University of North Carolina Athletics
Tar Heels In The NFL - Week One
September 16, 2026 | Football
With the first week of the NFL season complete, former Tar Heels were in action across the league.
Below is a recap of each player's performance from Week One.
British Brooks, Houston Texans (RB) – Brooks did not play in the Texans' season opener against the Bills.
Dyami Brown, Washington Commanders (WR) – Brown played 37 offensive snaps and was targeted twice.
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts (WR) – Downs recorded two receptions for 37 yards, averaging 18.5 yards per catch, on four targets over 48 snaps. His longest reception went for 25 yards, and he earned a 66.0 overall PFF offensive grade and a team-leading 65.8 receiving grade.
Joshua Ezeudu, Kansas City Chiefs (OL) – Ezeudu made his season debut in the Chiefs' 31-10 win over the Broncos, playing three offensive snaps and earning a 66.2 PFF offensive grade.
Cedric Gray, Tennessee Titans (LB) – Gray was inactive for Tennessee's game due to an injury.
Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers (RB) – Hampton recorded 12 carries for 43 yards, averaging 3.6 yards per rush, and scored one touchdown.
Cole Holcomb, Pittsburgh Steelers (LB) – Holcomb recorded one tackle in the Steelers 20-13 win over the Falcons.
Mack Hollins, New England Patriots (WR) – Hollins recorded four receptions on five targets for 51 yards, including a long of 19 yards, while playing 50 of 70 offensive snaps, the most among Patriots wide receivers.
Sam Howell, Dallas Cowboys (QB) – Howell did not log any statistics in the Cowboys' season opener against the Giants.
Willie Lampkin, Philadelphia Eagles (OG) – Lampkin played four special teams snaps in Philadelphia's 24–22 win over Washington.
Drake Maye, New England Patriots (QB) – Maye completed 23 of 33 passes for 178 yards and one touchdown, averaging 5.4 yards per attempt with a long completion of 19 yards.
Asim Richards, New Orleans Saints (OL) – Richards played five special teams snaps and earned a 60.3 PFF special teams grade.
MJ Stewart, Houston Texans (CB) – Stewart did not appear in the game due to a quadriceps injury and will miss at least the Texans' first four games.
Chazz Surratt, Seattle Seahawks (LB) – Surratt played 17 special teams snaps and recorded two tackles in Seattle's 13–10 season-opening win over New England.
Mitchell Trubisky, Tennessee Titans (QB) – Trubisky did not play in the Titans' season opener against the Giants.
Devontez Walker, Baltimore Ravens (WR) – Walker was inactive for Baltimore's season-opening 41–23 win over Indianapolis due to a groin/ankle injury.
Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys (RB) – Williams recorded 12 carries for 41 yards with a long of eight yards and one rushing touchdown. He also caught all five of his targets for 31 yards and added a receiving touchdown. Williams earned a 78.0 PFF offensive grade, the second-highest on the Cowboys' offense and ninth among NFL running backs, along with a 79.4 pass-blocking grade.
