Jets QB Zach Wilson, Other Local Players Impress During Week 1 Of 2021 NFL Season
Sep 12, 2021, 9:20 PM | Updated: Sep 15, 2021, 6:30 pm
Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets throws a pass during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Former BYU quarterback Zach Wilson made his NFL debut along with other local players from the 2021 NFL Draft class.
The 2021 NFL season opened on Thursday, September 9.
Here is how all of the players with ties to the state of Utah fared during the opening week of the season.
Former Utah Utes
Urban Meyer – Head Coach – Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1)
The former Utah head coach suffered a 37-21 loss to the Houston Texans in his NFL coaching debut.
Next Game: vs. Denver Broncos on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS
Sunday wasn’t the NFL debut that Urban Meyer and the @Jaguars were hoping for. #LocalsInTheNFL #DUUUVAL #GoUtes https://t.co/5lOR0scC6H
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 13, 2021
Kylie Fitts – Defensive Tackle – Arizona Cardinals (1-0)
The former Utah defensive lineman had one tackle in Arizona’s 38-13 win over the Tennessee Titans.
Next Game: vs. Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, September 19 at 2:05 p.m. (MDT) on FOX
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Leki Fotu – Defensive Tackle – Arizona Cardinals (1-0)
The former Utah defensive lineman had one pass breakup in Arizona’s 38-13 win over the Tennessee Titans.
Next Game: vs. Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, September 19 at 2:05 p.m. (MDT) on FOX
Tyler Huntley – Quarterback – Baltimore Ravens (0-1)
The former Utah quarterback did not play in Baltimore’s 33-27 overtime loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, September 13.
Next Game: vs. Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, September 19 at 6:20 p.m. (MDT) on KSL TV
Star Lotulelei – Defensive Tackle – Buffalo Bills (0-1)
The former Utah defensive lineman was inactive for Buffalo’s 23-16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Next Game: @ Miami Dolphins on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Zack Moss – Running Back – Buffalo Bills (0-1)
The former Utah running back was inactive for Buffalo’s 23-16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Next Game: @ Miami Dolphins on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Jaylon Johnson – Cornerback – Chicago Bears (0-1)
The former Utes defensive back had five total tackles, three solo tackles, and one pass breakup in Chicago’s 34-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Next Game: vs. Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Bradlee Anae – Defensive End – Dallas Cowboys (0-1)
The former Utah defensive end played 10 snaps on defense and 18 snaps on special teams in the Cowboys’ 31-29 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday, September 9.
Next Game: @ Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, September 19 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on CBS
Francis Bernard – Linebacker – Dallas Cowboys (0-1)
The former Utah linebacker is currently on the Cowboys’ Reserve/Injured list and did not play in Dallas’ 31-29 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday, September 9.
Next Game: @ Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, September 19 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on CBS
Garett Bolles – Offensive Tackle – Denver Broncos (1-0)
The former Utah offensive lineman and the Broncos beat the New York Giants, 27-13.
Next Game: @ Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS
Tim Patrick – Wide Receiver – Denver Broncos (1-0)
The former Utah receiver had four catches for 39 yards and a touchdown in Denver’s 27-13 win over the New York Giants.
Next Game: @ Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS
Former @Utah_Football WR Tim Patrick (@Tpstreets) scores his first touchdown of the 2021 season. 🙌#LocalsInTheNFL #NFL #BroncosCountry #GoUtes https://t.co/iKkMczY1Ty
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 12, 2021
John Penisini – Defensive Tackle – Detroit Lions (0-1)
The former Utah defensive lineman and the Lions suffered a 41-33 to the San Francisco 49ers.
Next Game: vs. Detroit Lions on Monday, September 20 at 6:15 p.m. (MDT) on ESPN
Julian Blackmon – Safety – Indianapolis Colts (0-1)
The former Utah safety had five total tackles, three solo tackles, and a tackle for loss in Indianapolis’ 28-16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Next Game: vs. Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Sam Tevi – Offensive Tackle – Indianapolis Colts (0-1)
The former Utah offensive lineman suffered a season-ending knee injury during the preseason and will miss the entire year for the Colts. Indianapolis suffered a 28-16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Next Game: vs. Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Terrell Burgess – Safety – Los Angeles Rams (1-0)
The former Utah defensive back and the Rams beat the Chicago Bears, 34-14.
Next Game: @ Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Matt Gay – Kicker – Los Angeles Rams (1-0)
The former Utah kicker was 2/2 on field goals in Los Angeles’ 34-14 win over the Chicago Bears.
Next Game: @ Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
.@MGtweetymonster tacks on another! pic.twitter.com/YXPW8XIFiA
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 13, 2021
Eric Rowe – Safety – Miami Dolphins (1-0)
The former Utah defensive back had nine total tackles, six solo tackles, and a forced fumble in Miami’s 17-16 win over the New England Patriots.
Next Game: vs. Buffalo Bills on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Chase Hansen – Safety – New Orleans Saints (1-0)
The former Utah defensive back was inactive for the Saints’ 38-3 win over the Green Bay Packers.
Next Game: @ Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Marcus Williams – Safety – New Orleans Saints (1-0)
The former Utah defensive back had one total tackle, one solo tackle, one pass breakup, and an interception during the Saints’ 38-3 win over the Green Bay Packers.
Next Game: @ Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
.@MarcusWilliams = Ball Hawk 🙌#LocalsInTheNFL #NFL #Saints #GBvsNO #GoUtes https://t.co/FlU87REvNu
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 12, 2021
Devontae Booker – Running Back – New York Giants (0-1)
The former Utes running back ran the ball four times for seven yards in New York’s 27-13 loss to the Denver Broncos. Booker also had one catch for six yards.
Next Game: @ Washington Football Team on Thursday, September 16 at 6:20 p.m. (MDT) on NFL Network
Javelin Guidry – Safety – New York Jets (0-1)
The former Utah defensive back had three total tackles, two solo tackles, and a tackle for loss in New York’s 19-14 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Next Game: vs. New England Patriots on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS
Mitch Wishnowsky – Punter – San Francisco 49ers (1-0)
The former Utah punter punted the ball twice for an average of 38.0 yards per kick in San Francisco’s 41-33 win over the Detroit Lions.
Next Game: @ Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Cody Barton – Linebacker – Seattle Seahawks (1-0)
The former Utah linebacker had two total tackles and one solo tackles in Seattle’s 28-16 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Next Game: vs. Tennessee Titans on Sunday, September 19 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on CBS
Marquise Blair – Safety – Seattle Seahawks (1-0)
The former Utah defensive back had two total tackles and one solo tackles in Seattle’s 28-16 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Next Game: vs. Tennessee Titans on Sunday, September 19 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on CBS
Practice Squad Players
- Darrin Paulo – Detroit Lions
- Jackson Barton – New York Giants
- Jared Norris – Washington Football Team
Former BYU Cougars
Andy Reid – Head Coach – Kansas City Chiefs (1-0)
The former BYU player and graduate assistant led the Chiefs to a 33-29 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
Next Game: @ Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, September 19 at 6:20 p.m. (MDT) on KSL TV
Ty’Son Williams – Running Back – Baltimore Ravens (0-1)
The former BYU running back scored his first NFL touchdown and ran the ball nine times for 65 yards in Baltimore’s 33-27 overtime loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, September 13. Williams also had three catches for 29 yards.
Next Game: vs. Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, September 19 at 6:20 p.m. (MDT) on KSL TV
Ty'Son Williams scored his first career NFL touchdown on Monday Night Football.#RavensFlock #MNF https://t.co/SCOAFCkRrK
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 14, 2021
Brady Christensen – Offensive Tackle – Carolina Panthers (1-0)
The former BYU offensive lineman and the Panthers defeated the New York Jets, 19-14.
Next Game: vs. New Orleans Saints on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Khyiris Tonga – Defensive Tackle – Chicago Bears (0-1)
The former BYU defensive lineman and the Bears suffered a 34-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Next Game: vs. Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Sione Takitaki – Linebacker – Cleveland Browns (0-1)
The former BYU linebacker had one tackle in Cleveland’s 33-29 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Next Game: vs. Houston Texans on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS
Jamaal Williams – Running Back – Detroit Lions (0-1)
The former BYU running back ran the ball nine times for 54 yards and a touchdown in Detroit’s 41-33 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He also had eight catches for 56 yards out of the backfield.
Next Game: vs. Detroit Lions on Monday, September 20 at 6:15 p.m. (MDT) on ESPN
Chris Wilcox – Cornerback – Indianapolis Colts (0-1)
The former BYU defensive back was inactive for Indianapolis’ 28-16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Next Game: vs. Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
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Daniel Sorensen – Safety – Kansas City Chiefs (1-0)
The former BYU defensive back had four total tackles, two solo tackles, and a quarterback hit in Kansas City’s 33-29 win over the Cleveland Browns.
Next Game: @ Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, September 19 at 6:20 p.m. (MDT) on KSL TV
Zayne Anderson – Safety – Kansas City Chiefs (1-0)
The former BYU defensive back and the Chiefs beat the Cleveland Browns, 33-29.
Next Game: @ Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, September 19 at 6:20 p.m. (MDT) on KSL TV
Michael Davis – Cornerback – Los Angeles Chargers (1-0)
The former BYU defensive back had four total tackles and one solo tackle in Los Angeles’ 20-16 win over the Washington Football Team.
Next Game: vs. Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, September 19 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on CBS
Kyle Van Noy – Linebacker – New England Patriots (0-1)
The former BYU linebacker had three total tackles, two solo tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, one quarterback hit, and one pass breakup in New England’s 17-16 loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Next Game: @ New York Jets on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS
Harvey Langi – Linebacker – New England Patriots (0-1)
The former BYU linebacker and the Patriots suffered a 17-16 loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Next Game: @ New York Jets on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS
Taysom Hill – Quarterback – New Orleans Saints (1-0)
The former BYU quarterback was 1/1 passing for three yards in the Saints’ 38-3 win over the Green Bay Packers. Hill also ran the ball twice for one yard.
Next Game: @ Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Zach Wilson – Quarterback – New York Jets (0-1)
The former BYU quarterback was 20/37 passing for 258 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in New York’s 19-14 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Next Game: vs. New England Patriots on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS
Fred Warner – Linebacker – San Francisco 49ers (1-0)
The former BYU linebacker had 11 total tackles and eight solo tackles in San Francisco’s 41-33 win over the Detroit Lions.
Next Game: @ Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Dax Milne – Wide Receiver – Washington Football Team (0-1)
The former BYU wide receiver and Washington suffered a 20-16 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Next Game: vs. New York Giants on Thursday, September 16 at 6:20 p.m. (MDT) on NFL Network
Practice Squad Players
- Bronson Kaufusi – Green Bay Packers
- Matt Bushman – Las Vegas Raiders
- Troy Warner – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Former Utah State Aggies
Patrick Scales – Long Snapper – Chicago Bears (0-1)
The former Aggie long snapper and the Bears suffered a 34-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Next Game: vs. Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Jalen Davis – Cornerback – Cincinnati Bengals (1-0)
The former Utah State defensive back and the Bengals beat the Minnesota Vikings in overtime, 27-24.
Next Game: @ Chicago Bears on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Jordan Love – Quarterback – Green Bay Packers (0-1)
The former Utah State quarterback was 5/7 passing for 68 yards and a fumble in Green Bay’s 38-3 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
Next Game: vs. Detroit Lions on Monday, September 20 at 6:15 p.m. (MDT) on ESPN
Former @USUFootball and current @packers QB Jordan Love steps onto the field for the first time in an NFL regular season game.#LocalsInTheNFL #GoPackGo #NFL #AggiesAllTheWay @kslsports
— Kyle Ireland (@kyleireland) September 12, 2021
Dallin Leavitt – Cornerback – Las Vegas Raiders (1-0)
The former Utah State defensive back had one tackle in Las Vegas’ 33-27 overtime win over the Baltimore Ravens on Monday, September 13.
Next Game: @ Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS
Nevin Lawson – Cornerback – Las Vegas Raiders (1-0)
The former Utah State defensive back is currently on the Reserve/Suspended list by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and did not play in Las Vegas’ 33-27 overtime win over the Baltimore Ravens on Monday, September 13.
Next Game: @ Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS
Kyler Fackrell – Linebacker – Los Angeles Chargers (1-0)
The former USU linebacker assisted on a special teams tackle during Los Angeles’ 20-16 win over the Washington Football Team.
Next Game: vs. Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, September 19 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on CBS
Nick Vigil – Linebacker – Minnesota Vikings (0-1)
The former Utah State linebacker had 10 total tackles, eight solo tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, and a quarterback hit in Minnesota’s 27-24 overtime loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Next Game: @ Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, September 19 at 2:05 p.m. (MDT) on FOX
Bobby Wagner – Linebacker – Seattle Seahawks (1-0)
The former Utah State linebacker had 13 total tackles, six solo tackles, one tackle for loss, and a pass breakup in Seattle’s 28-16 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Next Game: vs. Tennessee Titans on Sunday, September 19 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on CBS
Tyler Larsen – Center – Washington Football Team (0-1)
The former USU offensive lineman and Washington suffered a 20-16 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Next Game: vs. New York Giants on Thursday, September 16 at 6:20 p.m. (MDT) on NFL Network
Practice Squad Players
- JoJo Natson – Cleveland Browns
Former Weber State Wildcats
Taron Johnson – Cornerback – Buffalo Bills (0-1)
The former Weber State defensive back had seven total tackles, seven solo tackles, and two pass breakups in Buffalo’s 23-16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Next Game: @ Miami Dolphins on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Jonah Williams – Defensive End – Los Angeles Rams (1-0)
The former Weber State defensive end had one total tackle and one solo tackle in Los Angeles’ 34-14 win over the Chicago Bears.
Next Game: @ Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Practice Squad Players
- Sua Opeta – Philadelphia Eagles
Former Southern Utah Thunderbirds
Miles Killebrew – Safety – Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0)
The former Thunderbirds safety blocked a punt during Pittsburgh’s 23-16 win over the Buffalo Bills.
Next Game: vs. Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS
Miles Killebrew representing @SUUFB_. ⚫️⚡️#LocalsInTheNFL #NFL #Steelers #TBirdNation #StormTheSky https://t.co/ZPZ5fMtpkV
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 12, 2021
Former High School Players
Xavier Su’a-Filo (Timpview/UCLA) – Offensive Guard – Cincinnati Bengals (1-0)
The former Timpview star and the Bengals defeated the Minnesota Vikings in overtime, 27-24.
Next Game: @ Chicago Bears on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Dalton Schultz (Bingham/Stanford) – Tight End – Dallas Cowboys (0-1)
The former Bingham star had six catches for 45 yards in the Cowboys’ 31-29 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday, September 9.
Next Game: @ Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, September 19 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on CBS
Simi Fehoko (Brighton/Stanford) – Wide Receiver – Dallas Cowboys (0-1)
The former Brighton star played nine snaps on special teams in the Cowboys’ 31-29 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday, September 9.
Next Game: @ Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, September 19 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on CBS
Penei Sewell (Desert Hills/Oregon) – Offensive Tackle – Detroit Lions (0-1)
The former Desert Hills star and the Lions suffered a 41-33 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Next Game: vs. Detroit Lions on Monday, September 20 at 6:15 p.m. (MDT) on ESPN
Jay Tufele (Bingham/USC) – Defensive Tackle – Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1)
The former Bingham star was inactive for Jacksonville’s 37-21 loss to the Houston Texans.
Next Game: vs. Denver Broncos on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS
Marcus Kemp (Layton/Hawaii) – Wide Receiver – Kansas City Chiefs (1-0)
The former Layton star had one tackle and one tackle loss in the Chiefs’ 33-29 win over the Cleveland Browns.
Next Game: @ Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, September 19 at 6:20 p.m. (MDT) on KSL TV
Alohi Gilman (Orem/Notre Dame) – Safety – Los Angeles Chargers (1-0)
The former Orem star had two total tackles and one solo tackle in Los Angeles’ 20-16 win over the Washington Football Team.
Next Game: vs. Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, September 19 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on CBS
Andre James (Herriman/UCLA) – Offensive Tackle – Las Vegas Raiders (1-0)
The former Herriman star and the Raiders beat the Baltimore Ravens in overtime, 33-27, on Monday, September 13.
Next Game: @ Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS
Kaden Elliss (Judge Memorial/Idaho) – Linebacker – New Orleans Saints (1-0)
The former Judge Memorial star had a fumble recovery in the Saints’ 38-3 win over the Green Bay Packers.
Next Game: @ Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
.@Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss making @JudgePride proud. 💪#LocalsInTheNFL #NFL #Saints #GBvsNO https://t.co/oOYV5ziBzM
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 12, 2021
Bryan Mone (Highland/Michigan) – Defensive Tackle – Seattle Seahawks (1-0)
The former Highland star had five total tackles, three solo tackles, and a quarterback hit in Seattle’s 28-16 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Next Game: vs. Tennessee Titans on Sunday, September 19 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on CBS
John Ursua (Westlake/Cedar City/Hawaii) – Wide Receiver – Seattle Seahawks (1-0)
The former Westlake and Cedar City star suffered a season-ending knee injury during the preseason and will miss the entire year for the Seahawks. Seattle defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 28-16.
Next Game: vs. Tennessee Titans on Sunday, September 19 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on CBS
Practice Squad Players
- Porter Gustin (Salem Hills) – Cleveland Browns
Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).
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