With week 1 of the NFL season in the books, let's take a look at the former Utes who are making their way in the big leagues. Utah has sent dozens of players to the NFL in recent years. This series will track the former Utah graduates who are playing somewhere in the NFL ecosystem and highlight their performances each week.
The following players are currently signed to practice squads across the NFL. None of them were elevated for their team's week one games, but could see action at some point this season as a game-day elevation.
Miles Battle, New England Patriots
Sataoa Laumea, Seattle Seahawks
Britain Covey, Philadelphia Eagles
Nephi Sewell, New Orleans Saints
Terrell Burgess, New Orleans Saints
Caleb Lohner, Denver Broncos
Junior Tafuna, Houston Texans
Tyler Huntley, Baltimore Ravens
Thomas Yassmin, Los Angeles Chargers
Zemaiah Vaughn, Minnesota Vikings
Covey and Huntley are fan-favorites who have seen game action in recent years and are likely to play at some point this season. Battle, Sewell, Laumea, Yassmin and Burgess have been around the league for a few years and are hoping to crack the gameday roster more often this year. Lohner, Tafuna and Vaughn are all rookies trying to make a splash.
Next up are the injured players. Zack Moss played with the Cincinnati Bengals last year, but suffered a neck injury. He was released and is not currently on a roster. Moss may not play this season due to the injury. Julian Blackmon played in week one with the New Orleans Saints, taking every snap on defense. He finished the game and played well, but is now reportedly dealing with a shoulder injury that could hold him out for the season. It's a tough blow for Blackmon and the Saints.
The following players are not currently on a roster or practice squad, but have recently been with a team and could be signed at some point this year.
Cole Fotheringham
Marcus Williams
Marquise Blair
Jackson Barton
Micah Bernard
Mitch Wishnowsky
With the practice squad, unrostered and injured Utah alumni mentioned, it's time to get into the players currently on a 53-man roster for an NFL team. There are 16 Utes on this list. Not all of them played in week one, but they will all likely see significant action this year.
First, the following players are on the 53-man roster but were inactive for week one, either due to injury or coach's decision.
Sione Vaki, Detroit Lions
Clark Phillips III, Atlanta Falcons
Leki Fotu, Las Vegas Raiders
Jaylon Johnson, Chicago Bears
Connor O'Toole, Seattle Seahawks
Finally, here are the players who suited up for their team's week one game.
Cole Bishop, Buffalo Bills
Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills
Jonah Elliss, Denver Broncos
Garrett Bolles, Denver Broncos
Devaughn Vele, New Orleans Saints
Karene Reid, New Orleans Saints
Mohamoud Diabate, Cleveland Browns
Devin Lloyd, Jacksonville Jaguars
Tim Patrick, Jacksonville Jaguars
Cody Barton, Tennessee Titans
Matt Gay, Washington Commanders
Bishop and Kincaid were part of a thrilling comeback for the Bills over the Ravens on Sunday Night Football. Kincaid caught the Bills' first touchdown of the season on their opening drive, hauling in a total of four catches for 48 yards. Bishop started at safety and played 51 defensive snaps, racking up four tackles.
Elliss and Bolles were also victorious in week one, helping the Broncos beat the Titans. Bolles allowed two pressures but zero sacks, playing the whole game on the offensive line. Elliss came up with a huge sack late in the game to help seal the victory. Barton was on the other end with the Titans, taking 76 defensive snaps and recording nine tackles.
Lloyd played 22 defensive snaps for the Jaguars in their win over the Panthers. He will be a key player for Jacksonville this year. Gay connected on all three of his extra point attempts in the Commanders' win over the Giants.
Vele, Reid, Diabate, and Patrick all played sparingly in week one. We'll keep an eye on their production throughout the season.
Stay tuned for weekly updates about the Utes in the NFL.