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BYU Football: Preseason NFL Week 4 recap for former Cougars

By Shaun Gordon

GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 30: Wide receiver Jordan Leslie #19 of the Denver Broncos makes a reception over defensive back A.J. Howard #42 of the Arizona Cardinals during the preseason NFL game at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 30: Wide receiver Jordan Leslie #19 of the Denver Broncos makes a reception over defensive back A.J. Howard #42 of the Arizona Cardinals during the preseason NFL game at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The final week of preseason games in the NFL gave many former BYU Football players their last chance to save their roster spot.

The cut days have begun.

Between Friday and Saturday, all 32 NFL teams will cut their rosters from 90 players to 53.

Thursday’s preseason Week 4 games were the final opportunity for former BYU Football players to make their case for avoiding those dreaded pink slips.

Those cuts have now begun. Jordan Leslie is already a known casualty among the former Cougars, and more will likely follow.

A quite a few players made a strong case for themselves on Thursday, though, including a trio of Baltimore defenders that used to suit up for the Cougars.

Bronson Kaufusi

Kaufusi needed a big game to prove he belongs on the 53-man roster, and he delivered. He led Baltimore with 10 tackles, eight of them solo, and also led the Ravens with two sacks.

It’s a performance that just may have saved his spot in Baltimore past Saturday.

Kai Nacua

Another Raven that may have solidified his roster spot, Nacua finished with six tackles (four solo) and a pass deflection.

His biggest play, though, was an impressive pick-six that led to one of the bigger celebrations you’ll see in the preseason:

https://twitter.com/Ravens/status/1035343021946990592

Robertson Daniel

There’s a pattern forming here. The Ravens’ defense on Thursday was a BYU show, as newly-signed Robertson Daniel had two solo tackles, a pass deflection, and most importantly an interception.

He certainly made the most of his one preseason game.

Taysom HIll

The quarterback battle behind Drew Brees got even more heated this week, when the Saints traded for Teddy Bridgewater.

Hill made another statement that he should stick around, though, as he went 10/17 for 159 yards and a touchdown. He also added 31 yards on three rushes.

Jordan Leslie

Denver is looking to establish an offensive identity, and they can use all the weapons in the passing game that they can get.

Leslie showed that he could have been a solid part of that on Thursday, leading the team with five receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown.

The Rest of the Cougars

A few other Cougars put up decent numbers, including Dallin Leavitt’s six tackles and Tomasai Laulile’s sack:

  • Dallin Leavitt (Oakland Raiders) – 6 Tackles, 6 Solo, Pass Deflection
  • Tomasai Laulile (Indianapolis Colts) – 2 Tackles, 1 Solo, Sack
  • Micah Hannemann (Los Angeles Chargers) – 4 Tackles, 4 Solo
  • Michael Davis (Los Angeles Chargers) – 2 Tackles, 2 Solo
  • John Denney (Miami Dolphins) – No Stats Recorded
  • De’Ondre Wesley (Buffalo Bills) – No Stats Recorded
  • Algie Brown (Kansas City Chiefs) – No Stats Recorded

With most coaches deciding to sit the majority of their starters, more former Cougars sat in Week 4 than previous weeks:

  • Fred Warner (San Francisco 49ers) – DNP (Coach’s Decision)
  • Ziggy Ansah (Detroit Lions) – DNP (Coach’s Decision)
  • Kyle Van Noy (New England Patriots) – DNP (Coach’s Decision)
  • Jamaal Williams (Green Bay Packers) – DNP (Coach’s Decision)
  • Harvey Langi (New England Patriots) – DNP (Injury)
  • Daniel Sorensen – (Kansas City Chiefs) – DNP (Injury)
  • Tejan Koroma – Kansas City Chiefs) – DNP (IR)
  • Jonah Trinnaman (New York Jets) – DNP (IR)

Next. Scouting the Schedule - Utah. dark

All that’s left now for the players is to await their fate on Saturday. Those that are still on their respective teams will start preparing for next week’s season openers.

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