Here's a rundown of how Wisconsin players are doing after two preseason games and as we near the NFL cutdown to 75 players next week.
Montee Ball, Denver Broncos: Has 11 carries for 37 yards (3.4 average). His long run is for 8 yards. He has not caught a pass. Ball did have a big non-play, missing a blitz pickup resulting in a hard hit on QB Peyton Manning. We know Ball is going to play for the Broncos, but how much is unknown. Making a mistake which results in Manning getting hit hard is not going to help.
Jake Byrne, Houston Texans: Has 1 catch for 16 yards. Houston has a deep TE group, so would seem like a longshot to make the team.
Gabe Carimi, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A former first-round pick of the Bears but traded to the Bucs in the offseason, Carimi is currently the backup right tackle as head coach Greg Schiano has said Demar Dotson is the starter.
Jonathan Casillas, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Signed as a free agent from the Saints, Casillas is battling Dekoda Watson for the starting SAM linebacker job. Reports I've seen indicate Watson has the lead for that job. Casillas has 5 tackles thus far in the preseason.
Marcus Cromartie, San Diego Chargers: The early word was good for Cromartie in Chargers camp. He has 5 tackles and one kick return for 18 yards for San Diego, but had a big hustle play in saving a touchdown on a kick return against the Bears. An season-ending injury to CB Steve Williams could help Cromartie's chances of making the 53-man roster.
Owen Daniels, Houston Texans: The two-time Pro Bowl tight end has two catches for 26 yards and a TD in the preseason.
Bradie Ewing, Atlanta Falcons: Missed all of last season with an injury and has been out of camp with an "undisclosed" injury, although expected to return to practice today. He has been listed as the team's first-string fullback.
Travis Frederick, Dallas Cowboys: Dallas' first-round pick is going to play, it is just a matter of where. The Cowboys would like him at center, but injuries have him learning the right guard spot as well.
David Gilreath, Pittsburgh Steelers: Hasn't caught a pass and has two punt returns for 0 yards (long of 4). Has slid down the depth chart. A muffed punt against the Giants didn't help his cause.
Garrett Graham, Houston Texans: Leads Houston with 9 catches and is second with 103 yards receiving. Also has a TD. Seems to have established himself as a member of the Texans' TE corps.
Nick Hayden, Dallas Cowboys: Has 2 tackles. Has seen time on first-team nickel defense.
Shelton Johnson, Oakland Raiders: No statistics recorded. Has to be considered longshot to even make practice squad.
Lance Kendricks, St. Louis Rams: Has been out with a knee injury. Practiced briefly Monday.
Peter Konz, Atlanta Falcons: Appears to be winning the battle for starting center.
Jim Leonhard, New Orleans Saints: Had 3 tackles and the team's only interception. Listed as a backup safety, but should figure to see time on special teams and perhaps nickel defense.
DeAndre Levy, Detroit Lions: Has 4 tackles. Figures to start again in 2013. Also had a very interesting offseason.
Chris Maragos, Seattle Seahawks: No tackles, but he has an interception. Key for Maragos will be his play on special teams.
John Moffitt, Cleveland Browns: Recently traded from Seattle to Cleveland after losing out in right guard battle. A former third-round pick he was traded basically for defensive line depth. Been a rough few months for Moffitt, who pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in the spring. (UPDATE: And things just got worse. The trade got voided. UPDATE2: Jay Glazer reports Moffitt got traded to Denver.)
Bill Nagy: Was cut by the Lions in late July. I have not seen him picked up by anyone.
Brad Nortman, Carolina Panthers: Trying to keep his job and is averaging 48.3 yards per punt with one touchback and one punt inside the 20. His competition, Jordan Gay, is at 40.7, 0 and 2.
Louis Nzegwu, Carolina Panthers: Making a case to stick on the roster, perhaps as a pass-rush specialist, with 3 sacks and a forced fumble.
Chris Pressley, Cincinnati Bengals: Expected to start the season on the PUP list.
O'Brien Schofield, Seattle Seahawks: Cut by Arizona, he was picked up on waivers by Seattle. Could find a roster spot with Bruce Irvin suspended. Has 2 tackles, a sack and forced fumble.
Matt Shaughnessy, Arizona Cardinals: Signed with Arizona from Oakland. Listed as second-team weakside linebacker in 3-4. Has 2 tackles.
Devin Smith, Pittsburgh Steelers: Cut by Dallas, picked up by Pittsburgh and had an interception in his first game wit the Steelers.
Joe Thomas, Cleveland Browns: As long as he stays healthy, he's the starting LT and probably Pro Bowl bound.
Scott Tolzien, San Francisco 49ers: Has seemingly outplayed Colt McCoy, but in turn has been outplayed by B.J. Daniels. Has most pass attempts of any QB, although reps are about to be split up among the backups evenly. So far 18-of-34 (52.9%) for 188 yards with 0 TD, 1 INT and QB rating of 57.0.
Nick Toon, New Orleans Saints: The release of WRs Steve Breaston and Patrick Crayton likely bode well for Toon, who is trying to be the No. 3 WR. Has 5 catches for a team-high 122 yards, including a 56-yard catch.
Kraig Urbik, Buffalo Bills: Will be the starting right guard.
Ricky Wagner, Baltimore Ravens: Playing left tackle and backing up Bryant McKinnie. Likely will serve as OL depth.
J.J. Watt, Houston Texans: I think the defending Defensive Player of the Year's spot is solidified.
Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks: Seattle's starting QB is 10-of-18 (55%) for 150 yardw with 2 TDs and 0 INTs thus far, plus 3 rushes for 19 yards. Yeah, his job is safe, too.
Kevin Zeitler, Cincinnati Bengals: He's already established himself as the starting RG. Will he ever show up on "Hard Knocks" is about the only question.
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