By R.L. Bynum
After a weekend when starters Drake Maye, Omarion Hampton, Josh Downs and Javonte Williams all sat out the final preseason games and Sam Howell had his best preseason showing, there was plenty of other roster activity, much of it not good for former UNC players.
Howell, competing with Joe Milton to be Dallas’ backup quarterback behind Dak Prescott, connected on 12 of 17 for 155 yards and two touchdowns run and a 130.6 passer rating in the Cowboys’ 26–24 loss Friday to New Orleans.
Howell played all of the second half after Milton went 8 of 15 for 92 yards, no touchdowns and a 72.1 passer rating in the first half. Dallas appears ready to enter the season carrying three quarterbacks.
Howell threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Hudson and a 21-yard scoring strike to Mitchell Van Vooren. Howell tied the game with a two-point conversion run midway through the fourth quarter.
Howell also had a 52-yard completion to Hudson.
The New York Giants traded Joshua Ezeudu to Kansas City on Wednesday for a seventh-round pick, a landing spot he’ll try to make count after tearing his calf in training camp last year and missing the entire 2025 season. He didn’t play in the Chiefs’ preseason finale.
New Orleans put running back Ty Chandler on season-ending injured reserve after suffering a knee injury in the Saints’ second preseason game. He had rushed for 45 yards across two preseason appearances before the injury.
Rookie cornerback Thaddeus Dixon never got the chance to compete for a roster spot with the Giants. He tore his Achilles tendon during a team workout in the spring, ending his rookie season before it began.
Houston safety M.J. Stewart remains on the physically unable to perform list with a torn quad and did not play during the preseason.
Teams waived six former UNC players on Sunday as they trimmed rosters to 53 players, and others are out with injuries. All could be added to their teams’ practice squads if they clear waivers.
Tight end Bryson Nesbit was waived with an injury designation by Minnesota after catching three passes for 29 yards across two preseason games. He had been working as the fifth-string tight end on the Vikings’ depth chart.
The five other Tar Heels waived:
— Baltimore’s roster crunch at outside linebacker claimed Kaimon Rucker, who put together arguably one the best preseason performance of the weekend by any former Tar Heel, totaling five tackles, an assist, a sack for a loss of six yards, two tackles for losses and a quarterback hit in Friday’s 41–3 win over Washington.
The Ravens were flush with pass rushers after trading for Trey Hendrickson and drafting Mike Green and Zion Young. Rucker was among the roster’s toughest cuts. He and running back Jonathan Ward are both expected to rejoin Baltimore’s practice squad if they clear waivers.
— After playing every offensive snap of all three preseason games for the Los Angeles Rams, they waived center Austin Blaske. He had a 75.8 Pro Football Focus grade that briefly had him in the mix for a 53-man spot.
— The Rams also waived linebacker Tomon Fox after he had 28 tackles and 13 special teams tackles across two preseason games.
— Running back Michael Carter was let go by Tennessee after catching three passes for 20 yards and adding a 43-yard kickoff return in the preseason finale. He combined for 38 rushing yards in the first two preseason games.
— New England waived linebacker Amari Gainer after he had four tackles and two assists in 63 defensive snaps over three preseason games.
In addition to Maye and with New England, Hampton with the Los Angeles Chargers, Downs with Indianapolis and Williams with Dallas, all with starting spots secured, also not playing in the final preseason games were Washington’s Dyami Brown (second-string wide receiver), Houston’s British Brooks (recovering from hand injury), New England’s wide receiver Mack Hollins (second-string wide receiver), Philadelphia’s Willie Lampkin (second-string right guard), Seattle’s Chazz Surratt (third-string weakside linebacker) and Tennessee’s Mitch Trubisky (backup quarterback).
Here’s a rundown of other players who played in the final preseason games:
— Marcus Allen, a third-string cornerback for Minnesota, had an assist in 15 total snaps off the bench.
— Charlie Heck, set to open the season as Miami’s second-string left tackle, came off the bench for 19 offensive snaps (33%) and four special teams snaps (15%).
— Cole Holcomb, Pittsburgh’s backup inside linebacker, started and had three tackles, two assists and a tackle for a loss over 41 defensive snaps (61%).
— Michael Hughes, Atlanta’s starting left cornerback, defended one pass in 14 defensive snaps (24%).
— Alijah Huzzie, Houston’s backup nickelback, had two tackles, one on kickoff coverage, and a fair catch of a punt in 47 total snaps.
— Asim Richards, New Orleans’ second-string left tackle, played 32 offensive snaps (54%) and five special-teams snaps.
— Jahvaree Ritzie, a fourth-string defensive tackle for Minnesota, recorded three tackles and an assist.
— Rookie Smith Vilbert, a third-string defensive end for Minnesota, had one tackle in 35 total snaps.
— Tez Walker, a second-string wide receiver for Baltimore, had three catches for 22 yards in 41 snaps.
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 — Ravens 13, Vikings 3 | didn’t start, 2 tackles; 24 defensive snaps (41%), 5 special-teams snaps (25%)
Preseason Week 3 — Friday: Broncos 34, Vikings 6 | didn’t start, 1 assist; 5 defensive snaps (7%), 10 special-teams snaps (38%)
Season opener — 4:15 Sept. 13 vs. Green Bay, CBS
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 — Raiders 22, Texans 20 | missed game recovering from hand surgery
Preseason Week 3 — Friday: Panthers 16, Texans 13 | missed game recovering from hand surgery
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 — Second-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 — Lions 17, Commanders 13 | didn’t start, 1 catch on 1 target, 3 yards; 11 offensive snaps (23%)
Preseason Week 3 — Friday: Ravens 41, Commanders 3 | didn’t play
Season opener — 4:25 Sept. 13 at Philadelphia, Fox
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 — Falcons 34, Colts 6 | Didn’t play
Preseason Week 3 — Saturday: Lions 25, Colts 16 | Didn’t play (expected to be ready for Week 1, but has dealt with a minor calf injury)
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. Baltimore, CBS
Joshua Ezeudu, Kansas City Chiefs tackle/guard
Age 26 | 6–4, 310 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2018–21
Roster situation — Reserve tackle
2025 statistics — (with New York Giants) Missed the season with a severe calf injury suffered during training camp (played 17 games in 2024)
Traded: The Giants traded him to the Chiefs on Wednesday for a seventh-round draft pick.
Preseason Week 1 — (with Giants) Vikings 13, Giants 10 | Played 27 offensive snaps (50%) and 1 special-teams snap (4%) off the bench
Preseason Week 2 — (with Giants) 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 — (with Chiefs) Chiefs 9, Seahawks 9 | didn’t play
Season opener — 8:15 Monday, Sept. 14 vs. Denver, ESPN
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 — Saturday: Bears 24, Titans 15 | started, 1 tackle; 13 defensive snaps (19%), 1 special-teams snap (4%)
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 — Thursday: Rams 20, Chargers 18 |
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 — 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 — Friday: Falcons 17, Dolphins 12 | didn’t start, 19 offensive snaps (33%), 4 special-teams snaps (15%)
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 — Jets 17, Steelers 0 | didn’t start, 1 tackle, 1 assist; 17 defensive snaps (29%), 8 special-teams snaps (36%)
Preseason Week 3 — Thursday: Bills 28, Steelers 27 | started, 3 tackles, 2 assists, 1 tackle for a loss; 41 defensive snaps (61%), 9 special-teams snaps (29%)
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 — Patriots 24, Eagles 21 | didn’t start; 1 special-teams snap (4%)
Preseason Week 3 — Thursday: Browns 37, Patriots 13 | didn’t play
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 — Friday: Saints 27, Cowboys 24 | started second half, 12 of 17, 155 yards, two touchdowns (26-yard pass to Jordan Hudson; 21-yard pass to Mitchell Van Vooren), 0 interceptions, 130.6 passer rating; 1 carry, 2 yards; two-point conversion run; 32 offensive snaps (48%)
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 — Falcons 34, Colts 6 | didn’t play
Preseason Week 3 — Friday: Falcons 17, Dolphins 12 | started, 1 pass defended; 14 defensive snaps (24%), 1 special-teams snap (4%)
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 | didn’t start, 2 tackles, 2 assists; 1 punt return, 8 yards; 36 defensive snaps (52%), 10 special-teams snaps (32%)
Preseason Week 3 — Friday: Panthers 16, Texans 13 | started; 1 tackle, 1 tackle on kickoff coverage, 1 fair catch on punt; 36 defensive snaps (51%), 11 special-teams snaps (46%)
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 — Second-string right guard
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 — Patriots 24, Eagles 21 | started; 18 offensive snaps (29%), 3 special-teams snaps (12%)
Preseason Week 3 — Friday: Bengals 30, Eagles 13 | didn’t play
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 — Thursday: Browns 37, Patriots 13 | Didn’t play
Season opener — 8:30 Sept. 9 at Seattle, NBC
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 — Friday: Saints 27, Cowboys 24 | started; 32 offensive snaps (54%), 5 special-teams snaps (19%)
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 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 — Friday: Broncos 34, Vikings 6 | didn’t start, 3 tackles, 1 assist; 31 defensive snaps (46%), 6 special-teams snaps (23%)
Season opener — 4:15 Sept. 13 vs. Green Bay, 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 — Titans 19, Seahawks 16 | started; 4 tackles, 1 assist, 1 forced fumble; 35 defensive snaps (45%), 3 special-teams snaps (12%)
Preseason Week 3 — Friday: Seahawks 9, Chiefs 9 | didn’t play
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 — Saturday: Bears 24, Titans 15 | didn’t play
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 — Friday: Broncos 34, Vikings 6 | didn’t start; 1 tackle; 28 defensive snaps (42%), 7 special-teams snaps (27%)
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 — Second-string 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 — Friday: Ravens 41, Commanders 3 | didn’t start, 3 catches on 5 targets, 22 yards (11 longest); 41 offensive snaps (59%)
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 — Friday: Saints 27, Cowboys 24 | didn’t play
Season opener — 8:20 Sept. 13 at New York Giants, NBC
On season-ending injured reserve
New Orleans running back Ty Chandler; suffered knee injury in second preseason game; ran for 45 yards in two preseason game
On injured reserve
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
Waived in camp
Center Austin Blaske by Los Angeles Rams; had played every offensive snap of all three preseason games
Running back Michael Carter by Tennessee; had three catches for 20 yards and a 43-yard kickoff return in last preseason game
Linebacker Tomon Fox by Los Angeles Rams; had 28 tackels 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
Linebacker Kaimon Rucker by Baltimore; 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 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 @TheCowboysWire
