When the NFL preseason begins in early August, several former Mountaineers hope to make an NFL roster. While some players will inevitably make the initial 53-man team, others fail to grasp the opportunity. However, there is a middle ground where young players with less than two years of experience in the NFL can practice with an organization but not play during game days. However, the NFL has tweaked this rule so that organizations can sign six veterans onto their practice squad. This year, three Mountaineers earned a position on three different practice squads.
Daryl Worley, CB, Baltimore Ravens
Worley has been in the NFL for six years and played for eight NFL franchises during his career. The cornerback made his presence known early in Baltimore by making an athletic interception to halt the Titans’ drive. Besides this big play, Worley remained relatively quiet in the final two preseason games despite receiving significant playing time. Then, on August 30th, the Baltimore Ravens announced they had released the cornerback, only to sign him to their practice squad the following day.
Currently, the Ravens have six cornerbacks on their roster, including two rookies. Worley could be signed to the active roster if the Ravens decide they want a more experienced cornerback on the field, especially since he was a crucial piece to the Baltimore defense down the stretch last season. With NFL teams now having the ability to call up two practice squad players to their active roster on game days, Mountaineers fans could see Worley playing on Sunday sooner rather than later.
Tavon Austin, PR/KR, Buffalo Bills
A fan favorite in Morgantown, Tavon Austin keeps his NFL career alive by re-signing with Buffalo’s practice squad. The return specialist had a quiet preseason, not recording a single return during the Bills’ three games. Unfortunately, Austin lost his starting position due to the emergence of Buffalo’s rookie Khalil Shakir, who can be a receiver, a running back, and return kicks.
Although the Bills did release Austin, the team re-signed the former Mountaineer to their practice squad on August 31st. The Bills receive two practice squad elevations for games, so if Buffalo wants Shakir to focus solely on the offensive side of the ball, Austin could very well be one of these elevations.
Will Grier, QB, Dallas Cowboys
The other West Virginia quarterback competition this preseason did not go as smoothly as Geno Smith’s in Seattle. Grier missed the Cowboy’s first game due to a groin injury. However, when the quarterback returned, he displayed his athleticism and made several impressive plays. The other backup quarterback on the roster, Cooper Rush, played a minimal amount in the final two contests as Grier took most of the snaps.
In a surprising move, the Cowboys released both quarterbacks and kept only Dak Prescott on the roster. Grier and Rush signed with the Cowboys practice squad, hoping to be elevated on game days. Since NFL teams can only promote one player three times a season, fans will likely see both quarterbacks suit up at least once on Sundays. When the Cowboys host the Buccaneers in Dallas this weekend, Mountaineers fans hope to see their former quarterback, even if he is helping the Cowboys from the sidelines.
Photo by Tommy Gilligan / USA Today Sports
