By R.L. Bynum
Sam Howell threw a long touchdown pass for the Dallas Cowboys to highlight the performances of former UNC players on the first weekend of NFL preseason games.
Howell started for the Cowboys in their 17–7 win over Seattle and made his case to be the backup quarterback behind Dak Prescott.
“It’s fun,” Howell said. “Any time you get to go out there and play football, it’s fun.”
In the Cowboys’ first depth chart released last week, the No. 2 quarterback is listed as Howell or Joe Milton.
“It’s been a very highly competitive contest,” Dallas coach Brian Schottenheimer said last week of the battle for the backup spot. “I think Joe’s talent and ability to throw the football and athleticism jumps off the practice field when you see it. I think Sam’s doing a great job of moving the team.”
Howell did move the ball well on Saturday.
“Moved the ball all right,” Howell said. “Obviously there are some plays that I would like to have back. It was good to get out there and play with the guys, and we had a lot of fun out there. I’m sure there are things we can clean up, but like I said, it was just good to get out there and play football.”
He did that well on a two-minute drill at the end of the first half, scrambling for 10 yards to convert on a third-and-seven. He then completed back-to-back passes to tight end Michael Trigg before lofting a pass to wide receiver Cameron Brown for a 39-yard touchdown pass with 38 seconds left.
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“We kind of ran another bubble-move play,” Howell said. “Me and Cam have built a good connection throughout training camp. I know in those one-on-one situations I’m going to give him a chance every time. He made a great play. I was thankful he made the play for me. Any time I have the opportunity to throw the ball to him one-on-one, especially down the field, I’m going to do it. He’s a great player. He works so hard. Great kid. The sky is the limit for him.”
Howell completed 8 of 12 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown and posted a 118.1 passer rating while adding two carries for 15 yards.
“We put that one 16-, 17-play drive together,” Howell said. “It shows you how well we were able to execute. We did a lot of good things. A lot of guys made a lot of good plays, so something to build on for sure.”
He played 26 offensive snaps, or 39% of Dallas’s total. Howell appeared in two games with Seattle in 2024 but didn’t play a regular-season down in 2025 with Philadelphia.
“I feel good. I just try to take it one day at a time,” Howell said. “That’s kind of my mindset. Just keep trying to grow in the offense and grow in the system. I feel like I’m getting more comfortable each and every day. So just try to make the most of each and every day and try to learn from my mistakes and not make the same mistake twice. I think that’s the biggest thing. I feel like I’m in a good place, but I know there is a lot of room to improve and I’m excited to get back to work.”
Milton was 12 of 15 for 107 yards and one touchdown with a quarterback rating of 118.6, taking 40 snaps (61%).
“It’s hard to speak on quarterbacks when you don’t watch the film, but I thought both guys functioned outstanding,” Shottenheimer said. “They both were tasked with going out there and playing against heavy pressure. A [Seattle coach] Mike Macdonald defense is going to be a heavy pressure team. They brought a bunch of things against us that we weren’t prepared for, but we didn’t handle very well, so they were taking some shots. But they just hung in there and made the throws when they had to make them. They were both very efficient.”
Strong outings up front
A few offensive and defensive linemen got chances to improve their roster situations.
Rookie Austin Blaske started at center for the Rams and played every offensive snap in their 20–12 win over Kansas City, a full workload in his first professional game action.
Second-year lineman Willie Lampkin, who was on injured reserve during his rookie season, started for the Eagles against Baltimore, playing both center and guard for 23 snaps (52%) before Philadelphia fell 24–7.
Asim Richards started at left tackle for the Saints in their 24–20 loss to Jacksonville, playing 45 offensive snaps (68%), though he was flagged for a false start.
Joshua Ezeudu, listed as third-string tackle, came off the bench for the Giants and logged 27 offensive snaps (50%) in Minnesota’s 13–10 win.
Charlie Heck, listed as second-string right tackle, came off the bench for Miami in its 20–7 loss to Washington, playing 27 offensive snaps (49%).
Standouts on defense
On defense, Alijah Huzzie was a bright spot for Houston in a 27–13 loss to the Raiders, recording two tackles, a fumble recovery and a pass defended across 30 defensive snaps (45%).
Linebacker Chazz Surratt made an impact off the bench for Seattle, finishing with two tackles, four assists and a forced fumble in 40 defensive snaps (61%) during the loss to Dallas.
Cedric Gray started at weakside linebacker for Tennessee’s 19–13 win over San Francisco, contributing two tackles and an assist in 26 defensive snaps (34%).
Mike Hughes started at left cornerback for Atlanta in a 27–7 loss to Denver, recording a tackle and two assists in limited action (14 defensive snaps, 19%).
Top receivers
Tez Walker started at wide receiver for Baltimore’s 24–7 win over Philadelphia, catching all three targets thrown his way for 31 yards and adding a special-teams tackle on kickoff coverage.
Mack Hollins started for New England in a 13–13 tie with Indianapolis, catching two of four targets for 24 yards.
Bryson Nesbit caught two of four targets for 13 yards for the Vikings.
In other preseason action:
— Mitch Trubisky went 2 of 3 for 23 yards in relief of Cam Ward for Tennessee.
— Dyami Brown had one catch on two targets for 22 yards and registered a tackle after an interception on a pass intended for him
— Ty Chandler carried six times for 24 yards and added an 86-yard kickoff return for New Orleans.
— Marcus Allen played 11 offensive snaps (20%) for Minnesota with an assist.
— Amari Gainer recorded a tackle across 21 defensive snaps (32%) for New England.
— Kaimon Rucker had an assist in 16 defensive snaps (36%) for Baltimore.
— Jahvaree Ritzie logged two assists for Minnesota.
— Michael Carter carried twice for 10 yards and caught a pass for 13 yards for Tennessee.
— Smith Vilbert played one defensive snap off the bench for Minnesota.
Who didn’t play?
Several notable Tar Heels sat out their team’s preseason opener entirely, including Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, Chargers running back Omarion Hampton, Colts wide receiver Josh Downs, Rams linebacker Tomon Fox, Texans safety M.J. Stewart and Texans fullback British Brooks. Stewart is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list with a quadriceps injury, and Brooks is recovering from hand surgery.
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 @dallascowboys
