University of North Carolina Athletics
Tar Heels In The NFL - Preseason Week Two
August 24, 2026 | Football
With the second week of the NFL preseason complete, former Tar Heels continued to see action across the league.
Below is a recap of each player's performance.
Marcus Allen, Minnesota Vikings (CB) – Allen played 24 defensive snaps and five special teams snaps, recording two tackles in the Vikings' second preseason game.
Austin Blaske, Los Angeles Rams (OL) – Blaske started and played all 78 offensive snaps for the second straight week, helping the Rams to a 34-0 win over the Saints.
British Brooks, Houston Texans (RB) – Brooks did not appear in the Texans' second preseason game against the Raiders due to injury.
Dyami Brown, Washington Commanders (WR) – Brown recorded one reception for three yards in the Commanders' second preseason game.
Michael Carter, Tennessee Titans (RB) – Carter rushed seven times for 28 yards and added a 22-yard kickoff return in the Titans' 19-16 win over Seattle.
Ty Chandler, New Orleans Saints (RB) – Chandler recorded 21 rushing yards on six carries and 10 receiving yards on one catch, while also adding a 26-yard kickoff return.
Thaddeus Dixon, New York Giants (CB) – Did not appear in the Giants' second preseason game.
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts (WR) – Downs did not appear in the Colts' second preseason game.
Power Echols, Seattle Seahawks (LB) – Echols recorded four tackles, including one solo stop, in Seattle's second preseason game.
Joshua Ezeudu, New York Giants (OL) – Ezeudu played 47 offensive snaps, earning a 77.4 PFF grade and helping the Giants to a 26-3 win over Miami before exiting late in the third quarter with a leg injury.
Tomon Fox, Los Angeles Rams (LB) – Fox played 28 defensive snaps and recorded one tackle in the Rams' 34-0 win over the Saints.
Amari Gainer, New England Patriots (LB) – Gainer played 15 defensive snaps, recording three tackles and a sack to close out the first half, while earning an 88.0 PFF grade that ranked among the top defenders in the Patriots' 24-21 win over the Eagles.
Cedric Gray, Tennessee Titans (LB) – Gray started and played 25 defensive snaps and five special teams snaps, recording three solo tackles and two assists in the Titans' second preseason game.
Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers (RB) – Hampton started and played the opening series of the Chargers game against San Francisco.
Charlie Heck, Miami Dolphins (OT) – Heck started and played 30 offensive snaps in Miami's second preseason game.
Cole Holcomb, Pittsburgh Steelers (LB) – Holcomb played 17 defensive snaps and eight special teams snaps, recording one tackle and one assist.
Mack Hollins, New England Patriots (WR) – Hollins played one special teams snap in the Patriots' second preseason game against the Eagles.
Sam Howell, Dallas Cowboys (QB) – Howell completed 7-of-10 passes for 65 yards in the Cowboys' 34-13 win over the Cardinals.
Alijah Huzzie, Houston Texans (CB) – Huzzie played 36 defensive snaps and 10 special teams snaps, recording four tackles.
Willie Lampkin, Philadelphia Eagles (OG) – Lampkin played 18 offensive snaps and three special teams snaps in Philadelphia's second preseason game.
Drake Maye, New England Patriots (QB) – Maye did not appear in the Patriots' second preseason game.
Bryson Nesbit, Minnesota Vikings (TE) – Nesbit played 17 offensive snaps and 12 special teams snaps, recording one catch for 16 yards on two targets.
Asim Richards, New Orleans Saints (OL) – Richards started at left tackle and played 26 offensive snaps in New Orleans' second preseason game.
Jahvaree Ritzie, Minnesota Vikings (DL) – Ritzie played 27 defensive snaps and three special teams snaps, recording one tackle.
Kaimon Rucker, Baltimore Ravens (DL) – Rucker played 31 defensive snaps and seven special teams snaps, recording one tackle and a quarterback hit in the Ravens' 13-3 win over the Vikings.
MJ Stewart, Houston Texans (CB) – Stewart did not appear in the Texans' second preseason game due to injury.
Chazz Surratt, Seattle Seahawks (LB) – Surratt started and played 35 defensive snaps, recording five tackles and forcing a fumble in Seattle's second preseason game.
Mitchell Trubisky, Tennessee Titans (QB) – Trubisky completed 7-of-9 passes for 49 yards and earned an 89.4 passer rating for the Titans' 19-16 win over the Seahawks.
Smith Vilbert, Minnesota Vikings (DE) – Vilbert played 18 defensive snaps and four special teams snaps in Minnesota's second preseason game.
Devontez Walker, Baltimore Ravens (WR) – Walker played 32 offensive snaps, catching two of three targets for 32 yards, including a 27-yard reception, in the Ravens' 13-3 win over the Vikings.
Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys (RB) – Williams did not appear in the Cowboys' second preseason game.Â
