Week 1 of the NFL season concluded with 14 Maryland football alumni seeing the field.
Veteran wide receiver DJ Moore had a strong Buffalo Bills debut following the March 11 trade from the Chicago Bears. In a 36-31 win over the Houston Texans, he caught five passes on eight targets for 100 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Moore scored off of a tight sideline throw from quarterback Josh Allen around midfield. He would then turn up the sideline, go untouched and sprint 43 yards for the score. It was the 29-year-old’s
41st career touchdown.
“A little nervewracking, but at the same time it’s football, so you just got to go out there and do your job,” Moore told CBS pregame, speaking on his debut with Buffalo. “Even though it’s on a new team, I’m just going to do everything I can.”
The Philadelphia native started off slow with no receptions nearing halftime. He then found stride after an 18-yard catch late in the second quarter. First year head coach Joe Brady moved the ninth-year receiver around in the slot, backfield and out wide. Pro Football Focus graded Moore at 79 in the pass attack.
“He opens it up for everybody.. with big play opportunities, he made them,” said Brady. “That shot in the endzone [a 46-yard pass interference on Texans corner Kamari Lassiter], never shows up in a statbook but it was a huge completion, so he opens it up for us. We’re so much better with him. You can tell the connection [Josh Allen] and him have.”
Moore also avoided injury in the fourth quarter. He was rolled up on after diving for a James Cook fumble. He went in the blue medical tent briefly with three minutes left before returning shortly thereafter.
Nonetheless, Sunday was his 23rd 100-yard game.
Moore continues his Buffalo tenure at home against the Detroit Lions on Thursday Night Football. The Bills will play their first regular season game inside the new $2.2 billion Highmark Stadium.
2026 alumni
- Jacksonville Jaguars safety Jalen Huskey was an inactive healthy scratch against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1.
- New Orleans Saints offensive lineman Alan Herron remained on the practice squad for Week 1.
Rostered players
- Washington Commanders safety Nick Cross made eight tackles against the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs caught four out of nine targets against the Eagles. He had 55 receiving yards and a touchdown.
- Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Jordan Phillips made four tackles against the Las Vegas Raiders.
- New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks made four tackles and defended two passes against the Dallas Cowboys. Banks allowed a touchdown against receiver CeeDee Lamb, but gave up just 23 yards in coverage.
- Dolphins safety Dante Trader Jr. made three tackles and deflected a pass against the Raiders. He also recorded his first career interception.
- Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Tarheeb Still made three tackles against the Arizona Cardinals.
- Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland made four out of five field goals against the Chargers. He had a long of 49 yards, with two extra points made.
- Commanders tight end Chig Okonkwo caught two passes for 16 yards against the Eagles. He left the game with a hamstring injury in the second half.
- Atlanta Falcons linebacker Josh Woods made one tackle against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Carolina Panthers offensive lineman Corey Bullock played nine snaps against the Chicago Bears. He relieved guard Damien Lewis following a leg injury.
- Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman DJ Glaze received a 60% overall grade in blocking from Pro Football Focus against the Dolphins.
- Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Spencer Anderson played 67 snaps and received a 55.2 blocking grade via PFF against the Falcons.
- Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Tai Felton played three snaps against the Green Bay Packers.
- Bills running back Ty Johnson was inactive with a hamstring injury against the Houston Texans.
Practice squad & injured reserve
- Washington Commanders defensive tackle Byron Cowart remained on the practice squad for Week 1.
- Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Gottlieb Ayedze remained on the practice squad for Week 1.
- Los Angeles Chargers offensive lineman Josh Kaltenberger remained on the practice squad for Week 1.
- San Francisco 49ers defensive end Sam Okuayinonu remained on injured reserve following foot surgery. The team said it is hoping for a late-season return.
- Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Jakorian Bennett remained on injured reserve with a knee injury. He is eligible to return in Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
- Chicago Bears linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II remained on injured reserve following shoulder surgery. Hyppolite was waived with an injury designation on Aug. 30, he went unclaimed and reverted back to the team’s IR. He cannot play unless he reaches an injury settlement with the Bears.
Other notes
- Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jeshaun Jones remained suspended through Week 3 for violating the NFL’s substance policy. He is eligible for reinstation on Sept. 28.
- Longtime Terps running back Roman Hemby remained on the Raiders’ practice squad for Week 1.
Week 2 of the NFL season begins with the Lions taking on the Bills Thursday. The game begins at 8:15 p.m. and will stream on Prime.
