5 Storylines For Week 1 Of NFL Preseason

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Over the next four days, 33 total ProHogs will represent Arkansas in 14 of the 15 scheduled games, including 15 on Thursday night.

Here’s a look at five storylines to follow during the first week of action:

Preseason Debuts
Five of the 10 rookie ProHogs will be making their preseason debut Thursday, as Drew Morgan, Jeremy Sprinkle, Brooks Ellis, Deatrich Wise Jr., and Cody Hollister will suit up tonight. Last week’s Hall of Fame game between the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals featured former Razorback rookies Sam Irwin-Hill and Dan Skipper. Irwin-Hill was responsible for the kicking duties, going 2-for-2 on field goals and booting in two extra points. The other rookies include Keon Hatcher (Oakland), Jeremiah Ledbetter (Detroit) and Toby Baker (Los Angeles Chargers).

A New Nickname for “The Juice”
Morgan will be the first rookie fighting for playing time as the Miami Dolphins will host the Atlanta Falcons at 6 p.m. CT Thursday. The elusive receiver made a name for himself in the offseason, earning the No. 2 slot receiver spot on the Dolphins official depth chart released on Monday, but beginning Thursday night, he will need to prove his case in live action. Click here to read more about his opportunity and maybe a change in nickname.

Razorback Defensive Ends
With the recent retirement of NFL veteran Rob Ninkovich, rookie defensive lineman Deatrich Wise, Jr. looks to make the 53-man roster. Wise, playing opposite of former Razorback Trey Flowers, has jumped onto the scene this offseason, earning first-team reps. Click here to read Boston Globe Correspondent Brad Almquist’s article about Wise’s versatility and why head coach Bill Belichick is high on the rookie.

Opportunity Arises For Veteran Quarterback
Another player to keep an eye on Thursday evening is Ryan Mallett. The 6-6 signal-caller is expected to play “pretty extensively” with the first-team offense against Washington, according to Ravens’ head coach John Harbaugh after starter Joe Flacco is being held out due to a back injury. NFL writer Kevin Patra has more about Mallett here.

New Year, New Team
Two of the latest transactions involving ProHogs are tight end Chris Gragg being signed by the New York Jets and wide receiver Javontee Herndon being picked up by Dallas. Those two offensive weapons will make their debut with their new squads on Saturday as Gragg and the Jets are set to host the Titans, as Herndon, along with three other former Razorbacks, and the Cowboys will travel to Los Angeles to face the Rams.