Utes in the NFL: Spencer Fano, Lander Barton highlight preseason Week 1
Aug 17, 2026, 7:37 PM | Updated: 7:38 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — For established NFL players, August is often about getting through the preseason healthy.
For rookies and players fighting for roster spots, every snap can feel considerably more important.
That made the opening week of the NFL preseason particularly interesting for a sizable collection of former Utah football players. Nearly 40 former Utes entered the week on NFL rosters, including seven members of Utah’s 2026 rookie class.
Several of those rookies received their first extended look at the professional level, while a handful of more established Utes made their presence felt as well.
Here are some of the most notable performances from the opening week of preseason action.
Spencer Fano looks comfortable in Cleveland
The Browns haven’t been particularly shy about their expectations for first-round pick Spencer Fano, and his preseason debut did little to slow the momentum surrounding the former Utah tackle.
Fano started at left tackle and remained there throughout the first half, getting valuable work alongside Cleveland’s first-team offense before continuing after several other starting offensive linemen exited.
The results were encouraging.
Spencer Fano with a nice NFL debut over the weekend 👀
(@Browns)#DawgPound pic.twitter.com/h0AbpmoUJI
— SleeperBrowns (@SleeperBrowns) August 17, 2026
Fano wasn’t flawless — reviews of the All-22 noted one clean loss in pass protection and another issue handling a stunt — but otherwise held up well during his first NFL action. Browns coach Todd Monken said afterward that Fano played well for a rookie and appeared comfortable with the moment.
That’s probably the biggest takeaway.
Cleveland isn’t merely trying to determine whether Fano belongs on the roster. The Browns are preparing him to protect the quarterback’s blind side, and preseason Week 1 looked much more like the beginning of a starting job than an audition for one.
Caleb Lomu gets a long look at right tackle
Fano wasn’t the only former Utah first-round tackle receiving significant playing time.
Caleb Lomu started at right tackle for New England and played all 39 of his offensive snaps at the position, giving the Patriots an extended look at another player they hope becomes a foundational piece of their offensive line.
The early returns were mixed but generally encouraging.
Lomu showed promise as a pass protector, although New England’s quick passing game and occasional chip assistance limited how often he was left in difficult true drop-back situations. His run blocking was identified as the bigger developmental area coming out of the game.
That’s fairly normal territory for a rookie tackle.
Lomu doesn’t need to look finished in August. What matters is whether his athleticism and pass-protection traits translate, and there were enough signs in his first extended NFL action to make the Patriots feel good about the investment.
Lander Barton secures turnover in his Chargers debut
For an undrafted rookie, preseason football is less about looking comfortable and more about creating reasons for coaches to keep watching.
Lander Barton provided one.
Late in the Chargers’ 27-7 win over Houston, Los Angeles defensive back Myles Purchase blitzed quarterback Davis Mills and forced a fumble. Barton recovered the loose ball and returned it to the Texans’ 21-yard line, setting up another Chargers touchdown.
Barton with the fumble recovery!!! pic.twitter.com/aCl4OcjOZO
— We Are The Storm ⚡️⚡️⚡️ (@RyanLAChargers) August 14, 2026
It wasn’t Barton who created the fumble, but finishing the play matters.
Those are exactly the moments that can help an undrafted linebacker separate himself during the preseason: run to the football, capitalize when an opportunity appears and contribute to a play that changes possession.
For Barton, his first NFL preseason game included something every fringe-roster player needs during August — a play coaches will remember when they turn on the tape.
Tyler Huntley remains Tyler Huntley
Tyler Huntley looked considerably more like an established NFL quarterback than someone trying to survive a preseason game.
Back with Baltimore, Huntley started against Philadelphia and completed 6 of 7 passes for 76 yards without a turnover.
The Ravens didn’t turn those first two possessions into points — one ended with a missed field goal and another with a punt — and Huntley took two sacks, but he distributed the football efficiently and looked comfortable operating Baltimore’s offense.
At this point, Huntley’s preseason evaluation is different from many of the other former Utes.
He has already proved he can play NFL football. August is more about reinforcing why Baltimore wanted him back and showing that he remains a dependable option behind the starter.
Jonah Elliss active for Broncos defense
Another former Utah defender was very noticeable for Denver.
Jonah Elliss recorded multiple tackles and two pass breakups during the Broncos’ 27-7 win over Atlanta, continuing an encouraging preseason for the second-year edge defender.
Elliss’ primary job will always involve affecting quarterbacks off the edge, but showing awareness and usefulness when dropping into coverage adds another dimension to his game.
With NFL roster battles often decided by which reserve players can solve the most problems, versatility matters.
Karene Reid makes one of Denver’s biggest defensive plays
Karene Reid is trying to carve out a larger role in Denver, and his opening preseason performance helped.
Reid produced a diving pass breakup against Atlanta that deflected the football directly to Broncos defensive back Jahdae Barron, who returned the interception 97 yards for a touchdown.
The interception belonged to Barron. A large portion of the play belonged to Reid.
That’s meaningful for a linebacker whose value is tied not only to defensive snaps but also to special teams and versatility. Creating a turnover-worthy play in coverage provides another piece of evidence that Reid can become useful in more situations.
Jahdae Barron's pick six vs. Falcons. Nice read and react from Karene Reid.
Broncos D forced two takeaways on Friday. They'd love that to carry over into the regular season. pic.twitter.com/uhv4YyFsM2
— Cody Roark (@CodyRoarkNFL) August 17, 2026
Tanoa Togiai flashes along Washington’s offensive line
Tanoa Togiai’s professional debut didn’t come with a statistic that jumps out of a box score, but offensive linemen rarely get that luxury anyway.
Togiai saw work at right guard for Washington and received positive reviews for his ability to create running lanes and seal defenders during the Commanders’ 20-7 win over Miami.
Washington’s unofficial depth chart currently has Togiai further down the right guard pecking order, making every preseason rep important.
For a developmental interior lineman, the formula is straightforward: be physical, avoid glaring mistakes and make the coaching staff increasingly uncomfortable with the idea of letting you go.
Week 1 was a productive start.
Jaren Kump has a solid Bears debut
Former Utah offensive lineman Jaren Kump played roughly 15 snaps for Chicago and had a solid showing. Reviews of his tape pointed to some encouraging flashes with his punch and timing, but also issues with his base, leverage and handling quicker defenders.
That’s the preseason reality for developmental offensive linemen.
Kump has the size and physical tools to remain interesting, but the next several weeks will be about showing improvement quickly enough to remain part of Chicago’s plans — whether on the 53-man roster or potentially the practice squad.
Other Utes to watch
Several recognizable former Utah players either had quiet opening weeks or didn’t play.
Detroit running back Sione Vaki remained sidelined while recovering from the eye injury and broken nose he suffered during training camp. New Orleans receiver Devaughn Vele was among the Saints receivers who did not play in their preseason opener.
Buffalo punter Mitch Wishnowsky was also inactive as the Bills used the preseason opportunity to evaluate rookie Tommy Doman.
Britain Covey handled punt-return responsibilities for Philadelphia, while several other established former Utes around the league received either limited work or were held out as teams prioritized evaluations of younger players.
Denver rookie tight end Dallen Bentley had a relatively quiet first game as he continues battling for a spot in a crowded position group.
The Bottom Line
For Spencer Fano, the question already appears to be shifting from whether he can handle NFL left tackle to how quickly he can become a dependable starter there. Caleb Lomu received the type of extended workload New England needs to accelerate his development.
Lander Barton made the sort of opportunistic play an undrafted rookie needs. Karene Reid directly contributed to a defensive touchdown. Jonah Elliss was productive. Tanoa Togiai and Jaren Kump gave their coaches positive tape to evaluate.
That’s what August is really about for Utah’s NFL contingent. The stars and established veterans are trying to reach September healthy. Everyone else is trying to make sure their name survives the conversations that come before it.
With the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline approaching Aug. 30, preseason Week 2 will make those conversations considerably more important.
