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Spartans in the NFL- Preseason Week 2 The past week was a good one for the 24 Spartans in the NFL, as all but three experienced preseason action. Many

Spartans in the NFL- Preseason Week 2

The past week was a good one for the 24 Spartans in the NFL, as all but three experienced preseason action. Many performed well and a couple Spartans may have earned permanent roster spots. The recap of all the action is below.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins was a shining light for the Redskins on Saturday. The backup almost led a Washington comeback but came up short in a 33-31 loss to the Bears. Cousins completed 18 of 23 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns, for an outstanding 154.1 QB rating. He also tacked on three rushes for fifteen yards. For Chicago, Kellen Davis started at tight end but did not record any stats.

Keshawn Martin continues to have a stellar preseason, as the wideout started for the Texans in a 20-9 win over the 49ers.  The rookie hauled in three passes for 36 yards, with his longest reception being 22 yards. For San Francisco, tight end Garrett Celek saw time on a depleted 49er defensive unit, recording two tackles. Safety Trenton Robinson had a tackle as well.

Lions cornerback Ross Weaver racked up three tackles and one pass defensed in a 27-12 victory over the Ravens.

The Bengal-Spartan duo of Kyle Cook and Domata Peko performed well, as Cincinnati trumped the Falcons, 24-19. Cook started at center, while Peko started at defensive tackle. Peko did particularly well against Atlanta’s Todd McClure, as the former MSU standout recorded a tackle, assist, and a tackle for loss.

Brandon Fields was one of the few bright spots for Miami in a 23-17 loss to the Panthers. Field punted the ball exceptionally, averaging over 48 yards on his 7 punts. Teammate B.J. Cunningham saw time at wide receiver, but did not record any stats. On the opposite sideline, Carolina defensive tackle Ogemdi Nwagbuo did not appear in the game.

Highly touted defensive tackle Jerel Worthy is struggling to make a name for himself in the NFL. The rookie has shown a great deal of intensity and work ethic, but according to Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee (Wisconsin) Journal Sentinel, Worthy “has been unable to take advantage of his quickness” and “hasn't done much.” Worthy still has time to overcome the rookie blues, however. Two preseason games remain after Green Bay’s 35-10 loss, a game in which Worthy had one assist.

D.J. Young appeared at left tackle for the Cardinals in a 31-27 win over the Raiders. Young may see more playing time now that Levi Brown is most likely out for the season with a torn triceps muscle. Brown was injured in the first half of the match with the Raiders. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt stated that Young, who was the primary backup at left tackle to Brown, and right tackle D’Anthony Batiste are the leading candidates to claim the starting role. Whisenhunt said that the team will also shuffle players around and consider other options.

Wide receiver Mark Dell saw some playing time while Kevin Vickerson watched from the sidelines during Denver’s 30-10 loss to the Seahawks. Vickerson was forced to sit out the game after sustaining a concussion in practice on Thursday. The defensive tackle is expected to return soon. Dell did not record any stats.

Chargers back Edwin Baker had four rushes for twelve yards in a 28-20 triumph over the Cowboys. The next two preseason games will be key for the young back, as Baker faces stiff competition for a roster spot.

Greg Jones had one tackle for the Giants, as the defending Super Bowl champs trounced their crosstown foes, the Jets, 26-3. Safety Eric Smith did not play for the
Jets, as he is out for the rest of the preseason with a sprained MCL in his left knee.

Running back Javon Ringer helped his case for remaining the Titans’ third down back with a good performance in the team’s 30-7 win over the Buccaneers. Ringer, who is fighting with Jamie Harper for the role, saw significant time in the first half. The former Spartan back took advantage of it, rushing twice for seven yards and catching a pass for thirteen yards.

Todd Anderson attempted to cement a Rams roster spot at fullback, as St. Louis beat the Chiefs 31-17. Anderson is contending with established NFLers Brit Miller
and Ovie Mughelli at the position.

The Colts fell to the Steelers in a Sunday night showdown, 26-24. Each of the three Spartans on the Indianapolis roster saw significant time. Defensive tackle
Brandon McKinney racked up four assists, quarterback Drew Stanton completed 4Â of 13 passes for 69 yards and a touchdown, and cornerback Chris Rucker played,
but did not record any stats.

Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer plays tonight at 8 against the Eagles. Tune into ESPN to catch Hoyer lead the New England offense after Tom Brady exits the game.