How Arizona Wildcats fared in Week 1 of NFL preseason

The first week of NFL preseason is in the books. While the results don’t mean much because starters barely play, the games are still meaningful for players who are trying to earn a roster spot and/or make their way up the depth chart.

Almost every Arizona Wildcat in the NFL falls into that category, so here’s how they fared.

J.J. Taylor, RB, New England Patriots

Taylor had two carries for 10 yards along with five catches for 31 yards, the second-most on the team, in the Pats’ 22-13 win over Washington. Taylor is part of a deep running back room, but his receiving prowess and work on special teams should help him carve out a role for New England. He returned two kickoffs for 45 yards and also fielded a punt.

Nick Folk, K, New England Patriots

Folk was not in uniform for the Patriots. He is still expected to be their Week 1 starter, but rookie Quinn Nordin is making it an interesting race, making all three of his field goals against Washington, including a 50-yarder. However, he missed an extra point.

“We’ll take a look at it,” Pats coach Bill Belichick said. “Hit a couple good ones, missed an extra point. It’s all about consistency. Quinn has gotten better. He’s worked hard. But again, it’s really about consistency at that position. We’re getting there. We’ll see what kind of progress he continues to make.”

Nick Foles, QB, Chicago Bears

The Bears let rookie Justin Fields get most of the playing time, so Foles was limited to just 12 snaps. He completed one of three passes for eight yards. He overshot a running back on a swing pass, causing Bears fans to boo him off the field.

Roy Lopez, DL, Houston Texans

A sixth-round pick, Lopez had a sack in Houston’s 26-7 win at Green Bay.

Texans defensive coordinator Lovie Smith has been impressed with the former Wildcat and New Mexico State Aggie.

“He will be playing the nose guard position for us, but he’s a nose guard with a little bit of three technique athletic ability because he has a little bit of wiggle to him — also, strong, compact. He’s done some good things,” Smith said during camp. “You need to be bringing young players up through the system; like what he’s done so far.”

Gary Brightwell, RB, New York Giants

Brightwell did not play in the Giants’ 12-7 loss to the Jets. He has been battling a leg injury in camp so far. The good news is he returned to practice Tuesday.

Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, LB/S, San Francisco 49ers

DFF (concussion) did not play in the Niners’ 19-16 loss to Kansas City.

Rob Gronkowski, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Gronk played six snaps in the Bucs’ 19-14 loss to the Bengals but did not record any stats.

Dane Cruikshank, S, Tennessee Titans

Cruikshank did not play in the Titans 23-3 win over the Falcons. He has been dealing with an injury.

Will Parks, S, Kansas City Chiefs

Parks, who’s expected to be a rotational player for the Chiefs, played 11 snaps on defense and nine on special teams in Kansas City’s win over the Niners. He finished with four tackles.

Jace Whittaker, CB, Arizona Cardinals

Whittaker played 43 snaps, the most of any Cardinals defensive back. He’s mostly been operating in the slot. He had five tackles and a pass breakup in a 19-16 win over the Cowboys.

Lorenzo Burns, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Burns did not record any stats in a 23-13 loss to the Cleveland Browns.

PJ Johnson, DT, Detroit Lions

Johnson played three snaps in a 16-15 loss to the Bills. He did not record any stats.