For preseason games of August 15 – 18, 2025
Section flag: Profile
OFFENSE
– #33 IAN WHEELER, RB, Buffalo (2nd season, HOWARD) – In Buffalo’s 29-14 win over Carolina Saturday, Wheeler led the Bills with 41 yards on seven carries (5.9 yards per carry) and scored untouched on a 6-yard fourth-quarter run. In the drive that led to his scoring run, Wheeler had six of his carries for 32 yards (5.3 ypc.) with a long run of 10 yards. He was in for 15 offensive snaps (22%).
DEFENSE
– #41 JAMES HOUSTON, LB, Dallas (5th season, JACKSON STATE) – In the Cowboys’ 17-7 win Saturday over Seattle, Houston had three tackles, two solos including a solo sack for -4 yards. He was in for 18 defensive snaps (32%) and five on special teams (28%).
SPECIAL TEAMS
– #19 XAVIER SMITH, WR/KR, LA Rams (3rd season, FLORIDA A&M) – Started at wide receiver in 20-12 win Saturday over Kansas City and finished with four receptions on four targets for 26 yards (6.5 yards per catch). He also had three punt returns for 52 yards (17.3 yards per return) with a long return of 40 yards. He was in for 39 snaps on offense (72%) and five on special teams (19%).
ROOKIES ON OFFENSE
– #30 J’MARI TAYLOR, RB, Jacksonville (Rookie, NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL/ Virginia) – In Jacksonville’s 24-20 win over New Orleans Saturday, Taylor led the Jaguars with 22 carries for 78 yards (3.5 yards per carry) with a long run of 14 yards and a 2-yard fourth-quarter touchdown. He was in for 44 offensive plays (65%) and two on special teams (7%).
ROOKIES ON DEFENSE
#48 JACOB ROBERTS, LB, Minnesota (Rookie, N. C. A&T/Wake Forest) – Had three tackles, two solos and a third-quarter interception of a pass from QB Brandon Allen intended for Odell Beckham that he returned six yards in the Vikings’ 13-10 win over the New York Giants Saturday. Roberts also posted back-to-back tackles in the third quarter. He was in for 18 defensive snaps (33%) and nine on special teams (38%).
– #48 ERICK HUNTER, LB, Detroit (Rookie, MORGAN STATE) – In Detroit’s 16-14 loss to Cincinnati Thursday, Hunter had four solo tackles while playing 43 defensive snaps (61%) and 12 on special teams (48%).
ROOKIES ON SPECIAL TEAMS
– #21 KARON PRUNTY, CB, New England (Rookie, N. C. A&T/Wake Forest) – Started at cornerback Thursday in 13-13 tie with Indianapolis and finished with three tackles, one solo, and had two solo tackles on special teams. The rookie played 40 snaps on defense (62%) and ten on special teams (37%).
