Rice Football is well represented on 2026 NFL rosters. Here’s the latest from the NFL Owls in action in Week 8.
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 Eagles (SNF) | W, 27-10 | at Rams |
| Detroit Lions | Jack Fox (P) | vs Vikings | W, 19-15 | at Dolphins |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | Chris Boswell (PK) | vs Browns | W, 27-6 | –OFF– |
| Dallas Cowboys | Elijah Garcia (DT) | vs Cardinals | L, 30-33 | at Colts |
| Los Angeles Rams | Dean Connors (RB) | vs Chargers | W, 24-9 | at Commanders |
| Denver Broncos | Sean Fresch (CB) | vs Chiefs | W, 28-24 | at Panthers |
Chris Boswell – K, Steelers
Boswell converted two of his three field goal tries against the Browns, with his lone miss coming from 57 yards outs. He also added three extra points, meaning his nine total points outscored the Browns’ entire total, six. Boswell is 18-of-23 on field goal attempts this season.
Dean Connors – RB, Rams
Connors appeared in his sixth professional game this week, tying a career-high 16 snaps, all of which came on special teams. He’s played at least nine special teams snaps in each of the last six weeks of the season.
Sean Fresch – CB, Broncos
Fresch was not elevated from the Broncos’ practice squad this week. His most recent appearance with the team came in Week 7 against the Cardinals.
Elijah Garcia – DT, Cowboys
Garcia had a season-high six tackles and two quarterback hits in the Cowboys’ overtime loss to the Cardinals in Week 8. His 28 total snaps (22 on defense) were also a season-high.
Jack Fox – P, Lions
Fox was instrumental in the Lions’ one-score win over the Vikings on Sunday, who had been the last unbeaten team in the league before this meeting. Fox punted four times, averaging 46.5 yards per punt and pinning the tepid Vikings’ offense inside the 20 on three separate occasions.
Luke McCaffrey – WR, Commanders
McCaffrey had a pair of dynamic plays on special teams for the Commanders on Sunday Night Football against the Eagles, including a 41-yard kick return and a 27-yard punt return. Each represented a season-best.
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.