This past weekend marked the opening action of the NFL slate. With the start of preseason games, Maryland football alumni from both the 2025 draft and past classes hit the field.

Wide receiver Tai Felton had a strong Week 1 for the Minnesota Vikings, representing the 2025 Terps class.

He saw time on special teams and with the offense in a 20-10 win over the Houston Texans on Saturday. The third round selection had 36 return yards on special teams, made a tackle as a gunner on punt team and hauled in 14 receiving yards on two catches.

Felton will have an opportunity to make an immediate impact within the Vikings offense and develop alongside quarterback JJ McCarthy and receiver Justin Jefferson, with two wideouts expected to miss time. The 22-year-old will have a chance to step into his own and take more meaningful snaps in practice and in preseason with the Vikings’ first and second-team offense.

Expect to see a bigger sample size of Felton on Saturday, Aug. 16 against the New England Patriots.

Rest of the 2025 class and undrafted player notes

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Kaden Prather did not play against the Indianapolis Colts due to an injured hamstring. The seventh-round draft pick was listed as a fourth-stringer in Buffalo’s first official depth chart.

Ruben Hyppolite II, a fourth-round selection at linebacker for the Chicago Bears, had four tackles and one assist. He entered the preseason on the team’s third-string defense.

Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips of the Miami Dolphins, had one tackle and three assists. The fifth round selection is currently on the team’s second-string defensive unit.

Dante Trader Jr., now a safety for the Dolphins who was selected in the fifth round of the 2025 draft, did not play against the Bears. He is currently on the team’s third-string defense.

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Tommy Akingbesote did not record a tackle or sack against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday. The seventh-round pick is listed on the team’s fourth-string defense on its depth chart.

Undrafted rookie safety Glen Miller made a tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs against the Arizona Cardinals. Miller is currently a part of the third-string defense.

Undrafted rookie center Josh Kaltenberger saw the field for the Los Angeles Chargers in its contests against the New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions. He is currently the third center on the team’s depth chart.

Other Maryland alumni who played this past weekend

Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson ran for 26 yards on three carries against the Giants.New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks had two tackles on Saturday against Buffalo Bills. Newly acquired Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Jakorian Bennett from the Las Vegas Raider took snaps with the Eagles’ second team defense in his first practice on Saturday. Steelers guard Spencer Anderson ran with the first team offensive line against the Eagles. He is currently a part of the second team line. Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jeshaun Jones caught one pass for 20 yards against the Texans. Baltimore Ravens safety Beau Brade had four tackles and one assisted on Friday against the Indianapolis Colts. Corey Bullock, an offensive lineman for the Ravens started Friday’s game against the Colts at center. He is currently listed as a third string center but has turned heads to make the roster in training camp.Defensive end Durell Nchami had a half sack and an assisted tackle for the Colts. Tight end Chig Okonkwo for the Tennessee Titans caught a pass for ten yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Jaelyn Duncan for the Titans saw preseason action against the Titans. He is currently listed as a second-string right tackle. Buccaneers wideout Rakim Jarrett caught a ball for 18 yards against the Titans. Las Vegas Raiders right tackle DJ Glaze hit the field against the Seattle Seahawks. While the team is sorting out personnel on its offensive line, Glaze is listed as a starter at tackle.Gottlieb Ayedze saw time on the field against the Seahawks. The Raiders’ offensive lineman is listed as a third-string left guard. Tight End Tyler Mabry did not record a catch for the Carolina Panthers against the Cleveland Browns. Kicker Chad Ryland drilled a go-ahead 50-yard field goal for the Arizona Cardinals against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. He is expected to be the main kicker this season in Arizona. Sam Okuayinonu did not play against the Denver Broncos due to a groin injury. He is expected to sit out of joint practices this week against the Las Vegas Raiders. Tarheeb Still made two tackles for the Los Angeles Chargers against the New Orleans Saints. Josh Woods for the Atlanta Falcons made six tackles and forced a fumble on Friday against the Detroit Lions prior to the game being suspended for an injury to a Lions player.

Veterans D.J. Moore, Stefon Diggs, Darnell Savage, Nick Cross and Byron Cowart all sat out due to rest in the first games of preseason.

The NFL preseason continues with Week 2 action set to begin Friday, Aug. 15.