Tar Heels in NFL: Howell rebounds with good game, leads late rally in OT loss; Williams hurt; Trubisky makes season debut

Sam Howell rebounded from a forgettable game a week earlier as the Washington Commanders challenged the reigning NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles before losing 34–31 in overtime Sunday. It was a day when one injury ended Javonte Williams’ day early and another injury led to Mitchell Trubisky making his season debut.

Tar Heels in NFL: Howell rallies Washington to win; Ezeudu, McKethan get first NFL starts as Giants rally; Stewart has big game

Trailing 18 points in the first half, Sam Howell rallied the Washington Commanders to victory and showed the league his poise, accuracy and arm strength. Howell made a terrific pinpoint throw into double coverage to the end zone in the third quarter for a 30-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin to tie the game early in the second half. Washington held on for a 35–33 victory Sunday at Denver.

Tar Heels in NFL: Sam Howell throws for one TD, runs for another to lead Washington victory

There was room to grow for Washington quarterback Sam Howell in his first NFL start as QB1 on Sunday, but at least he got a victory. Howell rebounded from an interception and a costly fumble to throw for one touchdown and run for another as the Commanders earned a 20–16 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday in the opener for both teams.

Tar Heels in NFL: Williams has productive return; several getting extended looks thanks to 90-man rosters throughout preseason

Javonte Williams made his preseason debut for the Denver Broncos after his long recovery from right knee surgery and declared that he is 100%. His performance was productive for the number of snaps he got — 12 rushing yards on three carries and four catches for 18 yards — and just being back on the field for the Broncos’ 21–20 exhibition loss Saturday at San Francisco was huge.

Tar Heels in NFL: Versatile Downs looks good in Colts debut; Richards starts for Cowboys

In his debut wearing an NFL uniform, Josh Downs made a case to start for the Indianapolis Colts and, at the very least, showed he’ll get on the field consistently in his rookie season. In his Colts’ 23–19 road exhibition loss to the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, he caught both passes targeted to him for 29 yards, including an 18-yard reception, and also showed his versatility on his 22nd birthday.

Surratt snags interception in exhibition opener

Chazz Surratt came into his third NFL season with a shot at finally getting playing time and he didn’t do anything to hurt his chances on Thursday night. Surratt, who was on the New York Jets’ practice squad most of last season, had an interception and three tackles Thursday night in the Jets’ 21–16 loss to the Cleveland Browns in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.