The second week of NFL preseason football allowed former Duke players to see more practice reps and increased opportunities in game action. Here's a look back at how the Blue Devils' NFL alums fared:
After playing just one series in his first preseason game, Sean Renfree saw more playing time with the Atlanta Falcons in a 27-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Playing the entire fourth quarter, Renfree completed 8-of-16 passes for 63 yards, which aren't stellar numbers for a signal-caller who completed more than 67 percent of his passes during his senior season at Duke. Renfree's primary competition for the No. 2 quarterback job, Dominique Davis, was stellar, completing 8-of-10 passes for 98 yards on the evening after struggling the week before. Averaging 3.9 yards per attempt isn't going to help his cause if he is connecting on such a low percentage of his passes.
Conner Vernon did not see much action for the Oakland Raiders in a 28-20 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Vernon just saw one pass come his way, reeling it in for a 5-yard reception on his team's final drive of the contest. He also registered a tackle when a pass from Matt McGloin was intercepted. A fan-favorite at Oakland Raiders' camp, Vernon continues to impress his new organization on the practice field, but appears to be stuck behind a number of young receivers.
Tight end Cooper Helfet has dropped to fourth on the depth chart with the Seattle Seahawks, but caught two passes for 24 yards in Seattle's 40-10 win against the Denver Broncos. Helfet will likely be one of the Seahawks sweating it out when the teams begins to make cuts next week.
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vinnie Rey sat out his second straight preseason game with a sprained PCL, but was in uniform for Bengals practice Monday. Rey is considered to be a frontrunner to be named special teams captain by Cincinnati head coach Marvin Lewis.
Safety Matt Daniels returned to action with the St. Louis Rams, playing his first game action since tearing his ACL in Week 8 of the 2012 NFL season. Daniels registered one tackle in his return and is ranked the No. 2 free safety on the Rams' depth chart.
Thad Lewis also saw more time under center for the Detroit Lions in a 24-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns, completing 4-of-6 passes for 38 yards.
Stay tuned to The Blue Zone throughout the preseason as we keep you updated on the efforts of former Duke players to solidify their spot on NFL rosters.
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