By R.L. Bynum
The final week of the regular season meant MVP candidate Drake Maye didn’t play the entire game, and reserves around the league got plenty of playing time. Taking advantage of the latter were Mitch Trubisky, British Brooks and Alijah Huzzie.
The biggest day of that group, though, was Trubisky.
After Josh Allen started and played one snap, Trubisky took over for the Buffalo Bills and had a big day in their 35–8 home win over the New York Jets. He was 22 of 29 for 259 yards and four touchdowns, including a two-point conversion completion and five rushing yards.
“It was the final regular‑season game at Highmark Stadium, and the atmosphere was special,” Trubisky said after throwing TD passes to Dawson Knox (17 yards), Ray Davis (2 yards), Gabe Davis (2 yards) and Ty Johnson (6 yards). He had only played in three games before this weekend and only threw six passes.
In Houston’s 38–30 win over Indianapolis, Brooks, who had only four carries on the season before Sunday, ran 13 times for 63 yards, including a 20-yard gain, playing 35 total snaps. Huzzie had three tackles and snagged his first career interception, playing 36 total snaps.
Maye made more history even though he played only 45 snaps, going 14 of 18 for 191 yards and a touchdown before watching the end of New England’s 38–10 home win over the Miami Dolphins.
The win capped a stunning turnaround for the Patriots, who went from four wins last season to 14 this year and the AFC East title. In the wild-card round, New England will host former UNC teammate Omarion Hampton — one of the players who sat out Sunday games — and the Los Angeles Chargers at 8 p.m. Sunday (NBC).
“We’ve come a long way,” said Maye, whose 72% completion percentage is the sixth-highest in NFL history. “It takes everybody — took everybody in the locker room, every coach. That’s what we wanted. One of the goals was to host home playoff games, and this is what we wanted. It’s win or go home now, and the mentality changes from that standpoint.”
Maye’s lone touchdown pass came in the second quarter, a 15-yard strike to Rhamondre Stevenson, part of a stretch where the Patriots shook off a brief stumble and scored 24 straight points to put the game away.
“I think just staying true to us,” Maye said of the response after Miami cut the lead to 14–10. “I’ve got to find a way to get the ball in people’s hands to make some plays.”
The rookie’s efficiency was emblematic of a season that has him in the thick of the MVP conversation. When asked what accomplishment stands out most, Maye didn’t cite stats.
“Fourteen wins and probably 8–0 on the road,” he said. “That’s probably the biggest thing I’m most proud of.”
He also praised the team’s balance and chemistry.
“We get a lot of people involved,” Maye said. “A lot of people catch passes, a lot of people score touchdowns. That’s one of the toughest things about defending us.”
As with every week, Maye made more history.
Maye recorded his 13th game with a 100-plus rating (129.4), surpassing Tom Brady (12 games) for the most in a season in franchise history. He has also tied Patrick Mahomes for the most such games by a player under the age of 24 in a single season all-time.
In addition to Tar Heels in the Patriots-Chargers matchup in the wild-card round, Dyami Brown’s Jacksonville Jaguars host Trubisky’s Buffalo Bills at 1 p.m. Sunday (CBS), and Houston, with Brooks and Huzzie, plays on the road against Pittsburgh (with Cole Holcomb) at 8 p.m. Monday (ABC, ESPN).
In Baltimore’s 26–24 loss Sunday night at Pittsburgh, Tez Walker had two catches on two targets, includingd a 38-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter. His third touchdown reception of the season and fourth of his career came after only catching four passes all season before Sunday.
Elsewhere on Week 18:
— Indianapolis wide receiver Josh Down caught all four passes targeted to him for 61 yards and returned a punt 13 yards.
— Arizona running back Michael Carter, in his fifth start, ran seven times for 18 yards and caught three passes for 21 yards.
— Jacksonville wide receiver Dyami Brown caught the only pass targeted to him for eight yards in eight offensive snaps.
— Pittsburgh linebacker Cole Holcomb played off the bench with no statistics.
— Tampa Bay offensive lineman Charlie Heck played five of his seven snaps on special teams, reporting tackle-eligible twice.
— New Orleans offensive lineman Asim Richards reported tackle-eligible twice, playing 56 offensive snaps and four special-teams snaps.
— Dallas running back Javonte Williams didn’t play.
—Atlanta cornerback Mike Hughes didn’t play (ankle injury).
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 Week 1 — Vikings 13, Giants 10 | didn’t start, 1 assist; 11 offensive snaps (20%)
Preseason Week 2 — Saturday: Ravens 13, Vikings 3 | didn’t start, 2 tackles; 24 defensive snaps (41%), 5 special-teams snaps (25%)
Preseason Week 3 — 9 p.m. Friday at Denver, NFL Network
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 Week 1 — Rams 20, Chiefs 12 | started; played all 54 offensive snaps
Preseason Week 2 — Saturday: Rams 34, Saints 0 | started, called for offensive holding; played all 79 offensive snaps
Preseason Week 3 — 10 p.m. Thursday at Los Angeles Chargers, NFL Network
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 Week 1 — Chargers 27, Raiders 13 | missed game recovering from hand surgery
Preseason Week 2 — Thursday: Raiders 22, Texans 20 | missed game recovering from hand surgery
Preseason Week 3 — Friday at Carolina, WRAZ
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 Week 1 — 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%)
Preseason Week 2 — Saturday: Lions 17, Commanders 13 | didn’t start, 1 catch on 1 target, 3 yards; 11 offensive snaps (23%)
Preseason Week 3 — 6 p.m. Friday at Baltimore, NFL Network
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 Week 1 — 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%)
Preseason Week 2 — Sunday: Titans 19, Seahawks 16 | didn’t start, 7 carries, 28 yards (11 longest); 0 catches on 1 target; 1 kickoff return, 22 yards; 22 offensive snaps (28%), 3 special-teams snaps (12%)
Preseason Week 3 — 6 p.m. Saturday vs. Chicago, NFL Network
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; third-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 Week 1 — 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%)
Preseason Week 2 — Saturday: Rams 34, Saints 0 | didn’t start, 6 carries, 21 yards (7 longest); 1 catch on 2 targets, 10 yards; 1 kickoff return, 26 yards; 19 offensive snaps (28%), 11 special-teams snaps (55%)
Preseason Week 3 — 8 p.m. Friday at Dallas
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 Week 1 — Colts 13, Patriots 13 | Didn’t play
Preseason Week 2 — Saturday: Falcons 34, Colts 6 | Didn’t play
Preseason Week 3 — 1 p.m. Saturday vs. Detroit, NFL Network
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 Week 1 — Vikings 13, Giants 10 | Played 27 offensive snaps (50%) and 1 special-teams snap (4%) off the bench
Preseason Week 2 — Saturday: Giants 26, Dolphins 3 | didn’t start, injured on late third-quarter play; 47 offensive snaps (58%), 5 special-teams snaps (19%)
Preseason Week 3 — 7:30 Friday at New York Jets
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 Week 1 — Rams 20, Chiefs 12 | didn’t play
Preseason Week 2 — Saturday: Rams 34, Saints 0 | didn’t start, 1 tackle; 28 defensive snaps (42%), 1 special-teams snap (5%)
Preseason Week 3 — 10 p.m. Thursday at Los Angeles Chargers, NFL Network
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 Week 1 — Colts 13, Patriots 13 | 1 tackle, 21 defensive snaps (32%), 3 special-teams snaps (11%)
Preseason Week 2 — Saturday: Patriots 24, Eagles 21 | didn’t start, 2 tackles, 1 assist, 1 sack, 2 tackles for losses, 2 quarterback hits; 15 defensive snaps (24%), 4 special-teams snaps (16%)
Preseason Week 3 — 8 p.m. Thursday at Cleveland, Prime Video
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 Week 1 — Titans 19, 49ers 13 | started, 2 tackles, 1 assist; 26 defensive snaps (34%), 1 special-teams snap (4%)
Preseason Week 2 — Sunday: Titans 19, Seahawks 16 | started, 3 tackles, 2 assists, 1 pass defended; 25 defensive snaps (49%), 5 special-teams snaps (19%)
Preseason Week 3 — 6 p.m. Saturday vs. Chicago, NFL Network
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 Week 1 — Chargers 27, Texans 7 | didn’t play
Preseason Week 2 — Thursday: 49ers 41, Chargers 17 | started: 1 carry, -1 yard; 3 offensive snaps (5%)
Preseason Week 3 — 10 p.m. Thursday vs. Los Angeles Rams, 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 left tackle
2025 statistics (Tampa Bay)— 18 games, 1 tackle, 701 offensive snaps, 642 special-teams snaps
Preseason Week 1 — Commanders 20, Dolphins 7 | Played 27 offensive snaps (49%) and 1 special-teams snap (4%) off the bench
Preseason Week 2 — Saturday: Giants 26, Dolphins 3 | started, called for offensive holding and a false start; 30 offensive snaps (83%), 1 special-teams snap (4%)
Preseason Week 3 — 7 p.m. Friday vs. Atlanta
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 Week 1 — Steelers 28, Packers 9 | didn’t start, 2 tackles; 37 defensive snaps (62%), 10 special-teams snaps (38%)
Preseason Week 2 — Thursday: Jets 17, Steelers 0 | didn’t start, 1 tackle, 1 assist; 17 defensive snaps (29%), 8 special-teams snaps (36%)
Preseason Week 3 — 7 p.m. Thursday at Buffalo, 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 Week 1 — Colts 13, Patriots 13 | Started, 2 catches on 4 targets, 24 yards (18 longest); 13 offensive snaps
Preseason Week 2 — Saturday: Patriots 24, Eagles 21 | didn’t start; 1 special-teams snap (4%)
Preseason Week 3 — 8 p.m. Thursday at Cleveland, Prime Video
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 Week 1 — 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%)
Preseason Week 2 — Cowboys 34, Cardinals 13 | started second half, 7 of 10, 65 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT, 1 sack (6 yards), 47.9 passer rating; 1 carry, 7 yards; 28 offensive snaps (47%)
Preseason Week 3 — 8 p.m. Friday vs. New Orleans
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 Week 1 — Broncos 27, Falcons 7 | Started, 1 tackle, 2 assists; 14 defensive snaps (19%), 1 special-teams snap (4%)
Preseason Week 2 — Saturday: Falcons 34, Colts 6 | didn’t play
Preseason Week 3 — 7 p.m. Friday at Miami
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 Week 1 — Chargers 27, Raiders 13 | Didn’t start, 2 tackles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 pass defended; 30 defensive snaps (45%), 7 special-teams snaps (32%)
Preseason Week 2 — Thursday: Raiders 22, Texans 20 | 2 tackles, 2 assists; 1 punt return, 8 yards; 36 defensive snaps (52%), 10 special-teams snaps (32%)
Preseason Week 3 — Friday at Carolina, WRAZ
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 Week 1 — Ravens 24, Eagles 7 | started; 23 offensive snaps (52%), 1 special-teams snap (4%); played center and guard
Preseason Week 2 — Saturday: Patriots 24, Eagles 21 | started; 18 offensive snaps (29%), 3 special-teams snaps (12%)
Preseason Week 3 — 8 p.m. Friday vs. Cincinnati, CB
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 Week 1 — Colts 13, Patriots 13 | Didn’t play
Preseason Week 2 — Saturday: Patriots 24, Eagles 21 | Didn’t play
Preseason Week 3 — 8 p.m. Thursday at Cleveland, Prime Video
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 Week 1— Vikings 13, Giants 10 | 2 catches on 4 targets, 13 yards (7 longest); 25 offensive snaps (42%), 10 special-teams snaps (42%)
Preseason Week 2 — Saturday: Ravens 13, Vikings 3 | didn’t start; 1 catch on 2 targets, 16 yards; 17 offensive snaps (26%), 12 special-teams snaps (60%)
Preseason Week 3 — 9 p.m. Friday at Denver, NFL Network
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 Week 1 — Jaguars 24, Saints 20 | started; called for a false start; 45 offensive snaps (68%), 5 special-teams snaps (18%)
Preseason Week 2 — Saturday: Rams 34, Saints 0 | started; 26 offensive snaps (39%)
Preseason Week 3 — 8 p.m. Friday at Dallas
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 — Third-string defensive tackle
2025 statistics (New England) —Spent season on practice squad
Preseason Week 1 — Vikings 13, Giants 10 | 2 assists; 9 defensive snaps (17%)
Preseason Week 2 — Saturday: Ravens 13, Vikings 3 | didn’t start; 1 tackle; 27 defensive snaps (47%), 3 special-teams snaps (15%)
Preseason Week 3 — 9 p.m. Friday at Denver, 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 Week 1 — Ravens 24, Eagles 7 | didn’t start, 1 assist; 16 defensive snaps (36%), 7 special-teams snaps (30%)
Preseason Week 2 — Saturday: Ravens 13, Vikings 3 | didn’t start; 1 tackle, 1 QB hit; 31 defensive snaps (48%), 7 special-teams snaps (35%)
Preseason Week 3 — 6 p.m. Friday vs. Washington, NFL Network
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 Week 1 — Chargers 27, Raiders 13 | didn’t play
Preseason Week 2 — Thursday: Raiders 22, Texans 20 | didn’t play
Preseason Week 3 — Friday at Carolina
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 Week 1 — Cowboys 17, Seahawks 7 | didn’t start, 2 tackles, 4 assists, 1 forced fumble; 40 defensive snaps (61%), 5 special-teams snaps (28%)
Preseason Week 2 — Sunday: Titans 19, Seahawks 16 | started; 4 tackles, 1 assist, 1 forced fumble; 35 defensive snaps (45%), 3 special-teams snaps (12%)
Preseason Week 3 — 8 p.m. Friday at Kansas City
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 Week 1 — Titans 19, 49ers 13 | didn’t start, 2-3, 23 yards (17 longest), 89.6 passer rating; 8 offensive snaps (13%)
Preseason Week 2 — Sunday: Titans 19, Seahawks 16 | didn’t start, 7 of 9, 0 TDs, 0 INTs, 49 yards, 89.4 passer rating; 16 offensive snaps (21%)
Preseason Week 3 — 6 p.m. Saturday vs. Chicago, NFL Network
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 — Third-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 Week 1 — Vikings 13, Giants 10 | played 1 defensive snap (2%) off the bench
Preseason Week 2 — Saturday: Ravens 13, Vikings 3 | didn’t start; 18 defensive snaps (31%), 4 special-teams snaps (20%)
Preseason Week 3 — 9 p.m. Friday at Denver, NFL Network
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 Week 1 — 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%)
Preseason Week 2 — Saturday: Ravens 13, Vikings 3 | started; 2 catches on 3 targets, 32 yards (27 longest); 32 offensive snaps (55%), 6 special-teams snaps (30%)
Preseason Week 3 — 6 p.m. Friday vs. Washington, NFL Network
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 Week 1 — Cowboys 17, Seahawks 7 | didn’t play
Preseason Week 2 — Saturday: Cowboys 34, Cardinals 13 | didn’t play
Preseason Week 3 — 8 p.m. Friday vs. New Orleans
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 @BuffaloBills
