While there are some Hoosier names that have the comfort of knowing they have a 2018 NFL roster spot, others are competing right now to make the various 53-man teams on opening day.
Take a look below at the stats, news and notes from preseason week one for the various former Indiana University football stars that are competing for 2018 roster spots.
IAN THOMAS, CAROLINA TE
A Panthers writer for the Charlotte Observer simply said this from practice on Sunday:
Ian Thomas looks like he’s going to be big-time.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 12, 2018
Thomas had one catch for two yards and was targeted four times in Carolina’s preseason opener against Buffalo on Friday.
RASHARD FANT, CHICAGO DB
Fant didn’t travel with the Bears for their 2nd preseason game in Cincinnati due to an injury. He has been dealing with injuries throughout training camp.
CHRIS COVINGTON, DALLAS LB
Covington didn’t travel with the Cowboys for the first preseason game at San Francisco. He has reportedly been dealing with bronchitis.
MICHAEL HUNTER, DENVER DB
Hunter played in the Broncos preseason opener and had two tackles, including one solo on the day. He saw 25 snaps, or 32% of the total.
SHANE WYNN, JACKSONVILLE WR
Wynn was active in the Saints first preseason tilt against the Saints, catching 3 passes for 39 yards on 3 targets. He also added a carry for 5 yards. The Jaguars’ website had this observation on Wynn after the game:
The third-year wide receiver just keeps making plays. His 24-yard reception from Kessler Thursday was the sort of dynamic, downfield play he has made routinely in camp. “I’m basically just playing with a chip on my shoulder, man,” Wynn said. “I’m just trying to do what I can do for the team. When my number is called, I just do what I can do and hopefully continue to make plays.”
ROBERT MCCRAY, KANSAS CITY LB
McCray saw 14 snaps for the Chiefs in their preseason opener against Houston.
TEGRAY SCALES, LOS ANGELES RAMS, LB
Scales was busy in the Rams opener. He saw 41 snaps on defense, or 55% of all plays, and another 19 snaps on special teams, representing 58% of all special teams plays. The former Hoosier star had 5 tackles, including 4 solos and a tackle for a loss.
Bleacher Report described Scales as “the top undrafted free agent with the Rams turning heads in Los Angeles.”
CODY LATIMER, NEW YORK GIANTS WR
Latimer saw 21 snaps in the first preseason game against Cleveland. The Giants website had this report on Latimer from Sunday’s practice:
Latimer was a consistent star during OTAs and mandatory minicamp back in the spring, but with the return of Odell Beckham Jr., he has not been as active so far in training camp. On Sunday, however, he made a play that drew a big reaction from his teammates. During red zone drills, Latimer was lined up one-on-one with cornerback Janoris Jenkins on the left side of the formation. Quarterback Eli Manning threw him a perfect corner fade, and Latimer leaped to catch the ball at its highest point over Jenkins. He managed to get both feet down for a slick touchdown grab. Latimer also caught a deep pass from Eli Manning to during half field passing drills, getting more than three yards of separation from Leonard Johnson.
You can see the touchdown play here:
#Giants Training Camp Play of the Day: Eli Manning connects with Cody Latimer on a touch pass in the corner of the end zone. pic.twitter.com/1z2MZMaJxV
— David Spampinato (@DavidSpampinato) August 13, 2018
NATE SUDFELD, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES QB
Sudfeld was 10-14 for 140 yards in the Eagles preseason opener against Pittsburgh. He had 2 touchdown passes and threw 2 interceptions. His quarterback rating was 103.3. Eagles head coach Doug Pederson said this about his performance:
“I think overall (he) played pretty well,” said Eagles head coach Doug Pederson. “Obviously, the two turnovers are critical, but those are things that are all correctible and are teachable moments. I can do a better job teaching the route and teaching the progression and all that and helping him there. But I thought once he settled down, made some really nice throws down the field, I believe one to Bryce (Treggs) and one to Dallas (Goedert). After he settled in and had the one interception and came back and we got the touchdown after that and the two-point conversion. I thought overall, not too bad for the first time out.”
SIMMIE COBBS, WASHINGTON REDSKINS WR
Cobbs had 1 catch for 2 yards on 1 target in Washington’s first preseason game against New England. Cobbs saw 23 snaps on offense and 6 special teams plays.
Cobbs’ chances of making the team have improved after the season ending injury of Robert Davis.