With the NFL kicking off tonight, let’s take a look at where each former Oregon player will start their season.
The esteemed Oregon Football program is no stranger to putting its players in the best position possible to succeed at the next level. That said, the National Football League is home to an astounding 21 former Ducks. Things change quickly in the league, players change teams almost daily in the offseason. It’s difficult to keep track of everything that goes on. In fact, I’d say it’s impossible. But, I digress. Here’s where every former Oregon NFL player is beginning the 2018-2019 season.
(All stats via ESPN)
Kiko Alonso (LB, Miami Dolphins)
2017 Stats: 78 Solo Tackles, 115 Combined, 1 Sack, 2 Forced Fumbles
Heading into his fifth season, Alonso remains as one of the Dolphin’s premier defensive players, and is slated to start this Sunday in Miami as the Dolphins host the Tennessee Titans at 1PM EST, 10AM PST.
Arik Armstead (DE, San Francisco 49ers)
2017 Stats: 8 Solo Tackles, 16 Combined, 1.5 Sacks
Armstead, despite recording single-digit solo tackles a season ago on the D-line for San Fran, is listed as a starter for the 49ers visit to the Vikings Sunday at 1PM EST, 10AM PST.
LeGarrette Blount (RB, Detroit Lions)
2017 Stats: 173 ATT for 766 Yards, 4.4 AVG, 3 TD (1 Rec)
Blount seemingly has a new team every year. Last season, he found himself on the Super Bowl winning Philadelphia Eagles, serving as one of several backs on the Eagle’s rushing carousel. Now, Blount is a part of the most notorious rushing offense in the NFL. The Lions haven’t had a running back go for 100 yards in a game since Thanksgiving of 2013. Wow. Let’s hope LeGarrette can flip that script. He’ll be making his Detroit debut Monday night at home vs. the Jets at 7:10PM EST, 4:1PM PST.
DeForest Buckner (DT, San Francisco 49ers)
2017 Stats: 45 Solo Tackles, 61 Combined, 3 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble
Buckner joins Armstead to form the starting right side of the 49ers defensive line. He looks to be one of the leaders on that side of the ball for SF. They kick off Sunday at 1PM EST, 10AM PST in Minnesota against the Vikings.
Tanner Carew (LS, Chicago Bears)
2017 Stats: HE’S A LONG SNAPPER!
Tanner begins his NFL long snapping career Sunday night in Green Bay against the Packers at 8:20PM EST, 5:20PM PST.
Patrick Chung (S, New England Patriots)
2017 Stats: 86 Solo Tackles, 106 Combined, 1 INT
The 10th year veteran returns to New England once again as a starter in the secondary. Chung and the Pats open their season in Foxborough vs. the Texans at 1PM EST, 10AM PST.
More from Autzen Zoo
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- Oregon Basketball: Non-conference slate features Michigan coming to Eugene
- Oregon football: Ducks find complete game effort in win vs Hawaii
- Oregon Ducks must get run game going against Hawaii
- 8 Pac-12 teams represented in Associated Press Top 25 after Week 2
Tyrell Crosby (OT, Detroit Lions)
2017 Stats: Rookie
Crosby’s first season in Detroit will mainly see him as a backup. However, he will get the opportunity to block for aforementioned Oregon alumnus LeGarrette Blount. His first NFL game kicks off Monday at 7:10PM EST, 4:10PM PST at home against the Jets.
Jake Fisher (OT, Cincinnati Bengals)
2017 Stats: O-Lineman, No Real Stats
Fisher’s time in Cincinnati has been (putting it politely) up and down, with him failing to find his niche in the starting rotation. The Bengals acquired two additional lineman in the offseason, so Fisher’s spot may be in flux. Fisher’s 4th year in the League begins Sunday at 1PM EST, 10AM PST in Indianapolis as the Bengals face the Colts.
Royce Freeman (RB, Denver Broncos)
2017 Stats: Rookie
Big things are expected from 3rd round pick Royce Freeman; especially from me, considering he’s been forced into a starting role on my Fantasy team due to Jerk McKinnon’s injury. He’s also been named the Bronco’s starting back–and he’ll be featured from day one considering they don’t have a particularly potent pass attack. Freeman will get his first carry this Sunday in Denver as the Seahawks visit Mile-High Stadium at 4:25PM EST, 1:25PM PST.
Troy Hill (CB, Los Angeles Rams)
2017 Stats: 21 Solo Tackles, 24 Total
A part of one of the scariest on-paper NFL defenses of the past decade, Hill doesn’t appear to be much of a factor this season in LA. He’s currently listed as a third string defensive back. Play or not play from Hill, the Rams kick off Monday night at 10:20PM EST, 7:20PM PST in Oakland for a matchup with the Raiders.
Dion Jordan (DE, Seattle Seahawks)
2017 Stats: 10 Solo Tackles, 18 Combined, 4 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble
Jordan was effective on the edge last season in Seattle for a rebuilding defense, accumulating 4 total sacks. This year, Jordan should be part of the immediate rotation on the edge even if he doesn’t start. Jordan and the Seahawks travel Sunday to Denver for a date with the Broncos at 4:25PM EST, 1:25PM PST.
Kyle Long (G, Chicago Bears)
2017 Stats: O-Lineman, No Real Stats
Long returns as a sturdy and trusted starter on Chicago’s offensive line. He and the Bears open the season at the Green Bay Packers Sunday evening at 8:20PM EST, 5:20PM PST.
Marcus Mariota (QB, Tennessee Titans)
2017: 61.8% Completion, 3691 Yards, 17 TD, 16 INT
The former number two overall pick returns for his 4th season as the starting quarterback for the Tennessee Titans as they look to make back-to-back playoff appearances; but this time, under new head coach Mike Vrabel. The Titans kick off their season Sunday at 1PM EST, 10Am PST in Miami against the Dolphins.
Byron Marshall (RB, Washington Redskins)
2017 Stats: 9 ATT for 32 Yards, 3.6 AVG
Byron Marshall has been put on the Injured Reserve (IR) by the Redskins.
Terrance Mitchell (CB, Cleveland Browns)
2017 Stats: 48 Solo Tackles, 53 Combined, 4 INT
Mitchell was a ball-hawk a year ago for the lowly Browns, nagging 4 interceptions, while also carrying a heavy tackle load from the secondary. He figures to start once again this year as a quasi-veteran on one of the league’s younger squads. The Browns take on the Steelers Sunday 1PM EST, 10AM PST at home as Hue Jackson seeks the elusive second win of his now three season tenure.
Johnny Mundt (TE, Los Angeles Rams)
2017: Rookie
Mundt has finally found an NFL home after not signing an official contract last season. It will be tough for Mundt to find playing time for a loaded Ram’s roster, but he’ll just have to be patient. His Rams take on the Raiders Monday night at 10:20PM EST, 7:20PM PST in Oakland.
Haloti Ngata (DT, Philadelphia Eagles)
2017 Stats: 7 Solo Tackles, 7 Total, 2 Sacks
Ngata’s 12th season in the League was cut short 5 games into the season due to injury. He will finally suit for the reigning Super Bowl champions tonight (Thursday) as the Atlanta Falcons travel to Philly for the NFL season-opener at 8:20PM EST, 5:20PM PST.
Tyree Robinson (S, Dallas Cowboys)
2017 Stats: Rookie
Robinson was signed by Dallas as an undrafted free agent this summer and is already being projected to play major minutes for a Cowboy’s secondary that’s been less than impressive over the past few seasons. Robinson is in the perfect spot to succeed–a rookie who’ll get a ton of reps at the team’s major position of need. The Cowboys travel to Charlotte to take on the Panthers Sunday at 4:25PM EST, 1:25PM PST.
Jonathon Stewart (RB, New York Giants)
2017 Stats: 209 ATT for 731 Yards, 7 TD (1 Rec)
After a looong stay with the Carolina Panthers, Stewart has transitioned to the Big Apple, where he’ll likely fill a reserve role behind number two pick Saquon Barkley, who’s touted as one of the most dynamic playmakers in this past year’s draft. Stewart and the Giants host the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday at 1PM EST, 10AM PST.
De’Anthony Thomas (WR, Kansas City Chiefs)
2017 Stats: 14 Rec for 143 Yards, 2 TD
Thomas has been a nice slot receiver for KC the past couple years. His combination of size and speed really make him a tough cover for opposing defenses; though, he’s seen his role diminish since 2016. The Chiefs visit the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, with kick-off set for 4:05PM EST, 1:05PM PST.
Max Unger (C, New Orleans Saints)
2017 Stats: O-Lineman, No Real Stats
Unger and the Saint’s offensive line blocked for the most successful rushing attack in the NFL last season, with both backs, Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara, recording 1,000 yard+ seasons. The Saints should once again have a very talented offense, and it will once again be behind the dirty work of Unger and his compatriots. The Saints host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday 1PM EST, 10AM PST.
Jesus, that took forever. I guess that’s what happens when your football program has about a thousand guys (21, actually) in the League. #GoDucks
Oregon Football takes on Portland State this Saturday in Autzen Stadium at 1PM EST, 10AM PST.