Vols Takeover: McCoy & Ex-Stars Command NFL Preseason Thursday
Former Tennessee Stars Shine in NFL Preseason Week 2: Your Complete Guide
What’s Happening This Week?
The NFL preseason is rolling into Week 2, and several former Tennessee Volunteers are suiting up to prove they belong on an NFL roster. Think of preseason games like practice matches before the real season starts—players use these games to show coaches they deserve a spot on the team.
Important Point: Preseason games don’t count toward regular season records, but they’re crucial for players fighting for roster spots—especially rookies and undrafted free agents!
Meet the Former Vols Playing Thursday Night
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Houston Texans
8:00 PM ET | ESPN
Las Vegas Raiders
| Player | Position | Year | Storyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jermod McCoy | Cornerback | Rookie | Recovering from knee injury; played 30 snaps in Week 1 but got a low grade (39.1). Looking to bounce back! |
| Dont’e Thornton Jr. | Wide Receiver | 2nd Year | Trying to lock down a spot in the receiver rotation. This is his chance to shine! |
Houston Texans
| Player | Position | Year | Storyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dominic Bailey | Defensive Lineman | Rookie (UDFA) | Played both defensive end and tackle at Tennessee. Houston is using him mostly inside at tackle. |
ELI5 Moment: UDFA = Undrafted Free Agent
This means the player wasn’t picked in the NFL Draft, but teams can still sign them afterward. It’s like not getting picked for a team at recess, but then the captain asks you to join anyway because they saw you play!
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Chargers
10:00 PM ET | NFL Network
San Francisco 49ers
| Player | Position | Year | Storyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryson Eason | Defensive Tackle | Rookie (UDFA) | One of the most sought-after undrafted signings this year. Real chance to make the team if he plays well! |
Los Angeles Chargers
No former Tennessee players currently listed on the roster for this game.
Why This Matters for These Players
For Rookies (McCoy, Bailey, Eason):
- First impressions count — Coaches are deciding who makes the final 53-man roster
- Preseason is their resume — Game film from these nights goes straight to the decision-makers
- UDFAs have extra pressure — They weren’t drafted, so every snap is an audition
For Second-Year Players (Thornton Jr.):
- Year 2 is make-or-break — Many players either establish themselves or get cut
- Need to show growth — Coaches expect visible improvement from Year 1 to Year 2
- Roster math is tight — Receiver rooms are crowded; he needs to stand out
Quick Reference: Game Schedule & How to Watch
| Game | Time (ET) | Channel | Key Vols to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raiders @ Texans | 8:00 PM | ESPN | McCoy, Thornton Jr., Bailey |
| 49ers @ Chargers | 10:00 PM | NFL Network | Eason |
Summary
- Four former Tennessee players are featured in Thursday’s NFL preseason games
- Three are rookies (McCoy, Bailey, Eason) — two signed as undrafted free agents
- One is a second-year player (Thornton Jr.) fighting for a roster spot
- Two games on national TV give these Vols maximum exposure
- Preseason performance directly impacts who makes final rosters in late August
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does "PFF grade" mean?
A: PFF (Pro Football Focus) grades every player on every play. Think of it like a report card for each game — 39.1 is below average, so McCoy wants to improve that number significantly.
Q: Why do undrafted players still get chances?
A: Teams only draft ~250 players, but rosters have 90 spots in preseason. Hidden gems are found every year — some of the best players ever (like Kurt Warner, Tony Romo, Adam Thielen) went undrafted!
Q: Do preseason stats matter?
A: Not for the record books, but absolutely for roster decisions. Coaches watch the film to see technique, effort, and football IQ — not just stats.
Q: When do final roster cuts happen?
A: Usually the last week of August (around August 26-27). After the final preseason game, teams must trim from 90 players down to 53.
Q: Can players get picked up by other teams if cut?
A: Yes! Players with less than 4 years of experience go to waivers (other teams can claim them). Veterans become free agents and can sign anywhere immediately.
Go Vols in the NFL! Keep an eye on these former Tennessee stars as they chase their NFL dreams this Thursday night!