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 two for the various former Indiana University football stars that are competing for 2018 roster spots.
IAN THOMAS, CAROLINA TE
Thomas found the end zone in week two on a 27 yard touchdown pass from Cam Newton:
He had two catches for 35 yards on the game.
Thomas has been turning heads in the preseason, including Newton’s who said “He doesn’t even know how good he’s capable of being.”
You can read a profile of Thomas published today by his hometown paper, the Baltimore Sun, here.
RASHARD FANT, CHICAGO DB
Fant was not in uniform for the second week in a row, reportedly dealing with an injury.
CHRIS COVINGTON, DALLAS LB
Covington is reportedly in a very tough battle to earn one of the final roster spots in Dallas. He has finally returned to practice after dealing with bronchitis for a prolonged period of time. Covington had 13 special teams snaps vs. Cincinnati in week two. He’s expected to play extensively in week three, and that game is likely to determine whether he earns a roster spot.
You can watch a video with more on Covington’s battle to make the roster here.
MICHAEL HUNTER, DENVER DB
Hunter missed the week two contest while dealing with migraine headaches. He also missed yesterday’s practice with the same issue. The Broncos are dealing with several inactive players in their secondary, which would present an opportunity for Hunter if he can get back on the field.
SHANE WYNN, JACKSONVILLE WR
Wynn had two catches for 10 yards on three targets against the Vikings. He had missed some practice time earlier in the week after sustaining a foot injury during the preseason opener. That injury appears to have been minor.
Jacksonville appears to have the top five wide receiver positions locked down. If the Jaguars decide to go with six wide receivers on their roster, Wynn is a clear contender for that spot.
ROBERT MCCRAY, KANSAS CITY LB
McCray did not appear on any snap count lists for the week two contest against Atlanta. He is still being mentioned as a long shot candidate to make the roster as recent as yesterday.
TEGRAY SCALES, LOS ANGELES RAMS, LB
Scales had four tackles including one solo and one pass deflection against the Raiders. Andrew Ortenberg of Rams Wire had this to say about his performance.
“Tegray Scales looked good at inside linebacker and should be considered a legitimate threat to make the team at a position where the Rams are thin.”
CODY LATIMER, NEW YORK GIANTS WR
Latimer had one catch for 15 yards on two targets against the Lions. He has been lining up regularly in practice as the third receiver along with with Odell Beckham, Jr. and Sterling Shepard. Latimer looks to be in a good position to make the roster. The Giants released a video with a closer look at Latimer’s week two.
NATE SUDFELD, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES QB
Sudfeld continues to take the majority of the preseason snaps in Philadelphia, and he continues to impress. In week two against New England he went 22 for 39 for 312 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. He continues to be in a challenging spot, ultimately behind Carson Wentz and Nick Foles, but he is doing enough to be at worst a clear No. 2 backup somewhere in the NFL.
SIMMIE COBBS, WASHINGTON REDSKINS WR
Cobbs had two catches for 14 yards in week two against the Jets. He also had one carry for minus seven yards. He was second among the wide receivers with 29 snaps (45%). Redskins site “Hogs Haven” had an assessment of the wide receiver situation through two games, with a prediction that Cobbs will end up on the practice squad:
“Cobbs’ best play of the preseason was running down a Patriots defender before he could score a touchdown. Cobbs hasn’t gotten the same opportunities that Sims has; he also hasn’t shown the incredible athletic ability that Sims has. Cobbs has, however, been a very good blocker in both the run and pass game.”
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