Three BYU rookies suffer bad injuries in Preseason Week 3, plus a full report on all 19 former Cougars in the NFL

BYU had 19 players in the NFL for Week 3 of the preseason, the final week before roster cuts.

Unfortunately, three more former Cougars got hurt this week - Jakob Robinson, Caleb Etienne, and Tyler Batty - joining Zayne Anderson and Blake Freeland on the list of injured Cougars. The timing is just awful for Robinson (broken forearm), Batty (right knee), and Etienne (on crutches) because NFL teams have to cut rosters to 53 this week, and undrafted rookie free agents are usually the first to go. That's especially true if they're injured. Here's to hoping all three of them recover quickly and land on a roster or practice squad somewhere in the league.

Besides that depressing injury news, here's how every former BYU Cougar fared in their final opportunity to prove their value to their coaches and to the NFL at large.

Tyler Batty, DE, Minnesota Vikings

In his last chance to get good film on tape, the undrafted rookie started the game for the Vikings but was injured on the one and only snap he played. This is a terrible outcome as all UDFAs are on the fringes of making the 53-man roster or practice squad, Batty included. He needed another good outing to show the Vikings coaching staff he's worth retaining, and to get more "good tape" out there for other front offices is Minnesota lets him go. Emily Leiker of the Minnesota Star Tribune said an MRI is coming, which is rarely good news.

Chris Brooks, RB, Green Bay Packers

The third-year pro had four carries for 15 yards in his preseason finale. Last year with the Packers he rushed for 183 yards and chipped in 69 receiving yards and is poised to contribute once again this season.

Brady Christensen, OT, Carolina Panthers

The fifth-year veteran took his final 12 snaps of the preseason as he prepares for backup duty in 2025 while likely also being deployed on jumbo packages. In his final preseason game he flipped from left tackle to right tackle, once again showing off his incredible versatility.

Caleb Etienne, OT, Cincinnati Bengals

Etienne started at left tackle and played 46 snaps (77% of the team's total), but also got bit by the injury bug. Per the Bengals website, Caleb "limped off in the last five minutes and was on crutches after the game, but the indication is nothing is broken or torn." Just a terrible break for a guy like Caleb who was already on the fringes of sticking with the Bengals.

Kaleb Hayes, CB, Chicago Bears

Hayes was a late addition in Chicago, joining the team after the Bears first preseason game. In the final preseason contest of the year he entered the game in the fourth quarter, played nine defensive snaps, and recorded one tackle. He also played two special teams snaps, hopefully increasing his value as a potential special teams contributor in addition to providing depth in the secondary.

Darius Lassiter, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

The undrafted rookie had yet to secure a reception through the first two preseason games, but this week he recorded his first NFL reception on a five-yard gain. Congrats, Darius! He's a long shot to make the Jags roster, so it was nice to see him finish up the preseason with a reception.

Ryan Rehkow, P, Cincinnati Bengals

The second-year punter was busy in his final preseason tune-up with six punts, averaging 47.8 yards with a long of 68. Four of his punts were downed inside the 20 yard line.

Jakob Robinson, CB, San Francisco 49ers

Undrafted rookie Jakob Robinson has turned heads in San Francisco and has a chance to stick with the 49ers. He played a lot of snaps on defense in the third preseason game and had a nice special teams tackle. It's small things like special teams play that help UDFAs make a 53-man roster.

However, after the game ended it was revealed he may have broken his forearm in a stroke of terrible luck for the talented rookie. Hopefully he heals quickly and remains with the 49ers despite the ill-timed injury.

Kedon Slovis, QB, Houston Texans

The second-year pro had an overall successful outing going 11-of-16 for 111 yards, one touchdown, and one interception to cap off his preseason. Over three largely successful preseason games Slovis went 27-of-43 (62.8%) for 233 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He helped his cause to stick around at least another year in the NFL.

Kingsley Suamatia, OG, Kansas City Chiefs

Kingsley started the game at left guard and played 21 offensive snaps plus three more on special teams. The second-year pro continues to make the transition from playing tackle to moving inside to guard, and every rep at his new position is helpful.

Zach Wilson, QB, Miami Dolphins

Playing with the second unit, Zach was generally sharp once again. He went 9-for-13 for 80 yards with no touchdowns, no turnovers, and two sacks surrendered. At least two of his incompletions were bad drops by his receivers. The highlights of the game for Wilson were two fourth down conversions, one on a laser on 4th-and-4 and the other a beautiful deep ball to convert on 4th-and-16. He's secure in his role as Tua Tagovailoa's primary backup.

I've seen enough from Zach this preseason to be supremely confident that if he's called upon to replace Tua Tagovailoa at any time during the 2025 season, he'll be successful. The situation in Miami is ideal given the talent around him and the brain trust in the coaching staff. While I don't wish for Tua to get hurt, I do hope Zach has a chance to start multiple games, get into a rhythm, and show the NFL what he can do in the right situation.

Did not play

Tyler Allgeier, RB, Atlanta Falcons

Zayne Anderson, S, Packers (injured)

Blake Freeland, OT, Indianapolis Colts (injured)

Taysom Hill, TE, New Orleans Saints

Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams

Khyiris Tonga, DT, New England Patriots

Kyle Van Noy, LB, Baltimore Ravens

Fred Warner, LB, San Francisco 49ers

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