The first weekend of NFL preseason action gave Carroll fans plenty to watch — and several developments that could shape the weeks ahead for five former Dragons. For some, Week 1 was a chance to make a strong first impression. For others, it was a reminder that the path to an NFL roster is rarely straightforward.
Here's where things stand after the first slate of games, with Preseason Week 2 on deck.
Ewers' preseason debut couldn't have gone much worse.
The former Carroll quarterback completed just 1 of 8 passes for 27 yards with an interception in Miami's 20-7 loss to Washington. He also suffered a groin injury during the game that is expected to keep him sidelined for roughly a week as the Dolphins move into their second preseason game.
The timing isn't ideal for Ewers, who is entering his second NFL season and trying to establish himself in Miami's quarterback competition. Malik Willis remains Miami’s starter, with rookie Cam Miller expected to handle second-team reps. The Dolphins also re-signed quarterback Mark Gronowski on Sunday to add depth to the room.
Miami's next preseason game is Aug. 22 against the New York Giants. Whether Ewers is ready to participate will depend on how quickly he returns from the groin injury. The Giants have officially listed him as week-to-week
Next game: Saturday, Aug. 22 — vs. New York Giants, 3 p.m. CT
Why Southlake should watch: Ewers needs the preseason reps, but now he'll lose valuable practice time. How quickly he gets back on the field could be just as important as what he does once he returns.
R.J. Mickens — Los Angeles Chargers
Mickens picked up right where he left off as a rookie.
The former Carroll standout recorded five tackles in the Chargers' 10-7 preseason victory over Houston on Aug. 13, continuing his push for a larger role in his second NFL season.
Mickens has already established that he belongs in the league. After being selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, he appeared in 12 games as a rookie and recorded 29 tackles and two interceptions. Now comes the harder part: carving out a regular role in one of the Chargers' deeper position groups.
The safety room includes veteran star Derwin James Jr., who has established himself as one of the NFL's elite defensive backs, along with Elijah Molden, an experienced starter. Veterans and young players are competing for the remaining snaps, meaning every preseason rep matters for Mickens. His five-tackle performance against Houston was a solid start.
The Chargers return to action Thursday against San Francisco at SoFi Stadium.
Next game: Thursday, Aug. 20 — vs. San Francisco, 9 p.m. CT
Why Southlake should watch: Mickens isn't simply trying to survive another training camp. He's trying to earn meaningful playing time in a talented safety room. Five tackles in the opener certainly didn't hurt his case.
The longtime NFL offensive lineman shared substantial second-team reps on the interior offensive line, rotating alongside center Jarrett Patterson during Houston's 27-7 loss to the Chargers. The Texans ran 52 offensive plays in the game, giving Brown a meaningful amount of work as Houston evaluates its offensive-line depth.
Brown is entering his eighth NFL season and has already established himself as a valuable veteran presence. The 29-year-old former SMU standout has appeared in 85 regular-season games and made 68 starts during his career.
The Texans' interior offensive line remains a position worth watching as the preseason continues. Brown is listed alongside Patterson, Jake Andrews, and others in a group competing for playing time and roster spots.
Houston gets its next preseason test Thursday against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Texans are expected to give several healthy starters — including quarterback C.J. Stroud — some game action, which could make the second-string offensive-line reps particularly interesting to watch.
Next game: Thursday, Aug. 20 — vs. Las Vegas, 7 p.m. CT
Why Southlake should watch: Brown's battle isn't flashy, but it could be one of the more important roster competitions among the former Dragons. He's a veteran trying to prove he can still be a reliable piece of an NFL offensive line.
Lil'Jordan Humphrey — Denver Broncos
Humphrey's preseason opener was quiet statistically, but there were still reasons for optimism.
In Denver's 27-7 victory over Atlanta on Aug. 14, the former Carroll receiver caught 2 of 5 targets for 23 yards. He played primarily with backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham and made one notable play on a second-quarter drive, catching a 3-yard pass on third-and-11 to set up a 43-yard field-goal attempt.
The five targets were notable and important for a player fighting for a roster spot in a crowded Denver receiver room.
Humphrey is entering his eighth NFL season and is coming off a 2025 campaign in which he caught 13 passes for 156 yards and a touchdown during the regular season. He also caught three passes for 38 yards and a touchdown in the playoffs. He'll get another opportunity to make his case when Denver hosts Green Bay on Aug. 21.
Next game: Friday, Aug. 21 — vs. Green Bay, 8 p.m. CT
Why Southlake should watch: Humphrey's five targets in Week 1 show he's getting opportunities. With his experience and versatility, every preseason snap matters as Denver sorts through a crowded receiver room that includes Jaylen Waddle, Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims, and several other contenders.
Brady Boyd — Jacksonville Jaguars
Boyd didn't need a big stat line to make his presence felt in his first NFL preseason game.
The undrafted rookie receiver was one of Jacksonville's top five offensive performers in the Jaguars' preseason opener, according to Pro Football Focus, earning a 67.9 overall grade. For context, PFF considers a 60-69.9 grade "above average." Boyd and fellow receivers Chandler Brayboy and Trebor Pena combined for six receptions on seven targets for 102 yards. Boyd himself had a reception of 19 yards.
Those numbers aren't going to jump off an NFL box score, but they're encouraging for an undrafted rookie trying to earn his way onto a 53-man roster.
And Boyd already had some momentum coming into the preseason. Jacksonville's first unofficial depth chart listed him in the first receiver group, alongside Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter and Tim Jones. Now, he has a solid preseason performance to add to it.
The Jaguars return home for their second preseason game Friday against Carolina.
Next game: Friday, Aug. 21 — vs. Carolina, 6:30 p.m. CT
Why Southlake should watch: An undrafted rookie earning a top-five PFF offensive grade in his first preseason game is exactly the kind of development worth watching as roster cuts approach for Boyd.