Locals in the NFL: Kincaid, Lloyd, Vele headline strong Week 1 for former Utes
Sep 15, 2026, 12:38 PM
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 13: Devaughn Vele #14 of the New Orleans Saints scores a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the third quarter of the game at Ford Field on September 13, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY — The NFL season opened with former Utah players making an immediate impact across the league.
Dalton Kincaid delivered the biggest offensive performance of the weekend, Devin Lloyd piled up a game-high 13 tackles in his Carolina debut, and Devaughn Vele found the end zone as several former Utes stepped into significant roles to begin the 2026 season.
Utah entered Week 1 with 30 former players on NFL rosters, including 22 on active rosters. Four rookies — Spencer Fano, Caleb Lomu, Dallen Bentley and Tanoa Togiai — also opened their first NFL seasons on 53-man rosters.
Dalton Kincaid, Cole Bishop provide explosive start for Buffalo
Kincaid looked every bit like one of Josh Allen’s primary weapons in Buffalo’s 36-31 road win over Houston.
The former Utah tight end caught five passes for 130 yards, averaging 26 yards per reception. His 130 receiving yards led Buffalo and were the most by a Bills tight end since 1967.
Josh Allen with the throw and Dalton Kincaid with the catch 🔥
BUFvsHOU on CBS/Paramount+ pic.twitter.com/fj7tVqbYlg
— NFL (@NFL) September 13, 2026
Kincaid also helped jump-start Buffalo’s eventual game-winning possession late in the fourth quarter, continuing to provide the Bills with an explosive option down the middle of the field.
It was an encouraging opening statement after Kincaid had already developed into an important part of Buffalo’s passing attack. If Week 1 was any indication, his role may be growing even larger.
Fellow former Ute Cole Bishop started at safety for Buffalo and finished with seven tackles in the win.
Devin Lloyd starts Carolina tenure with 13 tackles
There wasn’t much for Carolina to celebrate defensively against Chicago, but Lloyd was immediately productive in his first regular-season game with the Panthers.
The former Utah linebacker finished with a game-high 13 tackles while starting in the middle of Carolina’s defense.
Lloyd joined the Panthers during the offseason after spending his first four NFL seasons with Jacksonville. His Week 1 workload and production offered an early indication that he will have a major role in Carolina’s defense.
On the other side, former Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson finished with three tackles and forced a fumble for Chicago. Clark Phillips III also played primarily on special teams for the Bears.
Devaughn Vele finds the end zone
Vele picked up where he left off as one of the more productive young receivers to come through Utah in recent years.
The New Orleans receiver caught seven passes for 69 yards and a touchdown in the Saints’ 31-30 overtime loss to Detroit. His touchdown came on a 1-yard reception late in the third quarter and helped New Orleans begin its second-half comeback.
Devaughn Vele makes a diving catch and we've got a one-score game in Detroit 👀
NOvsDET on FOX/FOX One
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/vASfQLavrg— NFL (@NFL) September 13, 2026
Former Utah safety Julian Blackmon started for the Saints and added six tackles.
Across the field, Sione Vaki received a limited offensive role for Detroit but made the most of his opportunities. Vaki carried twice for seven yards, caught one pass for 11 yards and contributed on special teams in the Lions’ overtime victory.
Rookie Spencer Fano debuts in starting role
Spencer Fano didn’t have to wait long for his first NFL start.
The Cleveland Browns inserted the former Utah All-American at left tackle for their season opener against Jacksonville. Cleveland struggled offensively in a 34-10 loss, but Fano becoming an immediate starter represents a significant first step for the first-round pick.
Caleb Lomu also made his NFL debut for New England. The rookie offensive tackle played two special-teams snaps in the Patriots’ 13-10 loss to Seattle.
Togiai was inactive for Washington’s opener against Philadelphia, while Bentley was inactive for Denver’s Monday night matchup with Kansas City.
Matt Gay perfect in Raiders win
The former Utah kicker connected on field goals from 47 and 30 yards and converted all three of his extra-point attempts in the Raiders’ 27-13 victory over Miami. Gay also handled kickoff duties.
Britain Covey also made an impact in the return game for Philadelphia. Covey returned four punts for 37 yards in the Eagles’ 24-22 victory over Washington.
Around the league
- Garett Bolles started at left tackle for Denver in its 31-10 loss to Kansas City. Jonah Elliss started at linebacker and recorded a tackle and quarterback hit, while Karene Reid added a special-teams tackle.
- Connor O’Toole made one tackle across 19 special-teams snaps during Seattle’s 13-10 victory over New England.
- Cody Barton started for Tennessee and recorded three tackles while playing 65 defensive snaps in a 23-10 loss to the New York Jets. Terrell Burgess played 25 special-teams snaps for the Titans.
- Tyler Huntley was active but did not play in Baltimore’s 41-23 win over Indianapolis.
- Zemaiah Vaughn was inactive for Minnesota’s season-opening victory over Green Bay, while Tim Patrick began the season on injured reserve with the New York Jets.
- From Kincaid’s explosive receiving day to Lloyd’s immediate production in Carolina and Vele’s touchdown in Detroit, Week 1 gave Utah fans plenty to follow as another NFL season got underway.
