Rice Football is well represented on 2026 NFL rosters. Here’s the latest from the NFL Owls in action in Week 9.
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) | at Rams | L, 13-20 | at Giants (TNF) |
| Detroit Lions | Jack Fox (P) | at Dolphins | L, 9-19 | at Patriots (Sun, Munich) |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | Chris Boswell (PK) | –OFF– | — | at Bengals (SNF) |
| Dallas Cowboys | Elijah Garcia (DT) | at Colts | W, 27-23 | vs 49ers |
| Los Angeles Rams | Dean Connors (RB) | at Commanders | W, 20-13 | at Cardinals |
| Denver Broncos | Sean Fresch (CB) | at Panthers | W, 26-21 | –OFF– |
Chris Boswell – K, Steelers
Boswell and the Steelers were on bye in Week 9.
Dean Connors – RB, Rams
Connors was placed on injured reserve this week with a hand injury.
Sean Fresch – CB, Broncos
Fresch was promoted to the Broncos’ active roster this week and promptly rewarded his team with a 41-yard return on the opening kickoff. He added another return of 21 yards later in the game, too.
Elijah Garcia – DT, Cowboys
Garcia saw work on defense and special teams once again for the Cowboys this week, tallying one tackle across 22 total snaps played.
Jack Fox – P, Lions
Fox punted one time on Sunday against the Dolphins, but it wasn’t his prowess with his leg that drew accolades. Fox delivered a first down strike on a fake punt to help extend a Lions’ drive:
If this sort of achievement seems familiar, that’s because Fox has a proven knack for passing. According to Lion’s PR, he’s completed five of six passes for his career for 72 yards, all of which went for first downs.
Luke McCaffrey – WR, Commanders
A week removed from a pair of impactful special teams plays, McCaffrey had three separate returns this week as well as his most extensive run with the Commanders’ offense. He recorded his first reception of the season, a six-yard grab.
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.