By R.L. Bynum
Week 14 of the NFL season began with one former Carolina running back surpassing 1,000 yards for the first time in his career, and ended with another scoring on a touchdown reception on his first drive after returning from injured reserve.
Dallas running back Javonte Williams, three years after suffering a devastating knee injury, ran for 67 yards in the Cowboys’ 44–30 loss at Detroit to reach 1,022 for the season. A fractured left ankle suffered on Oct. 5 sidelined Los Angeles Chargers rookie Omarion Hampton until Monday night, when he caught a four-yard touchdown pass in their 22–19 overtime home win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Williams, in his first Dallas season after four in Denver, is having the best season of his NFL career and is delighted to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in a season.
“Yeah, it’s a good milestone,” said Williams, who scored on a one-yard touchdown run. “After all the hard work I put in, to finally reach it, it’s a blessing. But I know I still have work to do.”
The Cowboys made Williams their first free-agent signing last spring, and the move is paying off, turning their rushing game from one of the league’s worst to a strength.
Williams’ nine rushing touchdowns already are more than all Cowboys running backs combined for last season.
“Love him, love him,” quarterback Dak Prescott said. “Proud of him as a teammate, proud of his resilience. Coming off that injury, joining a new team, and then stepping up the way he has — it’s incredible. We’re lucky as hell to have him.”
You’ll be able to watch Williams on national TV next weekend when the Cowboys host the Minnesota Vikings at 8:20 p.m. Sunday (NBC).
Hampton, coming off the bench for the first time in his career, finished the game with 13 carries for 56 yards, including an eight-yard run, and caught both passes targeted to him for 11 yards, including a seven-yard reception and his touchdown on the Chargers’ opening drive. He did have issues with pass protection, though.
Hampton got hurt during a Week 5 loss to Washington, and the Chargers opened his 21-day practice window on Nov. 25.
Before the setback, Hampton was emerging as a centerpiece of the Chargers’ offense. Drafted 22nd overall, he stepped into a larger role after Najee Harris suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 3.
Hampton responded with 314 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 66 carries, averaging 4.8 yards per attempt, and added 20 receptions for 136 yards over his first five games. His breakout included a 128-yard rushing performance in Week 4 against the Giants.
Hampton ranked among the league leaders in yards from scrimmage during Weeks 3 through 5 and provided a reliable option in both the ground game and passing attack.
Sunday was another big day for Tennessee linebacker Cedric Gray in the Titans’ 31–29 victory over Cleveland.
Gray had seven tackles, three assists and pressured the quarterback once. He also recovered a fumble and returned it eight yards to the Browns 5 to set up a touchdown that gave the Titans a 28–17 lead.
Asim Richards started at right tackle for New Orleans in the Saints’ 24–20 win over Tampa Bay. He played 40 of 44 offensive snaps before suffering a high ankle sprain on a New Orleans touchdown. play in the fourth quarter.
Saints coach Kellen Moore said Monday that Richards, who suffered a similar injury when playing for Dallas in 2024, could “potentially miss some time.”
In other Week 14 action:
— Atlanta cornerback Mike Hughes had six tackles, one assist, one tackle for a loss, defended a pass and snagged an interception that he returned for six yards in Atlanta’s 37–3 loss to Seattle.
— Arizona running back Michael Carter had three carries for 13 yards and two catches on four targets for 18 yards, playing 33 snaps.
— Indianapolis wide receiver Josh Downs had four catches on five targets for 23 yards in 46 snaps.
— Pittsburgh linebacker Cole Holcomb came off the bench to make three tackles, get five assists and a tackle in punt coverage, playing 16 of his 47 snaps on special teams.
— Jacksonville wide receiver Dyami Brown played six offensive snaps with no targets.
— Houston’s British Brooks played all 19 of his snaps on special teams, recording a tackle on kickoff coverage.
— Tampa Bay offensive lineman Charlie Heck played four special-teams snaps.
— Buffalo quarterback Mitch Trubisky didn’t play, and both Philadelphia quarterback Sam Howell and Baltimore wide receiver Tez Walker weren’t active.
Drake Maye, Mack Hollins and the New England Patriots had the weekend off, returning to action next Sunday at 1 p.m. at home against the Buffalo Bills (CBS).
Marcus Allen, Minnesota Vikings cornerback
Age 22 | 6–1, 197 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2022–25
Roster situation — Third string right cornerback
2025 statistics (UNC) —12 games, 29 tackles, 7 assists, 2 tackles for losses, 0.5 of a sack, 8 passes defended
Preseason opener — Saturday: Vikings 13, Giants 10 | didn’t start, 1 assist; 11 offensive snaps (20%)
Next preseason game — 1 p.m. Saturday vs. Baltimore
Season opener — 4:15 Sept. 13 vs. Green Bay, CBS
Austin Blaske, Los Angeles Rams center
Age 24 | 6–5, 310 | rookie season | UNC 2024–25
Roster situation — Third-string center
2025 statistics (UNC) — 9 games
Preseason opener — Saturday: Rams 20, Chiefs 12 | started, played all 54 offensive snaps
Next preseason game — 4 p.m. Saturday vs. New Orleans
Season opener — 8:35 Sept. 10 vs. San Francisco in East Melbourne, Australia, Netflix
British Brooks, Houston Texans running back
Age 26 | 5–11, 225 | third NFL season | UNC 2018–23
Roster situation — First-string fullback
2025 statistics —13 games, 17 carries, 787 yards (20 longest); 5 special-teams tackles, 5 special-teams assists
Preseason opener — Thursday: Chargers 27, Raiders 13 | missed game recovering from hand surgery
Next preseason game — 8 p.m. Thursday vs. Las Vegas, ESPN
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. Buffalo, CBS
Dyami Brown, Washington Commanders wide receiver
Age 26 | 6–0, 195 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Third-string right wide receiver
2025 statistics (Jacksonville) — 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)
Preseason opener — Saturday: Commanders 20, Dolphins 7 | started, 1 catch on 2 targets, 22 yards, 1 tackle after an interception on a pass intended for him; 12 offensive snaps (17%)
Next preseason game — noon Saturday at Detroit
Season opener — 4:25 Sept. 13 at Philadelphia, Fox
Michael Carter, Tennessee Titans running back
Age 27 | 5–8, 201 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2017–20
Roster situation — Fifth-string running back
2025 statistics (Arizona) — 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
Preseason opener — Thursday: Titans 19, 49ers 13 | Didn’t start, 2 carries, 10 yards (6 longest); 1 catch on 1 target, 13 yards; 1 kickoff return, 30 yards; 13 offensive snaps (21%), 3 special-teams snaps (11%)
Next preseason game — 8 p.m. Sunday vs. Seattle, Fox
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. New York Jets, CBS
Ty Chandler, New Orleans Saints running back
Age 27 | 5–11, 204 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2021
Roster situation — Fifth-string running back; fourth-string kick returner
2025 statistics (Minnesota) — 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
Preseason opener — Saturday: Jaguars 24, Saints 20 | 6 carries, 24 yards (9 longest); 1 catch on 1 target, 0 yards; 1 kickoff return, 86 yards; 1 tackle on kickoff coverage; 20 offensive snaps (30%), 10 special-teams snaps (36%)
Next preseason game — 4 p.m. Saturday at Los Angeles Rams
Season opener — 4:25 Sept. 13 vs. Green Bay, CBS
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Age 25 | 5–9, 171 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2020–22
Roster situation — Starting slot wide receiver
2025 statistics — 16 games, 11 starts, 58 catches, 566 yards (34 longest), 4 touchdowns; 2 rush, -2 yards; 7 punt returns, 68 yards; 2 tackles
Preseason opener — Thursday: Colts 13, Patriots 13 | Didn’t play
Next preseason game — 1 p.m. Saturday vs. Atlanta
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. Baltimore, CBS
Joshua Ezeudu, New York Giants tackle/guard
Age 26 | 6–4, 310 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2018–21
Roster situation — Third-string left tackle
2025 statistics — Missed the season with a severe calf injury suffered during training camp (played 17 games in 2024)
Preseason opener — Saturday: Vikings 13, Giants 10 | Played 27 offensive snaps (50%) and 1 special-teams snap (4%) off the bench
Next preseason game — 4 p.m. Saturday at Miami, NFL Network
Season opener — 8:20 Sept. 13 vs. Dallas, NBC
Tomon Fox, Los Angeles Rams linebacker
Age 28 | 6–3, 260 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2016–21
Roster situation — Third-string right outside linebacker
2025 statistics (Giants) —9 games, 5 tackles
Preseason opener — Saturday: Rams 20, Chiefs 12 | didn’t play
Next preseason game — 1 p.m. Saturday vs. New Orleans
Season opener — 8:35 Sept. 10 vs. San Francisco in East Melbourne, Australia, Netflix
Amari Gainer, New England Patriots linebacker
Age 26 | 6–3, 240 | second NFL season | UNC 2023
Roster situation — Fourth-string left inside linebacker
2025 statistics (Las Vegas) —17 games, 3 tackles, 3 assists, 2 solo tackles
Preseason opener — Thursday: Colts 13, Patriots 13: 1 tackle, 21 defensive snaps (32%), 3 special-teams snaps (11%)
Next preseason game — 7 p.m. Saturday vs. Philadelphia, NFL Network
Season opener — 8:30 Sept. 9 at Seattle, NBC
Cedric Gray, Tennessee Titans linebacker
Age 23 | 6–2, 235 | third NFL season | UNC 2020–23
Roster situation — Starting weakside linebacker
2025 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
Preseason opener — Thursday: Titans 19, 49ers 13 | Started, 2 tackles, 1 assist; 26 defensive snaps (34%), 1 special-teams snap (4%)
Next preseason game — 8 p.m. Sunday vs. Seattle, Fox
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. New Your Jets, CBS
Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers running back
Age 23 | 6–0, 220 | second NFL season | UNC 2022–24
Roster situation — Starting running back
2025 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
Preseason opener — Thursday: Chargers 27, Texans 7 | didn’t play
Next preseason game — 10 p.m. Thursday vs. San Francisco, NFL Network
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. Buffalo, CBS
Charlie Heck, Miami Dolphins offensive lineman
Age 29 | 6–8, 311 | seventh NFL season | UNC 2015–19
Roster situation — Second-string right tackle
2025 statistics (Tampa Bay)— 18 games, 1 tackle, 701 offensive snaps, 642 special-teams snaps
Preseason opener — Saturday: Commanders 20, Dolphins 7 | Played 27 offensive snaps (49%) and 1 special-teams snap (4%) off the bench
Next preseason game — 4 p.m. Saturday vs. New York Giants, NFL Network
Season opener — 4:25 Sept. 13 at Los Angeles Raiders, Fox
Cole Holcomb, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker
Age 29 | 6–1, 240 | eighth NFL season | UNC 2015–18
Roster situation — Second-string right inside linebacker
2025 statistics — 12 games, 3 starts, 19 tackles, 11 assists, 1 forced fumble, 5 special-teams tackles, 3 special-teams assists
Preseason opener — Thursday: Steelers 28, Packers 9 | didn’t start, 2 tackles; 37 defensive snaps (62%), 10 special-teams snaps (38%)
Next preseason game — 7 p.m. Friday vs. New York Jets, NFL Network
Season opener —1 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. Atlanta, Fox
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
2025 statistics — 15 games, 47 catches, 550 yards, 12.0 average, 54 longest, 2 touchdowns
Preseason opener — Thursday: Colts 13, Patriots 13 | Started, 2 catches on 4 targets, 24 yards (18 longest); 13 offensive snaps
Next preseason game — 7 p.m. Saturday vs. Philadelphia, NFL Network
Season opener — 8:30 Sept. 9 at Seattle, NBC
Sam Howell, Dallas Cowboys quarterback
Age 24 | 6–1, 225 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2019–21
Roster situation — Second-string QB listed as Howell or Joe Milton
2024 season statistics (Seattle Seahawks); 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
Preseason opener — Saturday: Cowboys 17, Seahawks 7 | started, 8 of 12, 94 yards (39 longest), 1 TD (39-yard pass to Cameron Brown), 118.1 passer rating; 2 carries for 15 yards (10 longest); 26 offensive snaps (39%)
Next preseason game — 10 p.m. Saturday at Arizona, NFL Network
Season opener — 8:20 Sept. 13 at New York Giants, NBC
Mike Hughes, Atlanta Falcons cornerback
Age 29 | 5–10, 191 | ninth NFL season | UNC 2015
Roster situation — Starting left cornerback
Season statistics — 12 games, 38 tackles, 11 assists, 1 interception
Preseason opener — Friday: Broncos 27, Falcons 7 | Started, 1 tackle, 2 assists; 14 defensive snaps (19%), 1 special-teams snap (4%)
Next preseason game — 1 p.m. Saturday at Indianapolis
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 at Pittsburgh, Fox
Alijah Huzzie, Houston Texans cornerback
Age 25 | 5–10, 195 | second NFL season | UNC 2023–24
Roster situation — Second-string nickelback
2025 statistics — 2 games, 3 tackles, 1 pass defended, 1 interception, 1 assist on kickoff coverage
Preseason opener — Thursday: Chargers 27, Raiders 13 | Didn’t start, 2 tackles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 pass defended; 30 defensive snaps (45%), 7 special-teams snaps (32%)
Next preseason game — 8 p.m. Thursday vs. Las Vegas, ESPN
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. Buffalo, CBS
Willie Lampkin, Philadelphia Eagles guard/center
Age 24 | 5–11, 290 | second NFL season | UNC 2023–24
Roster situation — Third-string center
2025 statistics — Didn’t play; went on injured reserve in late August
Preseason opener — Saturday: Ravens 24, Eagles 7 | started; 23 offensive snaps (52%), 1 special-teams snap (4%); played center and guard
Next preseason game — 7 p.m. Saturday at New England, NFL Network
Season opener — 4:25 Sept. 13 vs. Washington, Fox
Drake Maye, New England Patriots quarterback
Age 23 | 6–4, 225 | third NFL season | UNC 2021–23
Roster situation —Starting quarterback
2025 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)
Preseason opener — Thursday: Colts 13, Patriots 13 | Didn’t play
Next preseason game — 7 p.m. Saturday vs. Philadelphia, NFL Network
Season opener — 8:30 Sept. 9 at Seattle, NBC
Bryson Nesbit, Minnesota Vikings tight end
Age 23 | 6–5, 228 | second NFL season | UNC 2021–24
Roster situation — Fifth-string tight end
2025 statistics — Spent the season on the practice squad
Preseason opener — Saturday: Vikings 13, Giants 10 | 2 catches on 4 targets, 13 yards (7 longest); 25 offensive snaps (42%), 10 special-teams snaps (42%)
Next preseason game — 1 p.m. Saturday vs. Baltimore
Season opener — 4:15 Sept. 13 vs. Green Bay, 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
2025 statistics — 15 games, 4 starts, 359 offensive snaps, 53 special-teams snaps
Preseason opener — Saturday: Jaguars 24, Saints 20 | started; called for a false start; 45 offensive snaps (68%), 5 special-teams snaps (18%)
Next preseason game — 4 p.m. Saturday at Los Angeles Rams
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 at Detroit, Fox
Jahvaree Ritzie, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle
Age 23 | 6–4, 294 | second NFL season | UNC 2018–23
Roster situation — Fourth-string defensive tackle
2025 statistics (New England) —Spent season on practice squad
Preseason opener — Saturday: Vikings 13, Giants 10 | 2 assists; 9 defensive snaps (17%)
Next preseason game — 7 p.m. Saturday vs. Philadelphia, NFL Network
Season opener — 4:15 Sept. 13 vs. Green Bay, CBS
Kaimon Rucker, Baltimore Ravens linebacker
Age 24 | 6–2, 265 | second NFL season | UNC 2020–24
Roster situation — Third-string right outside linebacker
2025 statistics — Spent the season on the practice squad
Preseason opener — Saturday: Ravens 24, Eagles 7 | didn’t start, 1 assist; 16 defensive snaps (36%), 7 special-teams snaps (30%)
Next preseason game — 1 p.m. Saturday at Minnesota
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 at Indianapolis, CBS
M.J. Stewart, Houston Texans safety
Age 30 | 5–11, 205 | ninth NFL season | UNC 2014–17
Roster situation — Third-string free safety; on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list with a quadriceps injury
2025 statistics — 9 games, no statistics
Preseason opener — Thursday: Chargers 27, Raiders 13 | didn’t play
Next preseason game — 8 p.m. Thursday vs. Los Angeles Raiders, ESPN
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. Buffalo, CBS
Chazz Surratt, Seattle Seahawks linebacker
Age 29 | 6–2, 233 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2017–20
Roster situation — Third-string weakside linebacker
2025 statistics — 11 games, 4 tackles
Preseason opener — Saturday: Cowboys 17, Seahawks 7 | didn’t start, 2 tackles, 4 assists, 1 forced fumble; 40 defensive snaps (61%), 5 special-teams snaps (28%)
Next preseason game — 8 p.m. Sunday at Tennessee, Fox
Season opener — 8:20 Sept. 9 vs. New England, NBC
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 (Buffalo) — 4 games, 25 of 35, 313 yards (37 longest), 4 touchdowns, 1 2-point conversion completion; 9 carries, 6 yards (9 longest)
Preseason opener — Thursday: Titans 19, 49ers 13 | didn’t start, 2-3, 23 yards (17 longest), 89.6 passer rating; 8 offensive sanaps (13%)
Next preseason game — 8 p.m. Sunday vs. Seattle, Fox
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. New York Jets, CBS
Smith Vilbert, Minnesota Vikings defensive end
Age 25 | 6–6, 282 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2025
Roster situation — Fourth-string defensive end
2025 statistics (UNC) —12 games, 11 tackles, 11 assists, 6 tackles for losses, 1 sack, 2 passes defended, 2 fumble recoveries
Preseason opener — Saturday: Vikings 13, Giants 10 | played 1 defensive snap (2%) off the bench
Next preseason game — 1 p.m. Saturday vs. Baltimore
Season opener — 4:15 Sept. 13 vs. Green Bay, CBS
Tez Walker, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver
Age 25 | 6–1, 198 | third NFL season | UNC 2023
Roster situation — Starting right wide receiver
2025 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
Preseason opener — Saturday: Ravens 24, Eagles 7 | started, 3 catches on 3 targets, 31 yards (19 longest); 1 tackle on kickoff coverage; 26 offensive snaps (32%), 5 special-teams snaps (22%)
Next preseason game — 1 p.m. Saturday at Minnesota
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 at Indianapolis, CBS
Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys running back
Age 26 | 5–10, 220 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Starting running back
2025 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
Preseason opener — Saturday: Cowboys 17, Seahawks 7 | didn’t play
Next preseason game — 10 p.m. Saturday at Arizona, NFL Network
Season opener — 8:20 Sept. 13 at New York Giants, NBC
On injured reserve
New York Giants rookie cornerback Thaddeus Dixon (torn Achilles)
Photo via @chargers
