Several former Arizona Wildcats players are competing for jobs in the NFL this month, with some in more secure positions than others.
How players perform in NFL preseason games is one metric teams will use in determining who makes their 53-man roster come the end of August. Two weeks of the NFL preseason is in the books, with one week of games left to go.
Here’s how former UA players have looked in the preseason so far.
Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers
McMillan had a quiet second game with the Panthers after making a couple big catches in their first preseason game. Carolina’s first round pick didn’t record a catch in Saturday in Carolina’s game against the Texans. T-Mac had two targets in the first quarter before being taken out.
McMillan’s first game in a Panthers uniform was a different story, as he came down with two catches for 43 yards. McMillan should get some more run in Carolina’s final tuneup game against the Steelers Thursday night.
Tyler Loop, Baltimore Ravens
Loop shored up any doubts over his role as the Ravens’ kicker by going 5 for 6 on field goal attempts Saturday in Baltimore’s game at Dallas. Loop made field goals from 53, 52, 42, 36 and 29 yards while missing from 50.
Loop, who grew up in Lucas, Texas, had about 30 family and friends in attendance, according to the Associated Press. Loop looked right at home, showing off the strong leg that made him one of the best kickers in Arizona history.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh officially Sunday named Loop as the Ravens’ starting kicker after the game.
Jordan Morgan, Green Bay Packers
Morgan entered Packers training camp in a competition for Green Bay’s starting left tackle job. While Morgan has yet to win the job, he’s done just about everything right through two games.
In 61 preseason snaps, Morgan has allowed zero pressures, sacks, hits or hurries and hasn’t committed a penalty. Meanwhile, Morgan’s top competitor for left tackle, Rasheed Walker, hasn’t played in the preseason due to a groin injury.
Morgan needed a strong training camp after a somewhat disappointing rookie season in which he missed several games due to injuries of his own.
Michael Wiley, Kansas City Chiefs
The former Arizona running back signed on with the Chiefs last week. Wiley didn’t appear in Kansas City’s second preseason game, but he may get some playing time in their preseason finale Friday against Chicago.
Wiley will most likely begin the season on the Chiefs’ practice squad.
Gary Brightwell, Cincinnati Bengals
Another former Wildcat running back looking to find a spot in the league, Brightwell got three carries for nine yards in the Bengals’ opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Brightwell is trying to resurrect his career. He appeared in two games with the Browns last season but didn’t record any stats.
The Bengals play their second preseason game Monday night when they take on the Washington Commanders.
Nick Folk, New York Jets
Folk is in line to be the Jets’ starting kicker this season in what would be his 18th season in the league. Folk made two field goals in New York’s second preseason game vs. the New York Giants after sitting out the first game.
Folk is technically still in a competition with former Missouri kicker Harrison Bevis, but it would appear it’s Folk’s job to lose.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders
Croskey-Merritt is making good impressions in Washington training camp. He’s consistently performed well in practice and ran for 24 yards in the Commanders’ first preseason game vs. the New England Patriots.
With the Commanders reportedly shopping running back Brian Robinson Jr., it’s a good bet they’ll carry Croskey-Merritt on to the 53-man roster.