Cowboys in the NFL: Week 1

LARAMIE – Currently, eight former Wyoming Cowboys are on
active NFL rosters.

Each week, we’ll look at how these former Pokes are producing in the pros.

JOSH ALLEN – Buffalo Bills
Fourth-quarter comeback, anyone? Allen, the 6-foot, 5-inch, 237-pound gunslinger, completed 24-of-37 passes for 254 yards and a late touchdown strike to erase a 17-point deficit to upend the rival Jets, 17-16, Sunday in the Meadowlands. It was Buffalo’s largest comeback since 2011. Allen was 8-for-10 for 103 yards on his final two drives. He also scored a rushing touchdown to go along with two early interceptions. And, oh, by the way, Allen will be donating $200 to Oishei Children's Hospital for every touchdown pass he throws or scores this season. A check for $400 is headed to the kids this week.

MARK NZEOCHA – San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers fourth-year linebacker had a huge opener Sunday in Tampa, picking off his first-career pass and blocking a punt on the Buccaneers opening drive en route to a 31-17 road win. The German-born defender earned a spot in the 2018 Pro Bowl thanks to a big turnout from his native country. Sunday, he might have earned a few more votes.

ANDREW WINGARD – Jacksonville Jaguars
Injuries forced undrafted rookie safety Andrew Wingard into action in Sunday’s home opener against the Chiefs. He finished with one solo tackle in a 40-26 loss.

TASHAUN GIPSON – Houston Texans
In his first action with Houston, Gipson, a Texas native, finished with three tackles in a heartbreaking last-second loss to the Saints Monday night in the Superdome. With 37 seconds remaining and the Texans clinging to a one-point lead, Drew Brees moved the Saints right down the field on the Texans’ secondary. A 58-yard field goal gave New Orleans the 30-28 victory.

MIKE PURCELL – Denver Broncos
Mike Purcell, who was signed by his hometown Denver Broncos in late April and made the team out of fall camp, did not record a tackle in Monday night’s 24-16 road loss to the Oakland Raiders. The Denver defense was gashed for 6.6 yards per play in the opener.

CHASE ROULLIER – Washington Redskins
The third-year center of the Redskins and his offensive linemates gave up one sack and allowed new quarterback, Case Keenum, to light up the Eagles defense Sunday afternoon in Philadelphia. Keenum completed 30-of-44 passes for 380 yards and three touchdowns in his Washington debut. The ‘Skins rushed for just 28 yards in the 32-27 loss.

MARCUS EPPS – Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings rookie safety didn’t register any stats in a 28-12 win over the Atlanta Falcons

BRIAN HILL – Atlanta Falcons
Did not record any stats in a 28-12 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.