Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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www.BLUEANDGOLD.com PRESEASON 2017 95 IRISH IN THE PROS spot on the team's 53-man roster … Had three rushes for 12 yards and one catch for seven in his first pre- season outing with the Raiders. • Robert Blanton (2008-11), DB, Dallas Cowboys: Expected to compete for the starting strong safety job, but will have to fend off some talented young players … Recorded three tackles and defended one pass in the Cowboys' first three preseason contests. • Chris Brown (2012-15), WR, Cincinnati Bengals: Fighting for a roster spot with the Bengals … Caught one pass for minus-four yards in Cincinnati's first two preseason games. • Sheldon Day (2012-15), DL, Jacksonville Jaguars: Looking to land a spot in Jacksonville's defensive line rotation … Registered seven tackles and one sack in the Jags' first two preseason games. • Tyler Eifert (2009-12), TE, Cincinnati Bengals: Ar- rived at training camp healthy, after injuries limited him to eight games a year ago … Aims to play 16 games for the first time in his career and re-establish himself as one of the league's top tight ends … Caught one pass for four yards in the Bengals' first two pre- season contests. • Matthias Farley (2011-15), DB, Indianapolis Colts: Had a strong offseason and had a chance to earn a starting spot at safety heading into the second week of training camp … Made six stops (five solo) and forced one fumble in Indianapolis' first two pre- season games. • Anthony Fasano (2002-05), TE, Miami Dolphins: Signed on for his second tour of duty with the Dol- phins and will split playing time with Julius Thomas … Did not catch a pass in the Dolphins' first two preseason contests. • Michael Floyd (2008-11), WR, Minnesota Vi- kings: Has been suspended for the first four games of 2017 by the NFL due to his DUI arrest in December and subsequent 24-day jail stint, but was standing out during training camp and playing his way into the team's plans … Notched four receptions for 36 yards in Minnesota's first two preseason games. • Will Fuller (2013-15), WR, Houston Texans: Be- gan the year as Houston's No. 2 receiver … Showed improvement early in training camp, but suffered a broken collarbone Aug. 2 that was expected to side- line him until late October or early November. • J.J. Jansen (2004-07), LS, Carolina Panthers: Will once again handle all the team's long snapping du- ties in 2017. • Jarron Jones (2012-16), OT, New York Giants: The undrafted free agent was moved to offensive tackle during offseason training activities and was battling for a roster spot in camp … Likely destined for the team's practice squad … Reportedly played 18 snaps as the third-string left tackle in the Giants' preseason opener. • TJ Jones (2010-13), WR, Detroit Lions: Added muscle during the offseason and impressed early in training camp, but will need to continue to perform to earn a roster spot … Caught two passes for 33 yards in Detroit's first two preseason games. • DeShone Kizer (2014-16), QB, Cleveland Browns: The second-round draft pick was competing for the starting job in Cleveland, with veteran Brock Osweiler serving as his toughest competition … Completed 11 of 18 passes for 184 yards and connected on a game-winning 45-yard touchdown throw in the fourth quarter of the Browns' preseason opener … Also ran three times for 12 yards. • Ben Koyack (2011-14), TE, Jacksonville Jaguars: Vying for the starting tight end job, but regardless of whether or not he earns it he figures to be a lot more involved in the team's passing attack this year … Caught two passes for 14 yards in Jacksonville's first two preseason games. • Kapron Lewis-Moore (2008-12), DE, Chicago Bears: Signed with the Bears in January and is battling for a roster spot … Made one tackle in Chicago's first two preseason contests. • Cole Luke (2013-16), CB, Carolina Panthers: The undrafted free agent is doing his best to earn a roster spot during training camp … Due in part to some injuries in Carolina's secondary, he has taken some reps as the team's No. 1 nickel corner … Notched five tackles (one solo) in the Panthers' first two preseason games. • Nick Martin (2011-15), OL, Houston Texans: Missed all of last season due to an ankle injury, but didn't waste any time reasserting himself in 2017 … Was named the Texans' starting center prior to their first preseason contest and was expected to maintain that role all year. • Zack Martin (2009-13), OL, Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys were working on signing the All-Pro guard to a lucrative long-term extension during training camp … He is expected to become the highest-paid guard in the league, with an annual salary exceeding $12 million and anywhere be- tween $30-40 million guaranteed … Started two of Dallas' first three preseason games. • Troy Niklas (2011-13), TE, Arizona Cardinals: Trying to fulfill his potential after injuries limited him to 26 games and eight catches his first three seasons … Has impressed in training camp, but needs to stay healthy to carve out a role … Caught four passes for 45 yards and one score in Arizona's first three pre- season contests. • Romeo Okwara (2012-15), DE, New York Giants: Has established himself as one of the Giants' more promising young players … Will open the season as a backup, but will be an important part of the defensive end rotation … Did not make a tackle in New York's preseason opener. WHAT THEY'RE SAYING "Theo can be one of the best weapons in the NFL if we use him right. With the op- tion routes and choice routes, he's a lot to handle. If we go into it thinking, 'This is a Theo down,' that's a tough down for a defense to get a stop." Lions running back Ameer Abdullah on Theo Riddick (DetroitLions.com) "When he's out there, we can all breathe a little easier because he's going to be where he belongs, he's going to say what he needs to say, he's going to help where he needs to help and he's going to tackle. We're right where we need to be with Matthias — and he is, too, on the depth chart." — Colts defensive coordinator Ted Monachino on defensive back Matthias Farley (The Indianapolis Star) "If you get that vote of confidence to switch positions, I'll take it. They see a better fit. They want to take advantage of my size. We have a really good defensive line and making the team on defense was pretty slim. Our offensive line is good, but they could use a couple more guys. They said it could pay big dividends for me." — Giants undrafted rookie Jarron Jones on switching from defensive line to offensive line (The Rochester Democrat And Chronicle) "He's a force. He's a good player. He's smart, he brings a lot to the game and I know he loves playing it as well. He's fun to play with and definitely a good teammate." — Texans linebacker Brian Cushing on center Nick Martin (The Houston Chronicle) "When he's healthy, he's another tackle that can run and catch. 'Hercules' is his nickname and he wears it well — when he's healthy. He's just had those freaky injuries. Last year, it was a big blow to our running game when he got hurt." — Cardinals head coach on tight end Troy Niklas (AZCentral.com) "He literally has not had a bad minute since he's been here. He comes to work every day with in- credible spirit, and he's just so much fun to be around. Everybody is pulling for him. He's worked very hard. He deserves this opportunity." — Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett on linebacker Jaylon Smith (DallasNews.com) "Basically, my goal is to destroy everybody in front of me." — Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt (TribLive.com) PHOTO COURTESY DETROIT LIONS