 special-teams snaps (14%)
New Orleans finished fourth in the NFC South at 6–11.
Mitch Trubisky, Buffalo Bills quarterback
Age 30 | 6–3, 222 | ninth NFL season | UNC 2014–16
Roster situation — Second-string QB behind Josh Allen
Season statistics — 4 games, 25 of 35, 313 yards (37 longest), 4 touchdowns, 1 2-point conversion completion; 9 carries, 6 yard (9 longest)
Wild-card round: Bills 27, Jaguars 24 — Didn’t play
Divisional round — 4:30 Saturday at Denver, CBS
Tez Walker, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver
Age 24 | 6–1, 198 | second NFL season | UNC 2023
Roster situation — Third-string wide receiver
Season statistics — 11 games, 2 starts, 6 catches, 136 yards (38 longest), 3 touchdowns; 1 tackle, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 2 QB hit, 2 special-teams assists
Week 18: Steelers 26, Ravens 24 — 2 catches on 2 targets, 46 yards (38 longest), 1 touchdown
Baltimore finished second in the AFC North at 8–9.
Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys running back
Age 25 | 5–10, 220 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Starting running back ahead of Miles Sanders
Season statistics — 16 games, 16 starts, 252 carries, 1,201 yards (4.8 average; 66 longest), 11 touchdowns; 35 catches, 137 yards (3.9 average; 14 longest), 2 touchdowns
Week 18: Giants 34, Cowboys 17 — Didn’t play
Dallas finished second in the NFC East at 7–9.
Finished season on IR
Miami Dolphins defensive back Storm Duck, knee injury (season statistics: 2 games, 1 start, 1 tackle, 1 assist, 1 pass defended)
Houston Texans safety M.J. Stewart, quadriceps injury (season statistics: 9 games, 4 starts, 10 tackles, 8 assists, 2 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, 5 special-teams tackles, 2 special-teams assists)
On injured reserve
Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler, knee injury
New York Giants offensive lineman Joshua Ezudu (IR with designation to return), undisclosed injury
New England wide receiver Mack Hollins (abdomen injury)
Philadelphia Eagles center Willie Lampkin, leg injury (Rams released him in camp)
Seattle linebacker Chazz Surratt (ankle injury)
On practice squads
Baltimore linebacker Kaimon Rucker
New England linebacker Amari Gainer
Minnesota tight end Bryson Nesbit
Waived from practice squads
Linebacker Power Echols by Chicago
Linebacker Tomon Fox by the New York Giants
Defensive tackle Jahvaree Ritzie by New England
Released during training camp
Linebacker Eugene Asanti by Miami
Tight end John Copenhaver by Jacksonville
Linebacker Desmond Evans by Tennessee
Wide receiver Nate McCollum by Arizona
Defensive back Kyler McMichael by Pittsburgh
Photo via @Vikings
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