Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1024406
50 SEPT. 17, 2018 BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED IRISH IN THE PROS BY COREY BODDEN I t was a typical preseason in the NFL this year as it relates to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish program. A few players changed teams, some new faces entered the league and competed for starting spots, while oth- ers simply fought for a ros- ter spot on their respective teams. Blue & Gold Illustrated up- dates how each former Irish star who participated in the NFL preseason fared in their endeavors and where their football futures stand head- ing into the 2018 season. As of Sept. 7 • Josh Adams (Played at Notre Dame from 2015‑17), RB, Philadelphia Eagles: Was cut from the Eagles' 53- man roster, but was signed to the team's practice squad shortly after. • George Atkinson III (2011‑13), RB, Free Agent: Did not make the New York Jets' 53-man roster and has not been signed for the team's practice squad. • Scott Daly (2012‑16), LS, Free Agent: Was released by the Dal- las Cowboys and has yet to be signed by another team. • Sheldon Day (2012‑15), DL, San Francisco 49ers: Will remain among the defensive line rotation for the 49ers in his first full year with the organization. • Tyler Eifert (2009‑12), TE, Cin‑ cinnati Bengals: Is healthy to open the season after missing most of last year with a back injury … Likely will be on a limited snap count to begin the year. • Matthias Farley (2011‑15), DB, Indianapolis Colts: After totaling 98 tackles and two interceptions in 2017, will continue as a starter at safety for the Colts. • Michael Floyd (2008‑11), WR, Free Agent: Was not kept by the New Or- leans Saints after signing with the team this summer and is still a free agent. • Will Fuller (2013‑15), WR, Hous‑ ton Texans: Aims to stay healthy in 2018 after injuries cost him six games last season … Did not play in any of the team's preseason games due to a hamstring injury. • Bennett Jackson (2010‑13), DB, Baltimore Ravens: Placed on injured reserve by the Ravens … Reportedly not eligible to return this season. • J.J. Jansen (2004‑07), LS, Caro‑ lina Panthers: Will once again han- dle all the team's long snapping du- ties in 2018. • Jarron Jones (2012‑16), OT, Free Agent: Signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers right before the pre- season, but was waived by the team … Has not been added to a practice squad. • TJ Jones (2010‑13), WR, Detroit Lions: Recorded five receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown in the pre- season … Set career highs in receptions (30) and receiving yards (399) in 2017. • D e S h o n e K i z e r (2014‑16), QB, Green Bay Packers: Won the backup job in Green Bay, beating out former UCLA star Brett Hundley (who was traded to Seattle) … Completed 32 of 60 passes (53.3 percent) for 460 yards with three touch- downs and an interception during the preseason. • Ben Koyack (2011‑14), TE, Jacksonville Jaguars: Waived by the Jaguars, but will head to their injured re- serve after clearing waivers. • Cole Luke (2013‑16), CB, Carolina Panthers: Set to be- gin the year on Carolina's practice squad after getting cut from the 53-man roster. • Nick Martin (2011‑15), OL, Houston Texans: Started in 14 games last season be- fore needing ankle surgery … Will return in 2018 to an- chor the Texans starting of- fensive line. • Zack Martin (2009‑13), OL, Dallas Cowboys: Was the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history when he signed a six-year deal worth $84 million total with $40 million guaranteed (Tennessee's Tay- lor Lewan has since surpassed him) … Suffered a knee injury during pre- season, but returned to action by the start of the regular season. • Greer Martini (2014‑17), LB, Green Bay Packers: Will be on the team's practice squad after not sur- viving the 53-man roster cut. • Mike McGlinchey (2013‑17), OL, San Francisco 49ers: Earned rave re- views throughout the offseason and preseason … In position to take over at right tackle for the 49ers in 2018. • Nyles Morgan (2014‑17), LB, Free Agent: Signed with the Bears as an undrafted free agent before get- ting cut and signing with Houston … Did not make the Texans' 53-man roster and is a free agent. • Quenton Nelson (2014‑17), OL, Indianapolis Colts: Much like Mc- NFL Preseason Wrap Up Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller battled a hamstring issue during the preseason, but is aiming to play all 16 games for the first time in his career. PHOTO COURTESY HOUSTON TEXANS