Preseason Highlights and Setbacks
The opening week of the NFL preseason offered a snapshot of how recent Indiana University alumni are faring as they chase roster spots.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, opened his campaign by completing 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and connecting on a touchdown pass.
Wide receiver Elijah Sarratt, also with the Baltimore Ravens, led his team with six catches for 66 yards, establishing himself as a reliable target early on.
E.J. Williams, another Raiders receiver, contributed a 41‑yard reception that stood as the longest gain among the team's pass catchers.
On defense, safety Devan Boykin recorded four tackles, including a tackle for loss and a pass deflection, helping the Pittsburgh Steelers' secondary stay sharp.
Linebacker Aiden Fisher of the Houston Texans posted a team‑high seven tackles, one of which came behind the line of scrimmage.
Quarterback Kurtis Rourke, now with the San Francisco 49ers, was efficient, finishing 12 of 14 passes for 101 yards.
Other alumni made their presence felt in different ways: Riley Nowakowski and Myles Price each caught a touchdown pass, while offensive lineman Kahlil Benson logged six snaps as the Chiefs' starting right tackle.
The week also brought setbacks. D’Angelo Ponds of the New York Jets and Kaelon Black of the San Francisco 49ers were listed among those who were injured or did not see action.
Additionally, several former Hoosiers, including Jonathan Brady and Cam Jones, were released as teams trimmed their preseason rosters.
These mixed results illustrate the competitive nature of preseason football, where strong performances can earn a spot on a practice squad while injuries or roster cuts can end a player's immediate prospects.