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Former Huskers Make Waves In the NFL 2015 Preseason Week 1

Around 30 former Huskers are on NFL rosters and many of them are making The League sit up and take notice. Who shined and who experienced heartbreak?

By ranchbabe
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

We are still a few weeks away from the start of college football. For now, we have to live vicariously through Brian's practice reports and cheer for our NFL Huskers as they fight for (or solidify) roster spots in the NFL.

Preseason Week 1 brought many headlines for Husker alumni. Read on to find out who shined, who 'meh'd' and who saw their season end even before it began....

(Jill's note: I probably won't have time to continue this feature throughout the entire football season, but will take a look these first few weeks).

Randy Gregory laments sacks that got away - Todd Archer, ESPN

Cowboys rookie defensive end Randy Gregory had a sack against the Chargers in his first preseason game, but knows he could have had more.

"Looked like he was getting off the ball well, looked like he was up the field a lot early on in the game, and then as the game wore on he did a better job leveling off his rush and getting to the quarterback," Garrett said. "He was around the quarterback a lot."

Lions rookie check-in: Preseason Week 1

Ameer Abdullah wowed the Pride of Detroit (The SB Nation site for the Lions)

"I don't have words. Just GIFs."

And what awesome Gifs they are. Ameer announced himself loudly to those who doubted he could make the transition to the NFL.

Ndamukong Suh shows impact in preseason debut with the Dolphins

Suuuuuuuuuuh! The highest paid defensive player in The League only played a handful of snaps (like most marquee players) in Week 1 of the preseason, but he was noticed…

How did the Jets starting offense play in preseason game 1?

4. Quincy Enunwa in the slot. The Jets had their usual outside receivers, Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker, flanking the sides of the formation. But instead of Jeremy Kerley in the slot, they worked Enunwa there early in the drive. Enunwa is battling for a roster spot. This is a good sign for him, though he later dropped a pass from Bryce Petty while playing with the backups.

Niles Paul Out for 2015 Season

What a tough break for Paul. After working his way up to be named the starting tight end for Washington, he suffered a season-ending injury (dislocated/fractured ankle) in the first preseason game. Well wishes for a speedy recovery Niles.

Spencer Long- OG - Washington Redskins

The former Husker All-American (selected by Washington in the 3rd round of the 2014 draft) hoped to become a starter this season after his main competition was released. But, the Redskins have decided to play 2015 first round pick (OT Brandon Scherff) at the right guard spot. Bonus points to CN community members that can name the Redskins OL coach in the comments (Be Nice!).

Rex Burkhead suffers neck injury

Burkhead is listed 3rd on the RB depth chart but has been working at slot receiver a fair bit and might get onto the field more in that capacity. He suffered a neck injury in the first preseason game.

Bengals v Giants: Rex Burkhead questionable with neck injury

With over eight minutes remaining in the second quarter, Cincinnati announced that running back Rex Burkhead had suffered a neck injury and is questionable to return.

It looks good for Rex to return to the field soon.

Jeremiah Sirles - OL - Chargers gets second team reps at right guard

An injury to one of the reserve O lineman in the first preseason game has resulted in Sirles getting second team reps at right guard. The Chargers have a pretty talented O-line group. Good news for JS.

Mohammed Seisay Exits Game With Injury

Cornerback Mohammed Seisay, who the Seahawks acquired in a recent trade with the Detroit Lions, injured his groin in the first half and did not return. "Slight" was the word Carroll used to describe Seisay's setback.

Zaire Anderson - LB - Broncos

He logged 2 tackles (1 solo) vs the Seahawks. He has turned heads and made headlines in Broncos training camp, but the glut of talent ahead of him at ILB means he still has a long way to go for a roster spot.

Kenny Bell - WR - Buccaneers

With Jameis Winston hogging all the headlines there was not much left for anyone else. Bell was targeted 3 times but had zero catches. He also went back for a kick return but the Vikings kicker booted it through the end zone for a touchback. Now that the @Huskers twitter account has the @Lions one using the #fearameer hashtag, maybe we can get them to start lobbying @TBBuccaneers to use #ThrowToTheFro.

Jared Crick playing well at DE

A recent article on Battle Red Blog highlighted Jared Crick and how he really started to show up for Houston toward the end of the 2014 season. He is expected to be a big part of a fearsome front four on that Texan D-line.

Jason Ankrah is an outside LB for Houston and has a decent chance to make the 53 man roster.

Injuries keep several Huskers off the field

Will Compton - LB - Washington

Roy Helu, Jr. - RB - Oakland

Eric Martin - LB - New England

Alfonzo Dennard has big news

He is currently still a free agent after being released by the Patriots and then the Cardinals this offseason, but he had some big news.

If I missed any, add it in the comments!

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