Rice Football is well represented on 2026 NFL rosters. Here’s the latest from the NFL Owls in action in Week 5.
There are former Rice football players scattered across the NFL. Stay tuned each week for their game results and notables from each player.
| Team | NFL Owl(s) | This Week | Result | Next Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Commanders | Luke McCaffrey (WR) | vs Giants | T, 27-27 | at 49ers (MNF) |
| Detroit Lions | Jack Fox (P) | at Cardinals | W, 45-21 | –OFF– |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | Chris Boswell (PK) | vs Colts | W, 34-22 | at Buccaneers |
| Dallas Cowboys | Nick Leverett (OL) | vs Buccaneers (Thu) | L, 24-16 | at Packers (SNF) |
| Los Angeles Rams | Dean Connors (RB) | vs Bills (MNF) | L, 37-34 (OT) | vs Cardinals |
| Denver Broncos | Sean Fresch (CB) | at Chargers | W, 23-17 | vs Seahawks (Thu) |
Chris Boswell – K, Steelers
Boswell made both of his field goal attempts this week against the Colts, connecting from 48 yards and 54 yards. He also delivered four perfect extra point tries. He is 9-of-12 this season with only one miss from within 50 yards.
Dean Connors – RB, Rams
Connors appeared in his third professional game this week, playing a career-high 15 snaps, all of which came on special teams. He made his second tackle of the year in that phase.
Sean Fresch – CB, Broncos
Fresch made his NFL Debut on Sunday with the Broncos, serving as the team’s kick returner. He returned three kicks for 67 yards, an average of 22.3 yards per return. He also made two tackles.
Jack Fox – P, Lions
Fox punted four times against the Cardinals, averaging 50.0 yards per kick. He put two balls inside the 20 and booted a 65 yarder, his longest of the season.
Nick Leverett – OL, Cowboys
Leverett continues to be used on special teams, playing two snaps for the Cowboys against the Bucs on Thursday Night Football. That’s his lowest snap count of the season.
Luke McCaffrey – WR, Commanders
McCaffrey was active for the second time this season, serving as the Commanders’ primary kickoff return specialist as well as on other special teams duties against the Giants Week 5. He had two returns for 41 yards, a 20.5 yard average and made two tackles, his first tackles of the season.
More Owls in the NFL
From practice squads to current free agents, there are other Owls on the cusp of returning to active rosters. Find more details on current contractual agreements and former Rice football players waiting for their next opportunity here.