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University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Take the Field in Week 1 NFL Action
9/15/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
By Daniel Kobren
Athletic Communications Student Assistant
Many former Gophers saw the field in this weekend's NFL action with several players making an impact in their respective games.
Chicago Bears' safety Brock Vereen saw the field in a limited capacity on defense Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. Vereen and the Bears fell to the Packers, 31-23.
Former Gopher quarterback and current tight end Marqueis Gray of the Buffalo Bills participated in special teams against the Indianapolis Colts. The Bills went on to beat the Indianapolis Colts, 27-13.
Pittsburgh Steeler and former Gopher Mackey award winning tight end Matt Spaeth took some snaps on special teams as well as on offense. The Steelers dropped their opener to the New England Patriots, 28-21.
Rookie Damien Wilson, former Gopher linebacker, appeared on special teams throughout the game as his Dallas Cowboys defeated the New York Giants, 27-26.
Tight end Maxx Williams of the Baltimore Ravens hauled in his first career NFL catch for 15 yards against the Denver Broncos. This was Williams' lone reception of the game as the Ravens fell to the Broncos, 19-13.
Veteran Eric Decker, who holds the record at Minnesota for receiving, made an immense impact with the New York Jets. Decker recorded two receptions for 37 yards including a 22-yard touchdown grab to give the Jets a 14-10 lead. The Jets handled the Cleveland Browns, 31-10.
Ra'Shede Hageman, former defensive lineman for the Gophers, earned the starting nod at defensive tackle for the opening week for the Atlanta Falcons. Hageman recorded a quarterback hit in the Falcons' victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, 26-24.
Former defensive back Marcus Sherels of the Minnesota Vikings saw action on special teams as the former Gopher returned two punts for nine yards in a 20-3 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Former Minnesota running back David Cobb is on the Injured Reserve/Designated to Return list. He will be eligible to play week 8 for the Tennessee Titans.
