Pack pros: Jakobi Meyers stars in Raiders debut

NC State’s NFL alumni kicked off another season over the weekend, and a few players too out on new teams. Before leaving the game due to injury, Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers dominated with 2 touchdown grabs.

Rookie Carolina Panthers offensive guard Chandler Zavala also made a solid impression as well while making his first regular season start. Here is a full recap of the Wolfpack professional performances from the NFL’s first regular season weekend.

NC State Pack pro updates

Center Garrett Bradbury (played at NC State from 2015-18), Minnesota Vikings: Bradbury suffered a back injury on the second drive of the game and was listed as unable to practice Monday.

Quarterback Jacoby Brissett (2014-15), Washington Commanders: He backed up starting quarterback Sam Howell and did not play during a 20-16 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (2014-17), Miami Dolphins: Chubb recorded 4 total tackles in a 36-34 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Per Pro Football Focus (PFF), he played 68 snaps during the contest.

Punter A.J. Cole III (2015-18), Las Vegas Raiders: Cole punted just once for 49 yards in a 17-16 win over the Denver Broncos.

Offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu (2019-21), Carolina Panthers: Ekwonu started at left tackle, and the Panthers lost 24-10 to the Atlanta Falcons. He finished the contest with an above average 67.9 PFF grade, including a great 79.0 pass blocking mark.

Punter Trenton Gill (2018-21), Chicago Bears: Gill put together an outstanding season debut, booting 4 punts for an average of 53 yards. The Bears lost 38-20 to the Green Bay Packers.

Defensive lineman B.J. Hill Jr. (2014-17), Cincinnati Bengals: Hill started his season with a sack and 4 total tackles (3 solo) during the Bengals’ 24-3 loss to the Cleveland Browns. He finished the game with a 61.5 PFF grade.

RB Nyheim Hines (2015-17), Buffalo Bills: The former electric Wolfpack running back and wide receiver will miss the 2023 season due a knee injury after someone hit him with a jet ski during the offseason.

Safety Tanner Ingle, Los Angeles Rams (2018-22): Ingle is on the Rams’ practice squad.

Defensive tackle Justin Jones (2014-17), Chicago Bears: Jones did not record any stats in a 38-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers, playing 39 snaps and recording a below average 45.9 PFF grade.

Linebacker Vi Jones (2019-21), Seattle Seahawks: Jones was waved off of injured reserve by the Seahawks following an injury settlement.

Running back Zonovan Knight (2019-21), Detroit Lions: Knight is on the Detroit Lions practice squad.

Cornerback Nick McCloud (2016-19, finished at Notre Dame), New York Giants: McCloud recorded 1 tackle during a 40-0 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. He played 19 total snaps in the game, per PFF.

Defensive tackle T.Y. McGill Jr. (2011-14), San Francisco 49ers: McGill plays on the 49ers practice squad.

Defensive tackle Alim McNeill (2018-20), Detroit Lions: During a 21-20 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, McNeil played 43 snaps, recording 1 tackle and logging an impressive 78.6 PFF grade.

Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (2016-18), Las Vegas Raiders: Meyers is in concussion protocol after leaving the game injured during a 17-16 win over the Denver Broncos. Prior to that moment, the receiver caught 9 passes for 81 yards and 2 touchdowns to lead all players in the game.

Jakobi making it look easy

📺: #LVvsDEN on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ – https://t.co/7OqSPzwbwE

#PackPros pic.twitter.com/DzojtIU4Yq

— NC State Football (@PackFootball) September 10, 2023

Defensive tackle Larrell Murchison (2018-19), Los Angeles Rams: During a 30-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks, Murchison played 10 snaps and did not record any stats.

Cornerback Derrek Pitts Jr. (2021-22), Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Pitts was inactive during the 20-17 win over the Minnesota Vikings.

Linebacker Germaine Pratt (2014-18), Cincinnati Bengals: Pratt recorded 11 total tackles, a sack and a forced fumble during a 24-3 loss to the Cleveland Browns. He finished the matchup with a impressive 76.9 PFF grade.

SACK PACK‼️ @GermainePratt7 X @cameron_sample#CINatCLE | 📺 @paramountplus, CBS pic.twitter.com/e29mBEQRNK

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 10, 2023

Defensive end James Smith-Williams (2016-19), Washington Commanders: In 40 total snaps, Smith-Williams recorded a 79.0 PFF grade and made 3 total tackles. The Commanders defeated the Arizona Cardinals 20-16.

Defensive lineman Kentavius Street (2014-17), Philadelphia Eagles: During the Eagles’ 25-20 win over the New England Patriots, Sweet played 6 snaps and did not record any stats.

Linebacker Drake Thomas (2019-22), Seattle Seahawks: Thomas was active during the 30-13 loss to the Rams but did not play any snaps.

Wide receiver Thayer Thomas (2017-22), Minnesota Vikings: Thomas is on the Vikings’ practice squad.

Offensive guard Joe Thuney (2012-15), Kansas City Chiefs: Thuney played 65 snaps at left guard during a 21-20 loss to the Lions and recorded a 70.0 PFF grade.

Wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (2013-14, Finished at USF), Kansas City Chiefs: Valdes-Scantling caught both of his targets for 48 yards in a loss to the Lions.

Quarterback Russell Wilson (2007-09/Finished at Wisconsin), Denver Broncos: Wilson started under center and completed 79.4 percent of his passes in a close loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. He threw for 2 touchdowns and 177 yards.

Offensive guard Chandler Zavala (2021-22), Carolina Panthers: Zavala made his regular season debut at right guard and played 77 snaps, finishing the game with a 57.9 PFF grade.

Not saying it was perfect, but I thought rookie RG Chandler Zavala was *outstanding* in his debut for the Panthers against good competition. The play strength/anchor was evident, but his patience, hands and footwork stood out as well. Impressive. pic.twitter.com/r1fyeUd613

— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) September 11, 2023