Eric Rogers saw it coming.
The former Rutgers cornerback knew the ball was headed his way before New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough threw it, so he jumped the route, intercepted it and ran it back 44 yards for the first pick-six of his NFL career.
“As good a play I’ve ever seen,” head coach Jim Harbaugh said. “As good a play as you could make.”
Rogers played a big part in the Los Angeles Chargers defeating the Saints, 27-13, in their second game of the preseason. He followed up his pick-six with a second interception later in the game, along with a key pass break-up and five tackles.
Rogers was “getting checked out” after leaving the game with an injury, per Harbaugh. On crutches, Rogers exchanged a fist bump with his coach in the post-game locker room.
“He was rolling,” Harbaugh said. “Quite a big day by him. Really incredible.”
Here is how other former Rutgers stars performed during the first full week of the NFL’s 2025 preseason (snap counts and reception stats are from ProFootballFocus):
Kyle Monangai (Bears)
A starter in his first NFL preseason game, the running back collected 30 rushing yards on six carries in a 24-all tie with the Miami Dolphins. He also returned the opening kickoff.
“Great experience to get under my belt,” Monangai said. “My personal performance, my review, at a first glance, there are things I need to clean up, things I got to do better. ... Good to get that first one down (at Soldier Field). I love playing here. Just got to watch the film and learn from it.”
“I thought Kyle ran super hard when the ball was in his hands,” head coach Ben Johnson added.
Jets Packers Football
Green Bay Packers' Bo Melton stops New York Jets' Allen Lazard during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)AP
Bo Melton (Packers)
The longtime wide receiver drew comparisons to former Colorado star Travis Hunter when he moved over to cornerback in minicamp, but right now, it looks like he will be playing just one position.
Outside of two special teams snaps, Melton played exclusively at cornerback against the Jets on Saturday. He made one tackle, missed another and gave up 21 yards on two catches on two targets.
Where does he stand in the pecking order with his position change? Considering he was “wearing a ball cap with his pads off on the sideline in the third quarter” of a preseason game, per The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman, he is as close to a 53-man roster lock as it gets.
Max Melton (Cardinals)
The younger Melton brother’s showing on Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs was remarkably similar to his older sibling. Max Melton made a tackle, missed another and gave up two catches on two targets, although he allowed a total of zero yards on those two plays.
Isiah Pacheco (Chiefs)
The star running back had one carry for eight yards and played just three snaps against the Arizona Cardinals. Safe to say that Andy Reid and company know what they have in the two-time Super Bowl champion.
Chargers Lions Football
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver JaQuae Jackson (27) attempts to catch a pass during a preseason NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin)AP
JaQuae Jackson (Chargers)
The wide receiver did not dress for his team’s meeting with the Saints on Sunday, but he did play 20 offensive snaps (and one special teams snap) against the Detroit Lions last week. He was targeted once but did not record a reception.
Nonetheless, it was a welcome return to the field for Jackson, who signed with Los Angeles this offseason after missing the 2024 season due to a knee injury he sustained in a preseason game with the New England Patriots last summer.
Christian Izien (Buccaneers)
The defensive back made two tackles and missed one across 17 snaps in a win over the Tennessee Titans.
Sebastian Joseph-Day (Titans)
The defensive tackle played six snaps against the Buccaneers, registering a quarterback hit.
Christian Braswell (Jaguars)
The defensive back was active on Saturday, playing nine special teams snaps along with 31 snaps on defense. Braswell made one tackle and gave up a six-yard reception on two targets.
Andrew DePaola (Vikings)
The veteran long snapper played seven snaps against the Houston Texans, setting up kicker Will Reichard for four successful attempts: two field goals and two extra points.
Tre Avery (Patriots)
The cornerback played 14 defensive snaps and two on special teams. He made two tackles and gave up one reception for 14 yards the only time he was targeted.
Isaiah Iton (Patriots)
The defensive tackle played 28 defensive snaps (and one on special teams) against the Washington Commanders. He was credited with one tackle in his team’s 48-18 win.
Bengals Eagles Football
Philadelphia Eagles' Hollin Pierce walks off the field after an NFL preseason football game Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)AP
Hollin Pierce (Eagles)
After starting 50 consecutive games at tackle for the Scarlet Knights, Pierce made his NFL preseason debut with 16 snaps at right guard. He is fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster in Philadelphia, and at worse, seems set for a place on the practice squad. Pierce was seen working with Eagles great Jason Kelce after a practice last week.
Shaquan Loyal (Bengals)
The safety played 19 total snaps — 17 on defense, two on special teams — against the Eagles. He collected one tackle, but also missed a tackle and is credited with giving up a 13-yard catch.
“It felt great to be out there,” Loyal told NJ Advance Media. “It was a dream come true. I always wanted to play in the NFL, and I’m here just taking advantage of it.”
Desmond Igbinosun (Ravens)
The safety played 17 total snaps — 11 on defense, six on special teams — in the Ravens’ preseason opener against Indianapolis. He made a tackle, but is also credited with giving up two catches for 13 yards.
Jude McAtamney (Giants)
The second-year placekicker had one field goal attempt on Saturday, but it was a crucial one: McAtamney nailed a go-ahead 42-yarder in the fourth quarter to lead his team to a win over the Buffalo Bills. He also hit an extra point attempt.
Dymere Miller (Jets)
The wide receiver did not record a stat in 14 offensive snaps and two special teams snaps against the Packers.
Michael Dwumfour (49ers)
The defensive tackle made one tackle in 24 snaps against the Denver Broncos.
Shawn Bowman (Jaguars)
The tight end played almost twice as many special teams snaps (14) as offensive snaps (8). He did not record a stat in his team’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Did not participate
Kyonte Hamilton (Texans)
The defensive lineman was placed on injury reserve this week after fracturing an ankle during a training camp practice. He is expected to miss roughly four months of action.
Robert Longerbeam (Ravens)
The cornerback missed Baltimore’s preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts due to an undisclosed injury. He left practice early two weeks ago and has yet to return.
Michael Burton (Broncos)
The veteran fullback is one of eight Broncos who did not dress for their game against the 49ers on Saturday.
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Brian Fonseca may be reached atbfonseca@njadvancemedia.com.
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