The end of the preseason has arrived, which means roster cuts are here. There are no guarantees for many of these former Hoosiers, but they have done everything they can to make their case for a spot. With roster moves happening throughout the weekend, this article will be updated if new news arises.
Besides some of the grim news that comes with roster cuts, plenty of former Hoosiers showed out in the final week of the preseason. Indiana’s defense made a splash with several former Hoosiers leading their teams in tackles. Aiden Fisher, Devan Boykin, Marcelino McCrary-Ball and Micah McFadden all put together strong performances.
It will be interesting to see how the rosters shake out, but for now, let’s take a look at how former Hoosiers performed in the final week of the NFL preseason.
Jump to a Matchup
Raiders vs. 49ers | Giants vs. Jets
Steelers vs. Bills | Ravens vs. Commanders
Texans vs. Panthers | Vikings vs. Broncos
Lions vs. Colts | Dolphins vs. Falcons
Bengals vs. Eagles | Chiefs vs. Seahawks
Titans vs. Bears
Las Vegas Raiders vs San Francisco 49ers [12-18]
Raiders
[#15] QB Fernando Mendoza (2025) [QB2]
Fernando Mendoza ended training camp on a fairly encouraging note. In the Raiders’ final practices, Mendoza was making throws into tight windows while also showing his mobility by escaping the pocket. As Coach Cignetti would say, Mendoza is continuing to “stack days” and improve. Despite some rookie mistakes, he has made a good amount of progress throughout camp.
Mendoza had another day full of learning experiences Thursday against the 49ers. He entered late in the first quarter after Kirk Cousins played the first two series and started his night with a good ball to Jalen Nailor that was caught one-handed. However, he followed it up with a pass that was a little too high for Nailor, getting tipped into the air and intercepted. Mendoza finished 7-of-14 for 57 yards and the interception while also taking two sacks.
He still had some highlights, including a seven-yard scramble where he avoided a sack and spun away from fellow Hoosier C.J. West. Mendoza also helped move the Raiders into field goal range before halftime, but his biggest issue continues to be consistency and handling pressure.
In his first NFL preseason, Mendoza finished 25-of-45 (55.6%) for 240 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. He showed he can make legitimate NFL throws and has good mobility, but there is still an adjustment to how much smaller passing windows become at the next level. He’s not ready to start quite yet, but plenty of people are already itching to see him take the field again.
[#80] TE Ian Thomas (2016-17) [TE3]
Ian Thomas has been used quite a bit throughout the preseason and appears to be sitting comfortably behind Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer at TE3. His receiving role has expanded as well, which is important for a player who has primarily been known for his blocking.
Thomas wasn’t heavily featured against San Francisco, but he hauled in two receptions from Mendoza for nine yards. He was targeted two more times, but both passes fell incomplete.
Thomas has continued showing that he can be more than just a blocker and could have a legitimate role in Vegas’ offense as the TE3.
[#88] WR E.J. Williams Jr. (2023-25) [WAIVED]
E.J. Williams hasn’t made as much of a splash as some may have hoped. He has earned some good reps in practice, but his biggest moment of the preseason remains his 41-yard reception in Week 1.
Williams had another quiet game against the 49ers, hauling in one reception for five yards. Aidan O’Connell targeted him again on the following play with a deep shot down the right side, but they couldn’t connect. The Raiders’ receiver room might not be the strongest in the league, but there are still plenty of capable options fighting for spots. Williams has shown some flashes, but his future on the final 53-man roster remains uncertain.
[#37] RB Roman Hemby (2025) [WAIVED]
Roman Hemby has continued receiving positive reviews for how he approaches practice and every rep, even when those opportunities are limited. Running backs coach Omar Young called Hemby “super professional,” and despite not receiving a huge workload, he has earned more opportunities because of his preparation and ability to take advantage of his chances.
The problem for Hemby continues to be the depth chart. He’s battling behind Ashton Jeanty, Mike Washington Jr. and Dylan Laube while also competing with veteran Dare Ogunbowale. The former Hoosiers in Vegas have continued sticking together throughout the process. Mendoza, Hemby and Williams have studied the offense together, eaten together and put in extra work whenever possible.
In the Raiders’ preseason finale, Hemby wasn’t used much on the ground, recording two carries for four yards. Instead, he made more of an impact in the passing game with two receptions for 19 yards. He also returned two kickoffs for 55 yards with a long of 28. Hemby is showing Vegas that he can bring more to the table than just running the football. Now the question is whether he has shown enough to survive the final roster cuts.
49ers
[#26] RB Kaelon Black (2024-25) [RB2/3]
Kaelon Black has done really well throughout the preseason and has made a strong argument for the RB2 spot behind Christian McCaffrey. Jordan James has returned from injury, but Black has shown plenty to prove he deserves a significant role in San Francisco’s backfield.
Black had the most impressive performance of the Hoosiers in this matchup, rushing four times for 28 yards with a long of 14. He looked explosive and physical while showing good vision to find the open holes. There was a miscommunication between Black and Mac Jones on his only target, but overall, the rookie looked very solid in the final game of the preseason.
[#14] QB Kurtis Rourke (2024) [QB3]
Kurtis Rourke has remained focused on recovery. He did not practice or play again this week as he continues recovering from the rib injury he suffered in the first preseason game against Tennessee.
There is now more information surrounding the injury, which has reportedly been described as three broken ribs rather than the “minor rib injury” that was initially reported. Head coach Kyle Shanahan expects Rourke to resume practicing around next weekend before the season opener. Adrian Martinez received more opportunities with Rourke sidelined, but Rourke still appears to have the advantage for the QB3 role.
[#99] DT C.J. West (2024) [DT2]
C.J. West cleared concussion protocol around Aug. 22 and returned to practice after missing the previous week. West received a good amount of playing time against Vegas and made a nice run stop on a third-and-short. He finished with two tackles, one solo.
It wasn’t necessarily the breakout performance he may have wanted, but West should still have a role in San Francisco’s defensive line rotation this season. After seeing his workload increase as a rookie, it will be interesting to see what he can do in Year 2.
[IR] Edge Mikail Kamara (2024-25)
There is no new update on Mikail Kamara this week. The former Indiana edge rusher remains on the 49ers’ injured reserve list as he begins the long recovery process from his torn ACL.
New York Giants vs New York Jets [23-6]
Giants
[#41] MLB Micah McFadden (2018-21) [MLB2]
Micah McFadden has put together a solid camp and continues showing that last year’s foot injury isn’t slowing him down. McFadden has consistently made plays against the run throughout camp, and that continued against the Jets. He started at linebacker and totaled six tackles, one solo, tying for the most tackles on the Giants.
It wasn’t the fumble recovery and sack performance he had last week, but McFadden still put together another solid outing. John Harbaugh and the Giants should be able to rely on him as a valuable rotational linebacker this season.
[#43] S Raheem Layne (2017-21) [Practice Squad]
Raheem Layne’s ability to blitz and cover has continued to stand out. During camp, he even recorded an interception and forced fumble on consecutive plays. Layne followed that up with a solid performance against the Jets, recording three tackles, two solo.
He has continued showing his physicality and versatility. While his preseason hasn’t necessarily been spectacular, Layne has done enough to make his case for a roster spot as final cuts arrive.
Jets
[#83] WR Omar Cooper Jr. (2022-25) [WR3/4]
Omar Cooper had a really encouraging final week of training camp. He caught an 18-yard touchdown from Geno Smith during practice and was later credited with four receptions during team periods, trailing only Adonai Mitchell and Garrett Wilson among Smith’s primary targets.
Compared to previous weeks, Cooper finished camp on a strong note. His practice performance is all there is to report this week because Cooper did not play in the Jets’ loss to the Giants. New York rested several receivers it already felt comfortable evaluating, including Wilson, Mitchell, Tim Patrick, Isaiah Williams and Cooper.
That is actually an encouraging sign for the former Hoosier. Now we’ll have to see exactly where Cooper fits into the offense once the regular season begins.
[#23] CB D’Angelo Ponds (2024-25) [NB2]
There still isn’t much of an update on D’Angelo Ponds. He has yet to return to team drills, but he has been doing running and rehab work on an adjacent field. The Jets are still hoping to have Ponds healthy for their Week 1 matchup after his calf injury sidelined him for essentially the entirety of training camp.
Missing that much time has hurt his NFL readiness and cost him valuable reps, but the encouraging news is that the Jets still appear to have plans for the rookie once he gets healthy.
[#41] LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball (2016-21) [LB2/ST]
Marcelino McCrary-Ball might not have generated the flashiest headlines throughout training camp, but the fourth-year NFL linebacker has quietly put together a strong summer. He has continued contributing on defense and special teams, and he showed out in the Jets’ final preseason game.
McCrary-Ball recorded nine tackles, three solo, tying for the most tackles on the Jets. But that wasn’t all. When Jameis Winston targeted Odell Beckham Jr., the pass was tipped and McCrary-Ball was in the right place to come away with the interception, returning it 19 yards. He later punched the ball out of former Jets receiver Braxton Berrios’ hands as Berrios moved toward the goal line, forcing another turnover.
McCrary-Ball made his presence felt all over the field and put together one of the best performances of any former Hoosier this week.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Buffalo Bills [27-28]
Steelers
[#37] FB Riley Nowakowski (2025) [FB1]
Riley Nowakowski’s role has remained consistent throughout the preseason. Pittsburgh continues using him as a fullback/tight end hybrid, and his versatility has become one of his biggest strengths. The former Hoosier has also spent part of his offseason training with T.J. Watt.
Against Buffalo, Nowakowski was targeted twice and came away with one reception for seven yards in the first quarter. Early in the second quarter, Will Howard targeted him again on first down, but the pass fell incomplete.
Nowakowski finished with 17 offensive snaps and had a relatively solid night outside of a false start in the second quarter. His blocking wasn’t quite as strong as it had been in previous weeks, but overall he has shown Pittsburgh that he can contribute in several different ways.
[#40] S Devan Boykin (2025) [WAIVED]
Devan Boykin has done well throughout camp, with his versatility at safety and nickel standing out. His willingness to come downhill has also become one of his best traits.
Boykin is like a rocket when he gets going, and that was on display Thursday against Buffalo.The former Hoosier had a spectacular preseason finale, starting at safety alongside Robert Spears-Jennings and recording a game-high nine tackles, five solo.
It was easily Boykin’s best performance of the preseason. He has shown plenty throughout training camp and made a strong argument for a roster spot. Pittsburgh could use a safety with his tenacity and skill set.
Baltimore Ravens vs Washington Commanders [41-3]
Ravens
[#13] WR Elijah Sarratt (2024-25) [WR5/6, PR2]
Elijah Sarratt’s progress has been a little mixed lately. During Baltimore’s joint practice with Washington, the Commanders’ defensive backs played very physically and neither Sarratt nor fellow rookie Ja’Kobi Lane scored during their one-on-one reps.
Sarratt had more success once they moved into team drills, catching a pass for a 15-yard gain. His performance in the game wasn’t nearly as exciting. Sarratt was targeted twice and caught one pass for just one yard.
The Ravens rested more than 30 players, including Lane, which appears to show that his fellow rookie has moved ahead of him in the receiver rotation. Sarratt still showed what he is capable of with his six-reception, 66-yard performance in Week 1, but his opportunities decreased over the final two games. It will be interesting to see how Baltimore handles its crowded receiver room.
Houston Texans vs Carolina Panthers [13-16]
Texans
[#59] LB Aiden Fisher (2024-25) [MLB4]
Aiden Fisher has put together an incredibly productive preseason. The former Hoosier had several strong performances, and his final game was the perfect cherry on top.
Fisher recorded 12 tackles, three solo, against Carolina and led Houston in tackles for the game. There weren’t any interceptions, tackles for loss, sacks or pass breakups, but Fisher did what he does best: he got to the football.
His knack for finding the ball has carried over from Indiana, and he always seems to be around the play. Across Houston’s three preseason games, Fisher totaled 25 tackles, 12 solo, which is pretty ridiculous production for a seventh-round rookie.
He has continued proving himself day in and day out and made a serious push to earn a spot on one of the NFL’s most talented defenses.
Minnesota Vikings vs Denver Broncos [6-34]
Vikings
[#4] WR/PR/KR Myles Price (2024) [WR4/KR1]
Myles Price has been one of Minnesota’s most consistent and impressive players throughout training camp. Already recognized as an exciting young kick returner, Price expanded his role this offseason and showed that he can be much more than a return specialist.
His role as a receiver has grown significantly, and he has started looking like a legitimate threat within the Vikings offense. Price didn’t play in Minnesota’s loss Friday alongside fellow receivers Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings. Being rested with some of Minnesota’s established offensive players is a pretty strong indication of how the Vikings view him entering the regular season.
Price should continue being dangerous as a returner, but his development in the slot could make him much more involved offensively this season.
Indianapolis Colts vs Detroit Lions [16-25]
Colts
[#12] WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (2015-19) [Practice Squad]
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine took full advantage of his opportunities throughout training camp. With several receivers dealing with injuries and absences, Westbrook-Ikhine earned additional reps and showed how his size, blocking ability and red-zone presence could give him a legitimate role within the offense.
The Colts’ signing of Keenan Allen made his path to the starting lineup much more difficult, but Westbrook-Ikhine still looks capable of contributing within the receiver rotation. The veteran caught one pass for 17 yards in the Colts’ preseason finale and now turns his attention toward the regular season.
[#69] OT Trey Wedig (2024) [WAIVED]
Trey Wedig’s return to Indiana ended up being a short one. The Colts signed the former Hoosier on Aug. 18, giving him less than two weeks to learn the system and make his case for a roster spot. There wasn’t much to evaluate from his preseason finale, but Indianapolis ultimately waived Wedig on Aug. 30 as the team began making its final roster cuts. We’ll now see if another team gives Wedig an opportunity or if he lands on a practice squad.
Lions
[#43] TE Zach Horton (2024) [WAIVED]
Zach Horton entered the final week still fighting for a depth role in Detroit’s tight end room. He became more involved against Indianapolis, hauling in all three of his targets for six yards. It wasn’t a huge statistical performance, but Horton took advantage of every opportunity thrown his way.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to earn a spot on Detroit’s initial roster. The Lions waived Horton on Aug. 30 as part of their final cuts. If he clears waivers, there is still a chance Horton could return to Detroit on the practice squad.
Miami Dolphins vs Atlanta Falcons [12-17]
Dolphins
[#41] S Louis Moore (2022-23, 2025) [WAIVED]
Louis Moore entered the preseason finale in a legitimate battle for Miami’s fourth safety spot alongside Major Burns and Lonnie Johnson. There wasn’t a clear favorite going into the game, but Moore had a quiet performance with two assisted tackles.
While Moore showed flashes throughout training camp, including his coverage ability and knack for creating turnovers, it wasn’t enough to survive the final cuts.
Miami waived the former Hoosier on Aug. 29. Moore will now wait to see if another team claims him or if he finds an opportunity on a practice squad.
Cincinnati Bengals vs Philadelphia Eagles [30-13]
Bengals
[#12] WR/PR/KR Ke’Shawn Williams (2024) [WR5/Returner]
Ke’Shawn Williams didn’t have a major role in practice this week, but he has continued progressing throughout the preseason. After going without a reception in Week 1, Williams caught three passes for 42 yards in Week 2 before putting together another strong performance in the finale.
Williams hauled in four of his five targets for 39 yards, including an 11-yard touchdown from Sean Clifford in the third quarter. He also fielded a punt and returned it seven yards.
Williams entered camp buried on the depth chart, but he has continued making the most of his opportunities. His ability as both a receiver and returner gives Cincinnati another reason to keep him around as the Bengals make their final roster decisions.
Kansas City Chiefs vs Seattle Seahawks[9-9]
Chiefs
[#70] RT Kahlil Benson (2020-23, 2025) [RT2]
The Chiefs have continued experimenting with Kahlil Benson across the offensive line. Some of that has been out of necessity with starting left tackle Josh Simmons dealing with a back injury, but Kansas City’s willingness to move Benson around also shows the trust the staff has developed in him.
Benson played right guard, right tackle and left tackle across the three preseason games, which is a huge responsibility for an undrafted rookie. He started at left tackle against Seattle and put together a much better performance after having some struggles the previous week. Kansas City’s offensive line didn’t allow a sack and helped the offense rush for 155 yards on 37 carries.
Head coach Andy Reid praised Benson after the game, saying he has “made improvement every week” while complimenting his work ethic and willingness to learn from his mistakes. Benson’s versatility along the offensive line might be his biggest advantage as he fights for a roster spot.
[#45] LB Cam Jones (2018-22) [WAIVED]
Cam Jones has done a really good job considering how little time he has spent with the Chiefs this offseason. Jones signed with Kansas City on Aug. 19, but because he previously spent time with the organization, he was able to hop right back into the system.
He remained active around the football in the preseason finale and was near the top of Kansas City’s tackle totals. For someone who joined the team less than two weeks before roster cuts, Jones has done a good job making his presence felt. His familiarity with the defense and experience on special teams could play a major role in whether Kansas City decides to keep him around.
Tennessee Titans vs Chicago Bears [15-24]
Titans
[#79] C Pat Coogan (2025) [C3]
Pat Coogan earned an opportunity to start at center for Tennessee in the preseason finale. His performance wasn’t anything spectacular, but Will Levis was able to lead multiple drives into scoring range behind the Titans’ reserve offensive line.
Coogan has steadily earned more opportunities throughout camp after entering the preseason third on the center depth chart. He hasn’t put together many flashy performances, which is difficult to do as an offensive lineman anyway, but he has continued showing improvement and consistency.
The former Rose Bowl MVP has done what he can to prove he belongs on an NFL roster. Now he’ll have to wait and see if it was enough as Tennessee makes its final cuts.
Discover more from Hoosier Huddle
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.