2023 Bama in the NFL Tracker: Preseason Week 3

It's the final week of the preseason, and borderline roster guys have just one more chance to showcase their ability. How can Alabama players lock up their roster spots for 2023?

NFL Preseason Week 3 Preview

The NFL preseason wraps up with Week 3 this weekend and many bubble players are preparing to make their final case to be on an NFL roster when the regular season gets underway. Many undrafted players, like Philadelphia's Eli Ricks, are going to need a strong performance to lock down a 53-man roster spot. Who is preparing to fight for their job, and who isn't?

1. The Detroit Lions will take on the Carolina Panthers on Friday, giving fans their third and final chance to see first-overall pick Bryce Young before the regular season. It also will be Young's third chance to throw a touchdown pass this preseason, as he has yet to reach the end zone. The Panthers won't exactly have an easy time on offense though. Detroit will more than likely play star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, giving the Panthers offensive line another test after they've constantly struggled to effectively pass block thus far. If the Panthers' offensive line can hold off the Lions, then Young will have to avoid throwing a pick to his former Crimson Tide teammate: Brian Branch. Branch is working his way toward legitimate playing time with the Lions in 2023, and the same can be said for Jahmyr Gibbs on the offensive side of the ball. He's a highly talented dual-threat running back and can provide a nice safety net for quarterback Jared Goff, as well as being an explosive spark for the Lions.
2. The Eagles and Colts will have a matchup littered with Alabama players, regardless of whether starters are playing or not. Both rosters have Alabama players all over the field. For the Eagles, it all starts with quarterback Jalen Hurts. If head coach Nick Sirianni does decide to play his starters, then it's probable that Hurts and other Eagles stars won't play much. That includes DeVonta Smith and Landon Dickerson. If the Eagles decide to not play their starters, Tyler Steen could get the start at guard with Josh Jobe at cornerback. Ricks and Steen are still fighting for roster spots so they might get a lot of playing time. 
3. For the Colts, should they decide to play their starters besides Anthony Richardson, they'll be led by center Ryan Kelly, who won a national championship with Alabama in 2015. The remaining Alabama players in Indianapolis could see some significant game action including Kenyan Drake, who is vying for a spot on the depth chart. Emil Ekiyor Jr. is also trying to land on the Colts 53-man roster as a backup offensive guard. Defensively, Tony Brown is the backup nickel cornerback, and can also contribute on special teams.
4. For the New England Patriots, they'll look for a more coherent offensive effort from their starting unit in Friday's preseason finale at Tennessee compared to their day against the Packers defense last week. Mac Jones had a lost fumble and was sacked twice in the Patriots win. Jones said he and offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien are on the same page offensively, but we'll see if that's the case as the first-team offense is expected to get more playing time. Defensively, Christian Barmore and the rest of the Patriots had a solid game against Green Bay, allowing just 17 points. While Barmore had just one tackle on the game, Anfernee Jennings and Mack Wilson Sr. had good outings and a lot of playing time. 
5. The defensive players from Alabama had a good day for the  Texans against the Dolphins, but unfortunately, they were just about the only bright spot, as the Texans lost last week, 28-3. Houston closes the preseason in New Orleans. Look for the starters to see an increased role, especially former Alabama edge-rusher Will Anderson Jr. and interior linebacker Christian Harris. Once the starters come out of the game, Henry To'oTo'o could see significant snaps. John Metchie III continues to work his way back to football, and will also see playing time against the Saints, although how much is yet to be determined.

Click on the following link for updated NFL preseason Week 3 statistics of former Crimson Tide players, which will be updated throughout the weekend:

How to Watch NFL Preseason Week 3

Thursday's Games

Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons, 6:30 p.m. CT, NFL Network
Indianapolis Colts at Philadelphia Eagles, 7:00 p.m., Prime Video

Friday's Games

Detroit Lions at Carolina Panthers, 7:00 p.m., CBS 
New England Patriots at Tennessee Titans, 7:15 p.m., NFL Network
Los Angeles Chargers at San Francisco 49ers, 9:00 p.m., NFL Network

Saturday's Games

Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers, 12:00 p.m.
Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings, 12:00 p.m.
Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs, 12:00 p.m., NFL Network
Buffalo Bills at Chicago Bears, 12:00 p.m.
New York Jets at New York Giants, 5:00 p.m., NFL Network
Cincinnati Bengals at Washington Commanders, 5:05 p.m.
Baltimore Ravens at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 6:00 p.m.
Miami Dolphins at Jacksonville Jaguars, 6:00 p.m.
Las Vegas Raiders at Dallas Cowboys, 7:00 p.m.
Los Angeles Rams at Denver Broncos, 8:00 p.m., NFL Network

Sunday's Game

 Houston Texans at New Orleans Saints, 7:00 p.m., FOX

See Also:

Bama in the NFL Database

Active Alabama Crimson Players in the NFL

All-Time Alabama Crimson Tide Players in the NFL