Alabama
NFL Saturday roundup: Rookie kicker from Alabama connects from long distance for Vikings
Minnesota kicker Will Reichard concluded his first NFL preseason on Saturday by scoring 14 points in the Minnesota Vikings’ 26-3 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
The rookie from Alabama made two extra points and connected on field goals of 31, 33, 20 and 57 yards.
In the NFL’s other preseason games on Saturday:
· Undrafted rookie running back Frank Gore Jr. ran for 101 yards and one touchdown for Buffalo, but undrafted rookie quarterback Jack Plummer threw for 278 yards and two touchdowns for Carolina in the Panthers’ 31-26 victory over the Bills.
· Green Bay and Baltimore combined for 212 passing yards in a game that featured a 28-yard loss on a sack, but the Packers prevailed with 193 rushing yards in a 30-7 victory over the Ravens.
· The Pittsburgh Steelers sacked Detroit quarterback Hendon Herndon five times and intercepted him once, but he also ran for 93 yards on 10 carries and threw a fourth-quarter touchdown pass as the Lions rallied for a 24-17 victory.
· The Houston Texans stopped a 2-point conversion run with 3:15 to play after Los Angeles Rams running back Zach Evans’ second touchdown of the game for a 17-15 victory.
· Dallas quarterback Trey Lance threw for 323 yards and one touchdown and ran for 90 yards and another score, but he also threw five interceptions, including one from the Los Angeles 20-yard line on the game’s final snap, as the Chargers beat the Cowboys 26-19.
· Israel Abanikanda ran 45 yards for the game’s only touchdown with 14:03 left in the first half to send the New York Jets to a 10-6 victory over the New York Giants.
· A 79-yard punt return for a touchdown by wide receiver Dee Eskridge, a 56-yard TD run by running back Kenny McIntosh and a 58-yard field goal by Jason Myers helped the Seattle Seahawks defeated the Cleveland Browns 37-33.
In regular-season play, only one field goal in Minnesota history has been longer than 56 yards – a 61-yarder by Greg Joseph on the final snap of a 27-24 victory over the New York Giants on Dec. 24, 2022.
While becoming the NCAA FBS career scoring leader with the Crimson Tide, Reichard’s longest field goal had covered 52 yards. With 2:15 left in the fourth quarter against Philadelphia, the rookie exceeded that by 5 yards in his third NFL preseason game.
“It was a good op for Will,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said. “He had had some kickoffs and things like that, but hadn’t really done a whole lot there in the second half, so to give him a swing and him walk out there and just hit a 57-yarder like it’s nothing. I’m trying to remember the last time I saw him miss a kick. He’s been ultra-consistent.
“We were throwing different situational drills at him throughout training camp and really testing our team on some of those kind of will-I-go-for-it, will-I-punt, will-I-kick type of things where he doesn’t really know, and he responded in those moments, kicked really well in the games, and, ultimately, I think he’s got a lot of confidence going into the regular season, which is what we wanted.”
Reichard’s first preseason field-goal attempt for the Vikings was blocked. But he came back in that game to kick a 38-yard field goal on the final snap to beat the Las Vegas Raiders 24-23 on Aug. 10.
Reichard made field goals of 41 and 38 yards and kicked three extra points for the second game in a row as Minnesota defeated the Cleveland Browns 27-12 on Aug. 17.
A former Hoover High School standout, Reichard joined the Vikings as the first kicker chosen in the 2024 NFL Draft at No. 203.
After completing the preseason undefeated, the Vikings move to regular-season play, which will kick off against the New York Giants at noon CDT Sept. 8.
Other players from Alabama high schools and colleges involved in Saturday’s preseason games included:
Carolina Panthers tight end Jordan Matthews celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during an NFL preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y.(AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
Carolina Panthers 31, Buffalo Bills 26
· Bills guard Gunner Britton (Auburn) did not record any stats.
· Derrick Brown (Auburn) started at defensive end for the Panthers. Brown made one tackle.
· Panthers linebacker Tae Davis (Oxford) did not play.
· Panthers safety Rudy Ford (New Hope, Auburn) led Carolina with six tackles.
· Tylan Grable (Jacksonville State) started at left offensive tackle for the Bills.
· Kareem Jackson (Alabama) started at safety for the Bills. Jackson made three tackles and broke up a pass.
· Panthers quarterback Michael Jackson (Spain Park) did not play. Carolina acquired Jackson in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday.
· Panthers outside linebacker Eku Leota (Auburn) did not record any stats.
· Jordan Matthews (Madison Academy) started at tight end for the Panthers. Matthews had three receptions for 21 yards, including an 8-yard touchdown catch with 8:12 left in the first quarter to cap Carolina’s first series. The touchdown was the first for Matthews in an NFL preseason, regular-season or playoff game since Jan. 13, 2019, when he caught a 37-yard TD pass from quarterback Nick Foles in the Philadelphia Eagles’ 20-14 loss to the New Orleans Saints in the second round of the NFC playoffs.
· Bills linebacker Nicholas Morrow (Huntsville) did not play.
· Panthers defensive end LaBryan Ray (James Clemens, Alabama) made one tackle.
· A’Shawn Robinson (Alabama) started at defensive end for the Panthers. Robinson made one tackle.
· Tyrell Shavers (Alabama) started at wide receiver for the Bills. Shavers had two receptions for 15 yards.
· Javon Solomon (Troy) started at defensive end for the Bills. Solomon made one tackle on defense and one tackle on special teams.
· Panthers linebacker Chandler Wooten (Auburn) made four tackles.
· Bryce Young (Alabama) started at quarterback for the Panthers. Young completed 6-of-8 passes for 70 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions on Carolina’s opening series. Young took a seat for the day after connecting with tight end Jordan Matthews on an 8-yard TD pass with 8:12 left in the first quarter.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back La’Mical Perine reaches the end zone during an NFL preseason game against the Detroit Lions on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, at Ford Field in Detroit.(Photo by Jorge Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Detroit Lions 24, Pittsburgh Steelers 17
· Steelers defensive tackle Montravius Adams (Auburn) made three tackles.
· Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (Alabama) did not play.
· Lions defensive back Brian Branch (Alabama) did not play.
· Lions cornerback Carlton Davis (Auburn) did not play.
· Steelers offensive lineman TyKeem Doss (Aliceville) did not record any stats.
· Minkah Fitzpatrick (Alabama) started at free safety for the Steelers. Fitzpatrick did not record any stats.
· Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama) did not play.
· Steelers cornerback Zyon Gilbert (Jeff Davis) tied for the team lead with eight tackles and recorded one tackle for loss.
· Najee Harris (Alabama) started at running back for the Steelers. Harris had a 5-yard run.
· Lions defensive lineman Brodric Martin (Northridge, North Alabama) did not record any stats.
· Steelers linebacker Jeremiah Moon (Hoover) did not play.
· Steelers running back La’Mical Perine (Theodore) ran for 16 yards and one touchdown on six carries. Perine scored a touchdown on a 1-yard run as Pittsburgh took a 14-0 lead with 6:05 left in the first quarter.
· George Pickens (Hoover) started at wide receiver for the Steelers. Pickens had two receptions for 26 yards – one for 32 yards and one for minus-6.
· Steelers wide receiver Quez Watkins (Athens) had a 10-yard reception.
· Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (Alabama) did not play.
Anders Carlson of the Green Bay Packers kicks a field goal during an NFL preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.(AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Green Bay Packers, 30, Baltimore Ravens 7
· Jalyn Armour-Davis (St. Paul’s Episcopal, Alabama) started at cornerback for the Ravens. Armour-Davis made four tackles.
· Packers kicker Anders Carlson (Auburn) made a 54-yard field goal and two extra points, but he missed to the right on a 32-yard field-goal attempt. Carlson is in a competition to keep his job as Green Bay’s kicker against Greg Joseph, who made field goals from 36 and 55 yards and one extra point.
· Malik Cunningham (Park Crossing) started at wide receiver for the Ravens. Cunningham had a 6-yard reception.
· Ravens guard Darrian Dalcourt (Alabama) did not record any stats.
· Grant DuBose (Park Crossing) started at wide receiver for the Packers. DuBose was targeted once but not have a reception.
· Ravens running back Derrick Henry (Alabama) did not play.
· Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (Hoover, Alabama) did not play.
· Ravens safety Eddie Jackson (Alabama) did not play.
· Packers running back Josh Jacobs (Alabama) did not play.
· Ravens guard Tashawn Manning (Auburn) did not record any stats.
· Ravens cornerback Christian Matthew (Samford) made one tackle.
· Packers safety Xavier McKinney (Alabama) did not play.
· Ravens nose tackle Michael Pierce (Daphne, Samford) did not play.
· Kadeem Telfort (UAB) started at left offensive tackle for the Packers.
· Packers wide receiver Jalen Wayne (Spanish Fort, South Alabama) did not record any stats.
· Colby Wooden (Auburn) started at defensive tackle for the Packers. Wooden made two tackles and recorded one tackle for loss.
Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III catches the football during an NFL preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, at NRG Stadium in Houston.(AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans 17, Los Angeles Rams 15
· Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama) did not play.
· Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (Clay-Chalkville) did not play.
· Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (Alabama A&M) did not play.
· Rams tight end Miller Forristall (Alabama) had two receptions for 10 yards.
· Texans linebacker Christian Harris (Alabama) did not play.
· Marcus Harris (Park Crossing, Auburn) started at defensive tackle for the Texans. Harris made two tackles, registered one quarterback hit and broke up one pass.
· Texans offensive tackle Tytus Howard (Monroe County, Alabama State) did not play.
· Texans cornerback Kamari Lassiter (American Christian) did not play.
· John Metchie III (Alabama) started at wide receiver for the Texans. Metchie had two receptions for 21 yards.
· Texans linebacker Henry To’oTo’o (Alabama) did not play.
· Texans safety Jimmie Ward (Davidson) did not play.
· Rams cornerback Darious Williams (UAB) did not play.
· Kilian Zierer (Auburn) started left offensive tackle for the Texans.
Minnesota Vikings running back DeWayne McBride carries the football during an NFL preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.(AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Minnesota Vikings 26, Philadelphia Eagles 3
· Eagles safety Reed Blankenship (West Limestone) did not play.
· Eagles cornerback James Bradberry (Pleasant Grove, Samford) did not play.
· Eagles guard Landon Dickerson (Alabama) did not play.
· Eagles defensive end Bryce Huff (St. Paul’s Episcopal) did not play.
· Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (Alabama) did not play.
· Eagles cornerback Josh Jobe (Alabama) made three tackles.
· Eagles outside linebacker Terrell Lewis (Alabama) made three tackles.
· Vikings running back DeWayne McBride (UAB) ran for 34 yards on 11 carries and caught two passes for 27 yards.
· Bobby McCain (Oxford) started at safety for the Vikings. McCain made two tackles.
· Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens (Spain Park) did not play.
· Eagles cornerback Eli Ricks (Alabama) made four tackles.
· Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (Alabama) did not play.
· Eagles offensive lineman Tyler Steen (Alabama) did not play.
· Vikings outside linebacker Dallas Turner (Alabama) did not play.
· Eagles wide receiver Austin Watkins (UAB) was targeted once but did not have a reception.
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Justin Rogers rushes the passer during an NFL preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.(AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
Los Angeles Chargers 26, Dallas Cowboys 19
· Chargers center Bradley Bozeman (Handley, Alabama) did not play.
· Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (Alabama) did not play.
· Chargers defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe (Alabama) made two tackles and registered one quarterback hit.
· A.J. Finley (St. Paul’s Episcopal) started at safety for the Chargers. Finley made three tackles, recorded one tackle for loss and broke up one pass.
· Chargers long snapper Josh Harris (Auburn) handled the snaps for six punts, two field goals and two extra points.
· Cowboys defensive end Carl Lawson (Auburn) did not record any stats.
· Alex Leatherwood (Alabama) started at left offensive tackle for the Chargers.
· Shane Lee (Alabama) started at linebacker for the Chargers. Lee made five tackles on defense and one on special teams.
· Justin Rogers (Auburn) started at defensive end for the Cowboys. Rogers made one tackle and broke up one pass.
· Chargers punter JK Scott (Alabama) averaged 50.0 yards on six punts with a 44.0-yard net. Scott’s final two punts pinned Dallas at its 8- and 10-yard lines in the fourth quarter.
· Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (McGill-Toolen, South Alabama) did not play.
· Chargers running back Kimani Vidal (Troy) did not play.
· Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams (Lee-Montgomery) is on injured reserve and not eligible to play.
New York Jets 10, New York Giants 6
· Giants cornerback Cor’Dale Flott (Saraland) did not play.
· Jets wide receiver Tyler Harrell (Alabama) did not record any stats.
· Jaylen Key (UAB/Alabama) started at safety for the Jets. Key made four tackles.
· Giants linebacker Trey Kiser (South Alabama) made one tackle.
· Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley (Theodore, Alabama) did not play.
· Evan Neal (Alabama) started at right offensive tackle for the Giants. Neal played for the first time since an ankle injury caused him to miss the final eight games of the 2023 season, and team announced in the first half of Saturday night’s game that Neal would be questionable to return with an ankle injury.
· Giants defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches (Central-Phenix City) did not play.
· Jets tight end Lincoln Sefcik (South Alabama) had a 12-yard reception.
· Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood (Auburn) did not play.
· Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (Auburn) did not play.
· Jets linebacker Quincy Williams (Wenonah) did not play.
· Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (Wenonah, Alabama) did not play.
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett moves in to tackle Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman during an NFL preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, at Lumen Field in Seattle.(AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks 37, Cleveland Browns 33
· Browns cornerback Tony Brown (Alabama) did not play.
· Browns guard Javon Cohen (Central-Phenix City, Alabama) did not record any stats.
· Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper (Alabama) did not play.
· Mohamoud Diabate (Auburn High) started at linebacker for the Browns. Diabate made three tackles and recorded one sack.
· Browns defensive back Chris Edmonds (Samford) made four tackles on defense, recorded one tackle for loss and had two tackles on special teams.
· Jerome Ford (Alabama) started at running back for the Browns. Ford ran for 11 yards on three carries.
· Seahawks outside linebacker Derick Hall (Auburn) did not record any stats.
· Seahawks cornerback DJ James (Spanish Fort, Auburn) made six tackles and recorded one sack, the first as a pro for the sixth-round rookie.
· Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (Alabama) did not play.
· Seahawks nose tackle Buddha Jones (Troy) is on injured reserve and not eligible to play.
· Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (Jackson, Auburn) made five tackles, recorded one tackle for loss and broke up one pass.
· Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (Alabama) recorded one sack.
· Seahawks outside linebacker Jamie Sheriff (South Alabama) made three tackles, recorded two sacks and registered three quarterback hits.
· Za’Darius Smith (Greenville) started at defensive end for the Browns. Smith did not record any stats.
· Browns defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (Alabama) did not play.
· Browns linebacker Nathaniel Watson (Maplesville) did not play.
· Browns offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (Alabama) did not play.
· Jameis Winston (Hueytown) started at quarterback for the Browns. Winston completed 6-of-9 passes for 63 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions and had a 6-yard run.
· Browns defensive end Alex Wright (Elba, UAB) did not play.
FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE
Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.
Alabama
Alabama in the NFL: Former Heisman winner among best from Week 16
Yet another week of NFL action has passed, and once again, it was a huge slate for Alabama Crimson Tide football.
A slate of games in which multiple teams clinched playoff berths, former Alabama players were back in action this past weekend at the professional level, with many going on to make significant impacts in their respective games. Some of those same names were also recently named to the 2026 Pro Bowl, only adding to what has been a solid overall season for the Crimson Tide in the NFL.
With the likes of Jalen Hurts, Malachi Moore, and Bryce Young among the names who also enjoyed a big week, here are five of Alabama’s top performing former players during Week 16 in the NFL.
Derrick Henry, Running Back – Baltimore Ravens
The former Heisman Trophy winner was likely Alabama’s top offensive performance of Week 16, even despite losing a fumble in the Baltimore Ravens’ 28-24 loss to the New England Patriots. In all, Henry rushed for 128 yards and two touchdowns on 18 attempts, translating to an average of 7.1 yards per carry.
Jonathan Allen, Defensive Tackle – Minnesota Vikings
In a week loaded with impressive defensive performances, there were likely none greater than that of Allen during a 16-13 win for the Minnesota Vikings over the New York Giants. Allen finished the game with eight total tackles, four of which were solo, along with one sack, two TFL, and one quarterback hit.
Will Reichard, Kicker – Minnesota Vikings
Another member of the Minnesota Vikings who made an impact in their 16-13 win over the New York Giants was the former Alabama kicker. Also making his lone extra point attempt, Reichard finished 3-for-3 on field goal attempts, a trio of makes that came from 43, 31, and 30 yards.
Jordan Battle, Safety – Cincinnati Bengals
Battle enjoyed a huge performance during the Bengals’ 45-21 win over the Miami Dolphins, leading Cincinnati with a total of 10 tackles. Of those 10 tackles, six from Battle were solo.
Marlon Humphrey, Cornerback – Baltimore Ravens
Rounding out Alabama’s top performances from NFL Week 16 was Humphrey, who enjoyed a solid showing despite the Baltimore Ravens’ 28-24 loss to the New England Patriots. Humphrey finished with six total tackles, all of which were solo, two pass defenses, and an interception.
Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.
Alabama
McDaniel has 23, Memphis defeats Alabama State 88-67
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Dug McDaniel scored 23 points as Memphis beat Alabama State 88-67 on Monday night.
McDaniel went 8 of 16 from the field (7 for 12 from 3-point range) for the Tigers (5-7). Curtis Givens III scored 18 points and added three steals. Ashton Hardaway shot 4 for 8 (2 for 4 from 3-point range) and 5 of 6 from the free-throw line to finish with 15 points, while adding seven rebounds and five steals.
Asjon Anderson led the way for the Hornets (3-9) with 16 points. Damarien Yates added 13 points and nine rebounds for Alabama State. Tyler Mason also recorded 12 points. The loss is the sixth in a row for the Hornets.
McDaniel scored 14 points in the first half to help Memphis build a 42-33 halftime lead. Memphis pulled away with a 12-2 run in the second half to extend a nine-point lead to 19 points.
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Alabama
What Kalen DeBoer said about facing ‘great’ Indiana team with ‘swagger’ in Rose Bowl
Kalen DeBoer described Indiana as “a great football team.”
The Alabama coach was effusive in his praise of the Hoosiers and their leader.
“Coach Cignetti, just what he’s done is amazing here these last two years, just building the program as quickly as he’s done to the level it’s at,” DeBoer said. “Really looking forward to us diving back into our process here the next 10 days or so, just getting back to work.
No. 9 Alabama will face No. 1 Indiana in the Rose Bowl on Thursday, Jan. 1 (3 p.m. CT, ESPN). The winner of that matchup will advance to the semifinals of the College Football Playoff, set to take part in the Peach Bowl on Jan. 9.
Simply put, the Crimson Tide will have its hands full. On offense, the Hoosiers led the nation in third-down conversions and rank third in scoring offense.
Indiana also owns the nation’s No. 10 rushing offense, averaging 221.2 yards per game. Roman Hemby (918 yards, six touchdowns) and Kaelon Black (799 yards, seven touchdowns) are the top two running backs.
“Still diving into it, but I think the thing that jumps out at me, with the first glance here the last day or so, is how well they work together, the offensive line, in particular, and just everyone being in sync,” DeBoer said. “They’re always moving forward.”
Transfer quarterback Fernando Mendoza is the leader of the offense as the Heisman Trophy winner. He has thrown for 33 touchdowns to six interceptions. Mendoza has also rushed for six scores this season.
“I just think with obviously Mendoza winning the Heisman, that doesn’t happen by accident,” DeBoer said. “You put a whole season of film together, of games and stringing them each and every week and you end up undefeated because a trigger man can make some plays and do his things at an extremely high level.”
At receiver, Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt are Mendoza’s top two targets. Cooper has secured 58 passes for 804 yards and 11 touchdowns. Sarratt has caught 51 passes for 687 yards and 12 scores.
“I look at their skill around the offensive line, they just all complement each other,” DeBoer said. “They go make plays. When the opportunities are there, they get it done.”
Defensively, the Hoosiers rank second in the nation in third downs and scoring defense. Indiana’s also third in tackles for loss.
“The defense, has the tackles for losses and is physical as well,” DeBoer said.
In total, it all has led to a 13-0 season so far after Indiana went 11-2 in 2024.
“There’s great coaching you can see to put them in spots to succeed, but also the guys, you can see they play with a swagger, with a confidence,” DeBoer said, “and as they should with the success they’ve had.”
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