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Wolverines in the NFL: Catching up through Preseason Week 2

This article is way overdue, but it's time to start catching up with all your favorite Wolverines in the NFL. There's a lot of ground to cover since the NFL Draft in May, including Training Camp and the first two weeks of the Preseason. So let's begin!

Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Kenny Demens (ILB, Arizona Cardinals):

Last year

Stats: 2 games played, 3 solo tackles

Started 2013 on the practice squad, activated from Week 4 to 7, was then waived, resigned, and delegated back to the practice squad before signing a futures contract in the offseason

This year

After spending the majority of his rookie season on the practice squad, Demens is poised to break into the 53-man roster in 2014. He stood out during OTAs and is in the midst of a battle for a backup spot on Arizona's roster. Through Week 2 of the Preseason, he's received the third-most snaps out of Arizona's linebackers in each game. He's recorded a few tackles, and overall, he's playing a faster game, likely due to the fact that he dropped a whopping 15 pounds this offseason. As Kenny put it: "No more McDonald's. No more In-N-Out late. Just eating right. Lean meats, veggies." Due to an injured Kevin Minter (the man ahead of him on the depth chart), Demens has received some first team work as of late. Hopefully that bodes well for him with final roster cuts looming at the end of the month.

Jay Feely (K, Arizona Cardinals):

Last year

Stats: 30/36 field goals, 37/37 extra points, 86 kickoffs with a 66.4 yard average and 33 touchbacks.

Feely started 2013 without a guaranteed job as he was challenged throughout training camp and the preseason. He ended up winning the roster spot, however, he didn't do himself any favors throughout the season. He ranked near the bottom of the league in touchbacks and potentially cost the Cardinals a playoff spot by missing two out of four field goals in a 23-20 loss against the 49ers in the final game of the season.

This year

With a weak performance to finish 2013, many thought Feely wouldn't be back in 2014, and that's still not guaranteed. He is once again in the middle of a competition for the starting spot in Arizona. Feely didn't get the nod in the preseason opener, as he sat out in lieu of his competition, Chandler Catanzaro. He did play last week against the Vikings where he made all four extra points he attempted. However, he continued to struggle during kickoffs, while Catanzaro has not. On five kickoff attempts, Feely failed to record a touchback while the Vikings returned his kicks for 141 total yards. He's struggling with hang time, and even though he's tried to change up his approach à la Detroit Lions legend Jason Hanson, age seems to be catching up, and the outlook doesn't look promising for Feely at this point.

Larry Foote (ILB, Arizona Cardinals):

Last year

Stats: 1 game played, 8 total tackles

After a biceps injury forced him to miss the entire season save for Week 1, the Steelers decided to part ways with Foote at the end of the year. The release ended a long-term relationship between Foote and Pittsburgh as he had spent 11 of his 12 NFL seasons in the Black and Gold.

This year

During the offseason, Foote signed a one-year contract with Arizona. With the Cardinals losing two starting linebackers - Karlos Dansby to free agency and Daryl Washington to a year-long suspension - Foote needs to regain his shape quickly as he'll likely be thrust into a starting role (he's currently listed as a starter on Arizona's website). He didn't play much in the preseason opener but saw expanded time last week. He recorded three solo tackles and an assist in Week 2 against the Vikings. Those four tackles stood out as they were "all near the line demonstrating great play recognition and he was constantly around the ball."

Fitzgerald Toussaint (RB, Baltimore Ravens):

After signing an undrafted rookie contract with the Ravens, Toussaint had a small chance of making more than just the practice squad. However, he hasn't done much, if anything, with his chance and nothing's a guarantee at this point. He carried the ball four times for 20 yards near the end of the preseason opener and saw only one special teams snap last week. This indicates that he's not wanted as a running back nor on special teams, and that the practice squad is likely the ceiling for Toussaint in Baltimore for 2014.

Alan Branch (DT, Buffalo Bills):

Last year

Stats: 39 combined tackles, 1 pass defended

Following an average to below-average season (take a look at the stats above), the Bills decided to ink Branch to a three-year contract extension worth $8.5 million, which included a $3.1 million signing bonus. With first-year head coach Jim Schwartz (Good luck with that Buffalo!, Yours truly, a Lions fan) came the switch from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense. This means that Branch will no longer be a nose tackle in the strict sense of the term and could possibly see time at defensive end, something that raises questions about his speed and skill set.

This year

Nothing good. Branch chose to skip voluntary OTAs and proceeded to fail the conditioning test at the start of training camp. In three preseason games, he's been demoted to third-team duties, seeing a meager 39 snaps - the lowest of all defensive tackles on the Bills roster - and failing to record any stats. If the Bills were to cut Branch, they would only lose the $3.1 million signing bonus, and as of right now, this seems like the course of action they will take.

Jason Avant (WR, Carolina Panthers):

Last year

Stats: 16 games played, 13 started, 38 receptions, 447 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 fumble lost

After a lackluster year, the Eagles decided to part ways with Avant at season's end. This was likely due to the fact that "Avant only caught 50% of the passes thrown his way in the slot, which ranked 32 out of 33 slot receivers," according to Bleeding Green Nation. This was compounded by Avant claiming that he and head coach Chip Kelly "butted heads sometimes."

This year

Avant signed a one-year contract with the Panthers in April. He hasn't seen a ton of time this preseason, but that's more likely due to his veteran status and not necessarily needing to prove his worth to the team. Barring something crazy, he'll likely fill the third spot for Carolina. He snagged one catch for 25 yards last week against the Chiefs.

Craig Roh (DE, Carolina Panthers):

Last year

He spent the entire 2013 season on the practice squad and signed a futures contract at the end of the season.

This year

The Panthers have more than enough depth at defensive end, and therefore, Roh is currently listed on the fourth-team. It's highly unlikely he makes the 53-man roster but returning to the practice squad is still a possibility.

Ryan Mundy (S, Chicago Bears):

Last year

Stats: 16 games played, 77 combined tackles, four tackles for loss, 2 passes defended, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery, 1 interception

Between a season-ending injury and legal issues for both of the Giants's starting safeties, Mundy assumed the starting role last Fall and performed well until suffering a knee injury in Week 7. This setback demoted him to mainly special teams duties until the final weeks of the season.

This year

The Bears snagged Mundy on the first day of free agency and signed him to a two-year deal. He's already making a strong case to cement himself as a starting safety in the Windy City. In both preseason games, he's been playing with the first-team defense and has recorded two tackles and one interception. Halfway through the preseason, all signs point to a starting spot for Mundy when the regular season begins.

Leon Hall (CB, Cincinnati Bengals):

Last year

Stats: 20 combined tackles, 1 interception

Hall recorded all of those stats except four tackles in the first three weeks of 2013. Then injuries struck. A hamstring injury followed by his second torn Achilles in three years ended Hall's season before it had a chance to take off.

This year

He's feeling good after rehabbing his injury all offseason, and he's been used sparingly this preseason while he gets his legs back under him. He's played on 27 snaps over the first two games and recorded a solo tackle in each game. Barring another injury, he's locked into the top corner spot in Cincy.

Martell Webb (TE, Cleveland Browns):

Last year

He bopped around the Titans, Lions, and Colts practice squads.

This year

The Browns signed Webb to reach the 90-man roster limit before the start of preseason. Seeing as this is his eighth team since entering the NFL in 2010, it's unlikely Webb makes anything more than the practice squad. He played for one snap in the preseason opener - recording no stats - and it doesn't look like he received any playing time last week.

Michael Schofield (T, Denver Broncos):

The Broncos took Schofield with the 95th pick in this year's NFL draft, and he signed a 4-year, $2.75 million deal, a month later. He's currently listed as the backup right tackle in Denver, and it seems likely he'll make the 53-man roster. There's talk that he might be able show enough to justify the release of third-string, veteran left tackle Winston Justice, but right now, Schofield just needs to continue to show growth, seeing as not everyone thinks he was worthy of a third-round pick.

Tim Jamison (DE, Houston Texans):

Last year

Stats: 5 games played, 1 tackle, 1 pass defended

As you can see from above, Jamison didn't do a whole lot in 2013. He was inactive for 10 weeks of the season and saw minimal playing time. I assumed at the end of last season that if the Texans picked Jadeveon Clowney, Jamison would be gone, however...

This year

Jamison is receiving praise from analysts on the Texans website, as one stated that "Jamison is going to be a vital piece in this defense. There are times when he just embarrasses offensive linemen..." It doesn't seem like he's played all that much this preseason, illustrated by just one recorded tackle in two games, but he looks to be the front-runner for a backup defensive end spot in Houston.

Chad Henne (QB, Jacksonville Jaguars):

Last year

Stats: 13 games started, 305/503 passing for 3,241 yards, 13 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, 2 fumbles

Henne wasn't ever supposed to start in Jacksonville, but when Blaine Gabbert suffered multiple injuries in 2013, the Jags thrust Chad into the spotlight. He didn't perform well at all, looking ugly during the majority of the season, but then again, the Jaguars were downright awful last year. Even though the Jags were expected to take a quarterback in this year's draft (they did, Blake Bortles, with the third pick), they went ahead and signed Henne to a two-year contract worth $8 million, with $4.5 million guaranteed in 2014. Seems a bit high for a guy you probably want to move on from.

This year

So what does all this mean for this season? The Jaguars still claim that it's Chad's job and that Bortles will likely not be the starter on opening day. However, Bortles has looked much better than Henne in the first two games this preseason. Henne didn't do much in the preseason opener (4 out of 7 for 30 yards) and looked bad in the process, but he received extended playing time last week, which he took advantaged of. He finished Week 2 of the Preseason 12 for 17 for 130 yards and one touchdown. He also did this to Jared Allen. Henne will have to carry this momentum into Week 3 if he wants to keep any debate over who should start alive. Bortles will be getting time with the first team this week, so if he continues to outperform Henne, Chad will most likely should be riding the benchthis year. However, he may gain the starting job simply because Jacksonville doesn't want to start Bortles yet.

Denard Robinson (RB, Jacksonville Jaguars):

Last year

Stats: 20 carries for 66 yards, 4 kickoff returns for 88 yards, 3 fumbles (2 lost), 2 combined tackles, 1 incomplete pass

He went from wide receiver to "Offensive Weapon" to running back to minimal playing time. He struggled holding onto the ball - evident by three fumbles on 20 carries - but it may have had to do with lingering issues from his elbow injury in 2012.

This year

Robinson bulked up 15 pounds this offseason and has impressed early on this preseason as "he appears to be playing his way into a larger role." In two games, he's rushed for 70 yards on 13 carries, including this game-winning, 23-yard touchdown run. He's also been used as a kick returner this preseason, which is hopefully a sign of renewed faith in his hands since Jacksonville stopped using him in that role early last season. His ceiling is likely third-string running back and being used as a mostly situational player but only time will tell if he can break through to new heights.

Junior Hemingway (WR, Kansas City Chiefs):

Last year

Stats: 15 receptions for 155 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 fumbles (1 lost)

Like I said in my final write-up last season, I'll turn it over to Arrowhead Pride as they summed up Hemingway's'13 season and future nicely:

"Hemingway really improved this season. He ran better routes and did a better job of attacking the ball. The game seemed to slow down for him. He wasn't as hesitant on the field. He provides the Chiefs with a great gunner on special teams.

He deserves more playing time in 2014. During the off-season he needs to continue working on his route running, accelerating out of his breaks and getting a free release at the line of scrimmage."

This year

Hemingway missed a good chunk of training camp and the preseason opener with a hamstring injury (Jul. 26 to Aug. 10 to be exact). He played on ten snaps last week before leaving with a hip injury. This bad news looks even worse considering his lack of production and poor play during the game: one target, one downed punt, and an illegal block above the waist penalty on a kickoff return. There hasn't been any news related to the extent of his hip injury. Hopefully it isn't severe since Hemingway seemed locked into the third-spot on the Chiefs depth chart.

Jordan Kovacs (S, Miami Dolphins):

Last year

Stats: 9 games played, 1 solo tackle

Last year, Kovacs bounced back and forth between the practice squad and 53-man roster. Most of his time in the NFL consisted of special teams play with minimal action in the secondary.

This year

Battling for a spot on the 53-man roster, Kovacs gained a lot of playing time in the preseason opener. He played on 37 defensive (46%) and 9 special teams snaps with one recorded tackle. However, all he can claim from last week is an offensive holding penalty during a punt return. Even with the loss of starting safety Reshad Jones to a four-week PED suspension, the Dolphins still have solid depth at safety, and it's unlikely Kovacs makes the roster at this point in time, unless he shines during special teams play.

Cameron Gordon (LB, New England Patriots):

Gordon hasn't been active since the seventh day of training camp due to an unknown ailment. There hasn't been much news about him aside from him consistently being inactive. His chances were always slim to make the 53-man roster and that seems to be set in stone now. The practice squad seems to be a best case scenario at this point.

Jeremy Gallon (WR, New England Patriots):

Already a long shot to make the 53-man roster, Gallon wasn't able to practice due to an unknown ailment until this past Monday. However, with the recent practice squad expansion from eight to ten players, it remains a high likelihood that he'll stick in New England, especially since the Patriots have a solid track record with developing smaller slot receivers (e.g. Wes Welker and Julian Edelman). However, he still has two preseason games to prove himself, and there's still a slim chance he cracks the main roster.

Tom Brady (QB, New England Patriots):

Last year

Stats: 417/691 for 4,818 yards, 26 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 10 fumbles

In a topsy-turvy season that watched the Patriots win multiple comeback victories, Brady wasn't sharp enough and the team around him wasn't strong enough to propel New England into another Super Bowl. Brady was sacked 40 times (the most since he took 41 hits during his sophomore season), and his group of receivers was lackluster at best.

This year

No matter what, Tom Brady will be Tom Brady until he hangs up his cleats. Even last year - a down year for one of the all-time greats - was still impressive enough. Brady didn't play in the preseason opener, his performance stood out last week, going 8 of 10 for 81 yards and one touchdown. He did throw one interception; however, the blame has been put solely on the tight end for the miscommunication. The quarterback position in New England is Brady's until he leaves, and he'll be looking for that elusive fourth Super Bowl ring in 2014.

Jonathan Goodwin (C, New Orleans Saints):

Last year

Goodwin started every game for the third straight year in San Francisco. However, that wasn't enough for the 49ers to keep him around as they decided to let him walk during free agency.

This year

He signed a $1.02 million contract with the Saints, including a $65K signing bonus. The signing marks a return to New Orleans for Goodwin who was the starting center during their 2009 Super Bowl winning season. He's currently in a battle for the starting spot with second-year undrafted free agent Tim Lelito, but that hasn't stop Jonathan from giving his younger competition a few pointers. However, neither man seems to be all that great of a choice for the Saints according to PFF. There's no clear leader for the time being and only time will tell if Goodwin lands another starting role in New Orleans.

Stevie Brown (S, New York Giants):

Last year

Brown looked poised for a monster 2013 season after recording eight interceptions in 11 games started in 2012. However, he tore his ACL in Week 3 of the Preseason last year while trying to return an interception. He spent the entirety of '13 on injured reserve.

This year

He signed a one-year contract worth $2.775 million with an initial $1 million roster bonus and $1 million more through incentives. Even though he missed last season, it seems that the starting spot is still his to lose. He hasn't seen much action this preseason - only three combined tackles in three games - but he seems to have moved on from the injury based on his comments when asked about it's effect on him:

A brace? "No," he said. "I never wanted to get reliant on the brace so I never wore one."

Limited reps? "I don't want to be on a pitch count," he grumbled.

Swelling? Pain? Lack of confidence in the knee holding up?

"Not at all," Brown said. "None of that . . . I just look at it like I missed a year, that's all it is."

Thomas Gordon (S, New York Giants):

After signing an undrafted free agent contract with the Giants, Gordon needed to use his physical prowess to find a way onto New York's 53-man roster. I don't know for sure if he didn't play or barely played in the Giants's first two preseason games, but boy did he make his presence known last week. Against the Colts, Gordon recorded five combined tackles - two solo - and was rated +1.4 by Pro Football Focus (the fourth best defensive player on the Giants for the game). There's still at least one safety ahead of him before he'd make the 53-man roster, but a couple more strong performances as the preseason ends could allow Gordon to squeak on. At the bare minimum, he should be able to ensure himself a spot on the practice squad.

Mario Manningham (WR, New York Giants):

Last year

Stats: 6 games played (3 started), 9 catches for 85 yards

For the past two seasons, Manningham's struggled with knee injuries. He didn't return to the 49ers roster until Week 10 last year and only saw limited action before returning to the injured reserve after Week 15 with more knee problems. San Francisco did not ask Manningham to return in the offseason.

This year

He signed a one-year, $795K contract to return to the Giants where he was an integral part of their 2011 Super Bowl winning team. He's currently listed with the third-team offense on the depth chart, but some of the young guns beneath him have been outperforming him during preseason. He's been nearly invisible through three games - 1 catch for 17 yards - and a history of injury issues may be too much to justify the Giants keeping him around. Loyalty could play a factor, but in a league as fickle as the NFL, I highly doubt it.

William Campbell (RG, New York Jets):

Last year

The Jets kept Campbell on the 53-man roster all of last season but never moved him off of the inactive list. New York did this with another lineman as well, and all signs seemed to point to either or both players being used to build this year's line.

This year

Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case for Campbell. There hasn't been much talk about him, and he's currently listed third on the depth chart at right guard. He had a cast on his right arm during OTAs, but that doesn't seem to be a lingering issue since he played in the first preseason game (I can't find anything saying he played last week). It's likely that the transition from defensive to offensive line hasn't been as smooth as the Jets had hoped for Campbell.

David Harris (ILB, New York Jets):

Last year

Stats: 16 games played, 124 combined tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass defended

Another solid season for a guy who's been a consistent centerpiece in New York's defense for the past seven season. He racked up more than 120 tackles for the fourth time in his career and avoided the injury bug.

This year

There's no reason to believe Harris will be supplanted as the starting middle linebacker just yet. His head coach recently called him "the most underrated player in the league," and he made a statement in the preseason opener. As Gang Green Nation put it: "He only saw limited action but registered 6 tackles [including one sack]. He was making plays and finding the ball like it was 2009." He followed his strong performance with a solid three tackles in last week's game.

LaMarr Woodley (DE, Oakland Raiders):

Last year

Stats: 11 games played, 36 combined tackles, 5 sacks, 1 pass defended, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery

Woodley started strong in '13, tallying 20 tackles and five sacks in the first six games, but multiple calf injuries derailed what looked to be a promising season as he missed five of the last seven games. That marked three years in a row of injury troubles for LaMarr, and the Steelers decided to part ways with him in the offseason. The release marked the end of an entire career in Pittsburgh for Woodley and terminated a six-year, $61.5 million deal, the highest contract for a defensive player in Steelers history.

This year

Without a place to call home, Woodley signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Raiders early in free agency. He'll be switching from an outside linebacker in Pittsburgh's 3-4 defensive to a defensive end in Oakland's 4-3 defense, and like most veterans with a solid track record, it's unlikely he doesn't begin the season as a starter. He hasn't done much in preseason - three tackles in two games - but that's not out of the ordinary for an eight-year vet in the preseason who is probably seeing limited action and/or waiting for the regular season to go big. Production shouldn't be an issue for Woodley, but injuries will remain a question mark hovering over his head through '14. Read some of Woodley's comments here about transitioning positions and how his former employers had issues with his weight, something Oakland doesn't agree with.

Charles Woodson (FS, Oakland Raiders):

Last year

Stats: 16 games played, 97 combined tackles, 3 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumbles recovered, 2 sacks, 1 interception, 1 defensive touchdown

On a one-year contract, Woodson was the dependable, every-day safety he's been for the majority of his career. He recorded a career-high in tackles and brought leadership and energy to Oakland's defense.

This year

Woodson has been vocal about wanting to stay in Oakland until he retires, and he signed another one-year, $2.5 million contract with a $1.15 million signing bonus and another $1 million through LTBE (likely to be earned) incentives. There's no question about his starting status in Oakland even though he's been quiet this preseason with only one tackle recorded and some "costly miscues" against the Lions last week. He's the leader of the Raiders defense and should be until he decides to retire.

Brandon Graham (LB, Philadelphia Eagles):

Last year

Stats: 16 games played (0 started), 19 combined tackles, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble

Graham struggled in '13 to find his identity after the Eagles transitioned into a 3-4 defense, thus causing him to switch from end to linebacker. His usage on defense declined from 40% in '12 to 27%, but his time on special teams increased from 4% in '12 to 60%. Even in limited action, "Pro Football Focus rated him as one of the best pass-rushing outside 'backers per snap." However, at this point in time, he still hasn't justified the Eagles selecting him 13th overall in 2010.

This year

There were reports throughout the offseason that the Eagles wanted to trade Graham, but in Philly he remains for the time being. It's still up in the air whether he'll stay, be traded, or simply released. Through two preseason games, he hasn't seen a ton of playing time, but he forced an interception in Week 1 and was all over the place last week, recorded 5 combined tackles with a sack. However, for all the good he does as a pass rusher, he still struggles immensely when dropping back in coverage. As Bleeding Green Nation puts it: "Brandon Graham is solid at rushing the passer, but he just really doesn't belong in space." He's currently in a battle with Travis Long "[f]or the fifth and potentially final spot" at linebacker, but a trade still seems to be the most probable outcome.

David Molk (C, Philadelphia Eagles):

Last year

He looked to be next in line in San Diego, but the Chargers cut him during preseason last year. He remained a free agent for the entirety of '13 before signing a futures contract with the Eagles.

This year

Listed third on the depth chart at the start of preseason, it seemed unlikely Molk would be able to make more than the practice squad. However, an injury to the man ahead of him (back surgery, unknown recovery time, but probably on the longer side) has given Molk an opportunity to final pave a path for himself in the NFL. He played 41 snaps with the Eagles second-team offense last week and was ranked +3.8 by PFF for the game, the highest offensive player for the Eagles. He'll be the backup in Philadelphia heading into the regular season: "The only sad thing is," as Molk said, "this is how the NFL works. Your gains come off someone else's hurt, which is terrible, but it's the business."

Stephen Schilling (C, Seattle Seahawks):

Last year

Schilling saw minimal playing time in '13: 59 offensive and 32 special teams snaps. After spending his entire career in San Diego, the Chargers decided to not tender a contract to the restricted free agent this offseason.

This year

Dropped from the Chargers, Schilling signed on with the Super Bowl Champs in near his hometown of Bellevue, WA. He's switching from guard to center, but he's already seen snaps with the first-team offense in Week 1 of the preseason due to injuries ahead of him. He's currently listed third on the depth chart, but due to the confidence Seattle seems to have in Schilling, it seems promising that he'll stick around as a backup.

Jake Long (LT, St. Louis Rams):

Last year

Long followed up signing a four-year, $34 million contract with the Rams last offseason with a rough start to the season. He was missing blocks and just didn't look good. However, he eventually settled into and performed at his expected level before tearing his ACL and MCL in Week 15.

This year

Jake hasn't had any issues throughout the rehab process, and he's set to be active for the first time this weekend. Barring a setback, he's expected to start in Week 1 of the regular season. The Rams need Long at full force if they want to have a chance in the difficult NFL West.

Patrick Omameh (G, Tampa Bay Buccaneers):

Last year

Omameh started '13 on San Francisco's practice squad and remained there until the Bucs signed him in mid-October. Once in Tampa, he sat on the inactive list for the rest of the season.

This year

Boy oh boy. I'm happy to write that Omameh has a strong chance of being a starter in Tampa Bay this year. He's been impressive throughout the offseason after coming back stronger and more polished due to training with former Pro Bowl center LeCharles Bentley in Arizona. The hard work paid off when Omameh got the starting nod last week against the Dolphins. According to Bucs Nation, "Omameh held his own last night against a solid Dolphins front seven." He's currently listed first on the depth chart at right guard, and another strong performance this week might cement his place in the starting lineup.

Taylor Lewan (T, Tennessee Titans):

After being the last player drafted this year to sign a contact (four-year, $11.485 million with a $6.672 signing bonus), Lewan needed to prove himself worthy of a starting spot as he began the offseason listed as a backup behind Michael Roos and Michael Oher a.k.a. The Blind Side guy. In his first preseason game, Lewan didn't make any mistakes and looked good in the process. However, his second game didn't go as smooth as he committed two 15-yard penalties: unnecessary roughness and face mask. He was out of practice with a sore ankle on Monday, but I haven't read anything saying he'll miss this week's game. He'll need to bounce back from a poor week and show more composure if he wants to earn a starting spot.

Mike Martin (DT, Tennessee Titans):

Last year

Stats: 13 games played (1 started), 15 combined tackles, 1 pass defended, 1 sack

Martin took a step back from his rookie season in 2013 as he played in 169 fewer snaps (473 in '12 compared to 304 in '13) and three less games. He recorded smaller totals in all statistical categories and received an overall diminished role in Tennessee's defense.

This year

He's currently listed as a backup defensive tackle for the Titans, and he hasn't recorded any stats through the first two weeks of the preseason. Barring an injury ahead of him or a lights out performance, it's unlikely Martin will be much more than a backup in Tennessee to start the season.

(NOTE: If you can think of any players I'm missing, let me know.)