Eight former Crimson Tide players will look to kick off week three of NFL preseason Friday.
New England Patriots (1-1) vs. Carolina Panthers (2-0)
Linebackers Xzavier Dickson and Dont’a Hightower, along with offensive tackle Michael Williams will suit up for New England. Dickson was productive in his first two games, totaling six tackles. Hightower has yet to record a stat in preseason play. Defensive backs Robert Lester and Roman Harper will play for Carolina. Both have three tackles in two games.
Detroit Lions (1-1) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1)
Jacksonville’s running back T.J. Yeldon spent the last two weeks in black, non-contact jersey due to a sprained finger on his left hand. He didn’t participated in the first two preseason games, but the former Alabama standout will see action Friday against Detroit.
It does have Toby Gerhart and Denard Robinson, but Jaguars’ head coach Gus Bradley expects Yeldon to be the workhorse. He totaled 979 rushing with 11 touchdowns at Alabama last season.
Tennessee Titans (1-1) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (2-0)
All eyes will be on the quarterback competition between Zach Mettenberger and Marcus Mariota, but Jalston Fowler and Chance Warmack will be in the mix.
Fowler played 10 offensive snaps in Tennessee 24-31 loss to Atlanta in week one.
Titans’ head coach Ken Whisenhunt was pleased, despite the outcome.
Tennessee expects Fowler to be a fullback and a running back. He recorded 755 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 112 carries in his career at Alabama.
Fowler’s hands were exceptional in the red-zone, catching seven touchdown passes.
Warmack enters his third year in the NFL. He’s played in 32 career games and anchors Tennessee’s offensive line at left guard.
Schedule for Friday’s matchups
- New England @ Carolina- 4:30 pm PT
- Detroit @ Jacksonville- 5:00 pm PT
- Tennessee @ Kansas City- 5: 00 pm PT
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
