Several former Tigers battling for roster spots as preseason opens

We’re less than three weeks away from Mizzou football, and at this point, we’re all just playing the waiting-and-hoping-game. Waiting for that first kickoff and hoping the Tigers don’t have to fight through any more major injuries.

However, there is currently football being played. The NFL preseason kicked off this past weekend, and - if you’re into essentially meaningless football games made palatable by preseason roster battles and other training camp drama - football is back.

Speaking of: several of our favorite Tigers of old are currently participating in said roster battles, and this weekend gave many of them their first big opportunity to show out. Some fared well, while others probably took a step back. Let’s run down this past weekend and check on how these True Sons are doing.

Carolina 28, Buffalo 23

Marcus Murphy is making some waves in Buffalo this summer as he fights to earn his spot in the Bills’ backfield. Thursday’s effort should help: he led the team in rushing yards with 35 and a touchdown while chipping in 30 yards on four catches.

Rickey Hatley also recorded two tackles on the evening after spending much of his first year fighting for a roster spot on three different teams.

Cincinatti 30, Chicago 27

Not much going for Tiger alums here. Chase Daniel, darling of the profile circuit as of late, connected on eight of 12 passes for 76 yards and an interception.

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Tampa Bay 26, Miami 24

Former first-round pick Charles Harris only recorded one tackle in his first preseason outing, but was a part of a shakeup at the Dolphins’ camp on Sunday.

Cleveland 20, New York Giants 10

Bad news for Missouri faithful: neither E.J. Gaines or Marcell Frazier recorded any meaningful stats against the Giants, and Frazier has entered the league’s concussion protocol as he looks to fight for a roster spot.

New England 26, Washington 17

Ziggy Hood is moving into his tenth year in the NFL and, while he didn’t record any stats in Washington’s first bout, he’s likely to lock down a roster spot. However, our sister site Hog’s Haven seems to think Washington’s front office should think about shopping him this month.

Green Bay 31, Tennessee 17

Finally, some intrigue! For the Titans, Blaine Gabbert completed nine passes for 76 yards, though he did fumble. Beau Brinkley seems pretty set in his role at long snapper.

And that brings us to J’Mon Moore, former Tiger star now making waves in Packers’ camp... though not necessarily the good kind.

Moore has already had a contentious camp, being indirectly called out by Aaron Rodgers and later labeled, “inconsistent.” His performance against the Titans probably didn’t help as he reeled in three catches for 27 yards, but also dropped a few passes.

Given the power Rodgers’ wields in Green Bay, Moore would be wise to put this particular bout of the yips behind him. It’s unlikely the Packers will cut bait on a fourth-round pick in his first year, but there’s no telling how long they’ll stick with Moore if he can’t find a groove.

Houston 17, Kansas City 10

It was a rough opening go for the Chiefs and starting center Mitch Morse. The starters only played nine snaps and quarterback Patrick Mahomes was hit on several. Morse discussed the game more thoroughly with the Kansas City Star.

San Francisco 24, Cowboys 21

Things aren’t going well for Kony Ealy, who still hasn’t found a fit in Dallas.

He failed to record any stats in this weekend’s game against the 49ers.

Indianapolis 19, Seattle 17

Nothing major to report here. Justin Britt is still looking like Seattle’s go-to starting center for week one.

Oakland 16, Detroit 10

Marcus Lucas, who by all accounts has been pretty good this summer, grabbed three passes for 18 yards against Oakland.

Minnesota 42, Denver 28

For the Broncos, Connor McGovern seems pretty set at starting right guard. As for Shane Ray, he didn’t record any stats against the Vikings. But he’s probably pretty safely on the roster.

On the Vikings’ side, Kentrell Brothers recorded three tackles, though seemed to be feeling a little queasy otherwise.

Sheldon Richardson didn’t record any stats in his Vikings’ debut.

Arizona 24, Los Angeles Chargers 17

For Arizona, Evan Boehm is reportedly working to secure a roster spot and didn’t necessarily help his case this weekend by allowing some pressure during his snaps. Alternatively, Jacquies Smith is making the most of his recent contract, recording two tackles.

On the Chargers’ sideline, Russell Hansbrough and Sean Culkin both made decent impressions. Hansbrough fumbled a pitch from quarterback Cardale Jones, but did get 21 yards on only three touches, furthering his case to join the Chargers’ backfield. Culkin caught two passes for 24 yards and was named one of 10 players to watch in the preseason opener by the team’s official website. Bolts from the Blue also predicts Culkin will find his way onto the opening day roster.

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