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.
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 — 4 games, 2 starts, 7 catches, 86 yards (48 longest); 53.5 offensive rating, 57.1 pass game rating, 34.4 run-blocking rating
Week 4 — Colts 30, Commanders 13 (in London) | started: 3 catches on 4 targets, 65 yards (48 longest); 3 kickoff returns, 82 yards (37 longest); 2 assists on kickoff coverage; 36 offensive snaps (56%), 11 special-teams snaps (39%); 10.5 fantasy points; season-high 75.6 offensive rating (previous weeks was 47.6, 46.9 and 46.9), season-high 80.0 pass-game rating, season-low 29.4 run-blocking rating
Week 5 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. New York Giants, Fox
Week 6 — 8:15 Monday at San Francisco, ESPN
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 — 4 games, 2 starts, 17 catches, 202 yards (25 longest); 77.4 offensive rating, 78.1 pass game rating, 58.7 run-blocking rating
Week 4 — Colts 30, Commanders 13 (in London) | started: 3 catches on 4 targets, 16 yards (9 longest); 4.6 fantasy points; 51 offensive snaps (77%); season-low 52.4 offensive rating, season-low 52.4 pass game rating, 59.6 run-block rating (second-lowest this season)
Week 5 — 1 p.m. Sunday at Pittsburgh, CBS
Week 6 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Tennessee, Fox
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 — 4 offensive snaps and 6 special-teams snaps
Week 4 — Chiefs 30, Raiders 27 | Played 4 special-teams snaps
Week 5 — Open date
Week 6 — 4:25 Sunday vs. Los Angeles Chargers, CBS
Cedric Gray, Tennessee Titans linebacker
Age 23 | 6–2, 235 | third NFL season | UNC 2020–23
Roster situation — Starting weakside linebacker
Season statistics — 3 games, 2 starts, 9 tackles, 7 assists; 68.8 defensive grade, 77.6 run-defense grade, 54.0 pass-rush grade, 57.9 pass-coverage grade
Week 4 — Ravens 24, Titans 18 | started: 2 tackles (1 for a loss), 2 assists, 1 tackle on kickoff coverage; 30 defensive snaps (47%), 23 special-teams snaps (88%); season-high 71.2 defensive rating, 72.8 run-defense rating, 75.6 tackling grade, 54.0 pass-rushing grade, 62.3 pass-coverage grade
Week 5 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Houston, CBS
Week 6 — 1 p.m. Sunday at Indianapolis, Fox
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 — 4 games, 3 starts, 59 carries, 238 yards, 4.3 average, 3 touchdowns; 4 catches, 29 yards, 7.2 average; 2 fumbles (2 lost); 64.1 offensive grade, 58.5 pass game grade, 74.2 pass-block grade, 75.8 run grade
Week 4 — Seahawks 30, Chargers 23 | didn’t start: 9 carries, 45 yards (15 longest), 5.0 average, 1 touchdown (2-yard run, 7:48 left in fourth quarter); 2 catches on 2 targets, 8 yards (5 longest); 25 offensive snaps (35%); 13.8 fantasy points; season-high 73.1 offensive grade, 60.1 pass game grade, season-low 25.2 pass-block grade, season-high 75.8 run grade
Week 5 — 4:05 Sunday vs. Denver, CBS
Week 6 — 4:25 Sunday at Kansas City, CBS
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 — 4 games, 3 tackles (both solo), 2 assists; 55.5 defensive grade; 63.4 special-teams grade
Week 4 — Browns 27, Steelers 24 (Thursday) | didn’t start; 1 assist, 1 tackle on kickoff coverage, 1 assist on kickoff coverage; 5 defensive snaps (8%), 18 special-teams snaps (18%); 46.0 defensive grade; 68.0 special-teams grade
Week 5 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Indianapolis, CBS
Week 6 — 1 p.m. Sunday at Tampa Bay, CBS
Mack Hollins, New England Patriots wide receiver
Age 32 | 6–4, 221 | 10th NFL season | UNC 2013–16
Roster situation — Second-string right wide receiver
Season statistics — 4 games, 3 starts, 15 catches, 209 yards (26 longest), 13.9 average; 81.2 offensive grade, 80.1 pass game grade, 61.6 pass-blocking grade, 71.4 run-blocking grade
Week 4 — Patriots 29, Bills 26 | started: 3 catches on 4 targets, 53 yards (26 longest); left the game with a calf injury with 10:13 left in the third quarter; 31 offensive snaps (41%); 8.3 fantasy points; 77.6 offensive grade, 74.8 pass-game grade, 71.4 run-blocking grade
Week 5 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Las Vegas, CBS | missed game with calf injury
Week 6 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. New York Jets, 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 5 — Buccaneers 24, Cowboys 16 (Thursday at home) | didn’t play
Week 6 — 8:20 Sunday at Green Bay, NBC
Mike Hughes, Atlanta Falcons cornerback
Age 29 | 5–10, 191 | ninth NFL season | UNC 2015
Roster situation — Starting cornerback
Season statistics — 3 games, 11 tackles, 4 assists, 2 passes defended; 51.5 defensive grade
Week 4 — Falcons 45, Saints 24 (Monday) | 3 tackles (1 for a loss), 1 assist, 1 pass defended; 48 defensive snaps (65%); season-high 72.4 defensive grade, season-high 78.8 run-defense grade, 76.8 tackle grade; season-high 68.8 coverage grade
Week 5 — 8:30 Sunday vs. Baltimore, NBC
Week 6 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Chicago, Fox
Alijah Huzzie, Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback
Age 25 | 5–10, 195 | second NFL season | UNC 2023–24
Roster situation — Reserve
2005 statistics (Houston) — 2 games, 3 tackles, 1 pass defended, 1 interception, 1 assist on kickoff coverage
Week 5 — 9:30 a.m. Sunday vs. Philadelphia in London, NFL Network
Week 6 — 8:20 Sunday at Green Bay, NBC
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 — 4 games, 2 offensive snaps, 19 special-teams snaps; 55.7 special-teams grade
Week 4 — Rams 24, Eagles 20 | 2 offensive snaps (3%), 5 special-teams snaps (17%); 57.9 special-teams grade
Week 5 — 9:30 a.m. Sunday vs. Jacksonville in London, NFL Network
Week 6 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Carolina, CBS
Drake Maye, New England Patriots quarterback
Age 23 | 6–4, 225 | third NFL season | UNC 2021–23
Roster situation —Starting quarterback
Season statistics — 4 games, 4 starts, 73 of 117, 854 yards, 4 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 10 sacks (45 yards in losses), 71.0 passer rating; 23 carries, 136 yards, 5.9 average; 5 fumbles (2 lost); 55.5 offensive rating, 49.9 passer rating, 77.0 run rating
Week 4 — Patriots 29, Bills 26 | started: 22 of 37, 269 yards, 1 sack (7-yard loss), 3 touchdowns (14-yard pass to Romeo Doubs with 7:01 left in the first quarter, 2-yard pass to Doubs with 8:15 left in the third quarter, 23-yard pass to Efton Chism III with 1:50 left in the fourth quarter), 2-point conversion completion to Rhamondre Stevenson after third TD pass, 1 interception, 97.7 passer rating; 8 carries, 24 yards (26 longest); 3 fumbles (1 lost; 2 recovered); 76 offensive snaps (100%); 27.16 fantasy points; season-high 82.9 offensive rating, season-high 78.0 passer rating, season-high 75.6 run rating
Week 5 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Las Vegas, CBS
Week 6 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. New York Jets, 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 — 176 offensive snaps, 14 special-teams snaps; 45.7 offensive grade, 44.5 pass-blocking grade, 47.6 run-blocking grade
Week 4 — Falcons 45, Saints 24 (Monday) | started: 74 offensive snaps (100%), 5 special-teams snaps (16); called for false start in fourth quarter; season-low 42.0 offensive grade, season-low 41.5 pass-blocking grade, 48.0 run-blocking grade
Week 5 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Minnesota, Fox
Week 6 — 1 p.m. Sunday at New York Giants, Fox
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 4 — Seahawks 30, Chargers 23 | Inactive with calf injury
Week 5 — 4:25 Sunday vs. San Francisco, Fox | missed game with a calf injury
Week 6 — 8:15 Thursday at Denver, Prime Video
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 4 — Ravens 24, Titans 18 | didn’t play
Week 5 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Houston, CBS
Week 6 — 1 p.m. Sunday at Indianapolis, Fox
Tez Walker, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver
Age 25 | 6–1, 198 | third NFL season | UNC 2023
Roster situation — Second-string wide receiver
Season statistics — 3 games, 0 starts, 2 catches, 66 yards (47 longest); 56.5 offensive grade, 57.9 pass game grade, 64.3 run-blocking grade
Week 4 — Ravens 24, Titans 18 | didn’t start: 1 catch on 2 targets, 19 yards; 44 offensive snaps (69%), 5 special-teams snaps (19%); season-low 47.4 offensive grade, season-low 52.7 pass game grade, season-low 45.1 run-blocking grade
Week 5 — 8:30 Sunday at Atlanta, NBC
Week 6 — 1 p.m. Sunday at Cleveland, Fox
Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys running back
Age 26 | 5–10, 220 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Starting running back
Season statistics — 5 games, 5 starts, 74 carries, 276 yards (3.7 average), 6 touchdowns; 17 catches, 94 yards (17 longest), 5.5 average, 1 touchdown; 1 fumble (recovered); 69.5 offensive rating, 84.0 pass game rating, 60.1 pass-block rating, 63.2 run rating
Week 5 — Buccaneers 24, Cowboys 16 (Thursday at home) | started: 12 carries, 45 yards (21 longest), 1 touchdown (1-yard run, 10:51 left in the first quarter); 2 catches on 3 targets, 17 yards (9 longest); 51 offensive snaps (85%); 14.2 fantasy points; 63.8 offensive grade, 67.8 pass-game grade, 52.8 pass-block grade, 63.2 run-game grade
Week 6 — 8:20 Sunday at Green Bay, NBC
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)
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
— Tennessee running back Michael Carter by Tennessee; had three catches for 20 yards and a 43-yard kickoff return in the last preseason game
— 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
— 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 @Vikings
