NFL Week 1: Which former Kansas football players will be taking the field?
The turnout of former Kansas football players during NFL Week 1 is fairly low. Just two Jayhawks will take the field tonight.
The Kansas Jayhawks produce far more professional talent in basketball than football, but there are typically a few players who make NFL rosters each year. In recent history, Kansas has sent off veterans Aqib Talib, Chris Harris Jr., and Bradley McDougald to the next level.
With the Kansas City Chiefs being upset by the Detroit Lions on Thursday Night Football, today marks the first full slate of NFL games that will be played in 2023. Which former Jayhawks will play?
Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Khalil Herbert will represent Kansas football during NFL Week 1
Although the Kansas football program is on the rise, the team’s success has not been reflected in the pros. During NFL Week 1, the only Jayhawks suiting up will be running back Khalil Herbert and defensive end Dorance Armstrong.
Herbert totaled 1,735 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground across four years with Kansas. Although he showed promise, it was not until he transferred to Virginia Tech for his senior season that he really displayed his talent. He led the NFL in rushing yards per carry in 2022 and is set to be the starting tailback for the Chicago Bears after David Montgomery departed for the inter-division rival Lions.
Armstrong was arguably the best defensive lineman the Kansas football program has seen in the past decade. He left the university ranking tenth all-time for total sacks as a Jayhawk. In 2022, he recorded a career-high 8.5 sacks with the Dallas Cowboys and should enjoy similar success this year.
The number of Jayhawks playing today would have been higher if Hakeem Adeniji, Lonnie Phelps, Kyron Johnson, Steven Sims, and Earl Bostick Jr. were not on their respective team’s practice squads.
Adeniji had spent several years as a starting offensive lineman for the Cincinnati Bengals. However, he was released by them during the offseason, and the Minnesota Vikings took a flier on him. Unfortunately, he’ll begin the year as a first-team practice squad player.
In a few weeks, some of the practice team players will be promoted to the NFL for injuries or other reasons. Adeniji or wide receiver Steven Sims are the most likely candidates, considering they’ve played full seasons in the past.
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