Week 2 in the NFL: A Showcase for Colorado Alumni
The second week of the NFL preseason served as a proving ground for a handful of former Colorado Buffaloes, each looking to translate college promise into professional relevance. From the Broncos' practice fields to the sidelines of AFC and NFC matchups, the alumni were scattered across teams, and their performances quickly became talking points for coaches and analysts alike.
Shedeur Sanders, the son of Hall‑of‑Famer Deion Sanders, took the snap for the Cleveland Browns and delivered a crisp 9‑of‑11 showing, amassing 74 yards, a touchdown pass and an interception. His accuracy and willingness to test the intermediate routes underscored why the Browns are still evaluating him as a potential starter, a narrative that could reshape the quarterback room before the regular season begins.
Wide receiver Will Sheppard caught six passes for 47 yards and a touchdown, a combination that highlighted his reliability in the red zone. The play not only added to his statistical line but also reinforced his candidacy for a 53‑man spot, especially as the Browns assess depth at the position.
Jimmy Horn Jr., known for his agility, flashed his speed on an end‑around that gained 39 yards, a glimpse of the gadget role the Carolina Panthers have been grooming for him. The burst of momentum illustrated how his skill set could be weaponized in short‑yard situations throughout the season.
LaJohntay Wester contributed five receptions for 24 yards and a touchdown, while also handling three returns for 60 yards. His dual‑threat ability on offense and special teams earned him early praise from the Ravens’ coaching staff, positioning him as a trusted option in the team’s return game.
Defensive back Cam'Ron Silmon‑Craig logged four tackles but remains on the fringe of roster decisions. The safety’s effort on special teams and limited defensive snaps suggests the Chiefs may need to weigh his potential against other backup options before the cut‑down date.
In the desert, former Buffalo cornerback Isaiah Oliver secured a near‑lock on the Arizona Cardinals’ 53‑man roster after registering two tackles and an interception. The turnover highlighted his ball‑hawking instincts and likely cemented his place in the secondary.
Meanwhile, defensive lineman Amari McNeill, an undrafted free agent, posted two tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hit for the Kansas City Chiefs. The production sparked speculation that the Chiefs could keep him on the active roster, using his pass‑rush versatility as a depth piece.
What It Means for the Buffalo Legacy
The collective showing from these former Buffalo standouts underscores a broader trend: a pipeline that continues to feed the NFL with talent capable of making immediate impacts. As teams move toward final roster cuts, each performance adds a layer of narrative about where these athletes might land, potentially influencing recruiting pitches and alumni engagement for years to come.