There were several notable highlights for BYU football alumni in the NFL during week one, including Fred Warner’s dominant debut for San Francisco and Jamaal Williams starting for Green Bay on NBC’s Sunday Night Football. Week two had plenty more action for the former Cougars scattered throughout the league.
Jamaal Williams (2012–2016): Williams ran for 59 yards on 16 carries in an anticlimactic, overtime tie against the division rival Minnesota Vikings. The Cougars’ all-time leading rusher also grabbed three receptions for 12 yards and has continued to be an effective pass blocker out of the backfield.
Fred Warner (2014–2017): A week after his explosive 12 tackle debut, the rookie linebacker added 10 more tackles in week two to help the 49ers edge the visiting Detroit Lions 30-27.
Taysom Hill (2012–2016): Despite his status as third-string quarterback on the Saints’ depth chart, New Orleans head coach Sean Payton has continued to find ways to utilize Hill’s athletic abilities all over the field, including on special teams and in goal-line option packages. This week, the former dual-threat Cougar quarterback was sent in against the Cleveland Browns as a kick returner, bringing the kickoff back 47 yards in his first ever return. The Saints would ultimately defeat the hapless Browns 21-18 in the game’s thrilling final seconds.
Kyle Van Noy (2010–2013): Van Noy recorded six tackles for the Patriots, including five solo, along with an interception in a 31-20 loss at Jacksonville.
Michael Davis (2013–2016): After spending last week’s game watching from the sideline, the former Cougar linebacker-turned-cornerback recorded a solo tackle for the Los Angeles Chargers in a 31-20 win over the Buffalo Bills.
John Denney (2001–2004): Currently riding a 209-consecutive-games-played streak as the Dolphins’ long snapper, Denney was marked as questionable prior to week two with a shoulder injury but ultimately took the field to snap for punts and extra point attempts in Miami’s surprising 20-12 win over the New York Jets.
Injuries: Chiefs safety Daniel Sorensen (2008, 2011–2013) is currently on injured reserve following a knee injury during training camp and could return sometime later in the season. Lions defensive end Ziggy Ansah (2010–2012), the highest paid defensive end in the league, was inactive against San Francisco with a shoulder injury.
Signings: Safety Kai Nacua (2013–2016) and Bronson Kaufusi (2012–2015) were signed to the Baltimore Ravens’ and New York Jets’ practice squads this past week, respectively.
