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NFL Season Primer: What to Know About the Pro Pokes Ahead of the 2019 Season

Several former Cowboys appear ready to shine on Sundays.

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The NFL season kicks off on Thursday night and there is a growing list of former Cowboys to try to keep up with.

Let’s take a look at a couple of the top storylines surrounding these OSU alums heading into opening week as well as how to follow each. First, the headlines.

James Washington Appears Ready for Bigger Role

The second-year wideout had an impressive preseason racking up 10 catches for 208 yards and two scores in four games while hauling in 62.5 percent of his targets. With the Steelers in need of playmakers in the absence of Antonio Brown, Washington should have every opportunity to push for a starting role if not more.


Mason Rudolph Earns QB2

It may not be the goal for most second-year quarterbacks, but QB2 is right where Mason Rudolph wanted to be. At least that was the best he could expect with Ben Roethlisberger occupying the top of the Steelers’ quarterback depth chart.

After spending his rookie season behind Josh Dobbs, Rudolph got the better of the third-year passer this preseason and will be backing up Big Ben. Now Rudolph is one play away and should see the field in some capacity for the first time.


Justice Hill Primed for Reps as a Rookie

The Ravens’ fourth-round pick appears destined for a significant role as a rookie following his impressive preseason. Behind Mark Ingram, it will be some combination of Justice Hill and Gus Edwards filling the reserve role and third-down duties. Hill is the more talented pass-catcher among the two and has most upside as a playmaker of all three.


Kevin Peterson Added to Cardinals Roster

Just days after missing the cut for the Rams’ loaded secondary, the former All-Big 12 cornerback was claimed off waivers by the Arizona Cardinals and is listed on the team’s two-deep. It’s good news for Peterson who is just coming off of an ACL injury.

In his one start with the Rams in 2017, Peterson racked up eight tackles, two interceptions, five passes defended and a he recovered a fumble. Playing opposite Kyler Murray and Kliff Kingsbury’s up-tempo offense — and with the dearth of defensive talent — Peterson should have ample opportunity to make a name for himself.


Practice Squad Signings

Tyron Johnson: After narrowly missing the cut for the Houston Texans’ final roster, Tyron landed on his feet in Buffalo. (It stings just a little bit more that former Sooner Kenny Stills likely took Tyron’s spot in Houston.)

But he will have a chance to earn an opportunity to carve out a role in Buffalo if he can continue to show off his deep-play threat ability and upside in the return game.

Marcel Ateman: For the second straight year, Marcell Ateman missed the cut for the Raiders’ 53-man roster ahead of the season opener. But once again he has found himself on the team’s practice squad.

Brad Lundblade: The former Cowboy center was added to the Panthers’ practice squad on Tuesday. He formerly spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals after going undrafted two years ago.


Other News

Vincent Taylor: The third-year D-tackle was cut in a somewhat head-scratching move by the Miami Dolphins. He has dealt with a couple of injuries over his two NFL seasons, but in the 21 games he’s appeared in he’s graded well. It’s probably just a matter of time before he finds a team willing to give him a shot.

Update: It appears Taylor may get a chance to team up with another former Cowboy/Louisiana native in Tyron.

Brandon Weeden: The former OSU record-setter was not renewed by the Texans for 2019, but he was one of several QBs that Indianapolis worked out for the backup spot behind Jacoby Brissett. But it looks like the Colts went with another former Browns/Texans passer in Brian Hoyer.

Lenzy Pipkins: The third-year cornerback was cut by the Browns following a back injury that hampered him during the preseason. But he was reportedly one of six DBs worked out by the New England Patriots on Tuesday.

Below is a list of each former Cowboy that is currently signed to a team.

Active Former Cowboys in the NFL

“P” is for practice squad. “IR” for injured reserve.

Player Team
Marcell Ateman Oakland Raiders (P)
Dan Bailey Minnesota Vikings
Jordan Brailford Washington Redskins (IR)
Chris Carson Seattle Seahawks
Tre Flowers Seattle Seahawks
Justice Hill Baltimore Ravens
Michael Hunter Kansas City Chiefs
Blake Jarwin Dallas Cowboys
Chris Lacy Detroit Lions
Brad Lundblade Carolina Panthers (P)
Emmanuel Ogbah Kansas City Chiefs
Russell Okung Los Angeles Chargers
Kevin Peterson Arizona Cardinals
Mason Rudolph Pittsburgh Steelers
Lane Taylor Green Bay Packers
James Washington Pittsburgh Steelers

 

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