Running with the big 'Dogs: NFL preseason week 2

Sixteen former Louisiana Tech Bulldogs are currently on NFL rosters. Some are key players, and others are fighting through the preseason to make the final team.

Each week, "Running with the Big Dogs" will be your quick reference guide for updates on every pro Bulldog, from the latest stats to the biggest news.

Turner continued to strengthen his bid for a roster spot in the second preseason game against the Steelers. He finished the game with 3 receptions for 44 yards, including the beautiful one-handed catch below that was easily the play of the week. That one catch got Turner an ESPN feature article and a lot of preseason hype.

As it stands now, the only Eagles receiver who is essentially guaranteed a roster spot is Jordan Matthews. The remaining four or five spots could go to any combination of Turner, Nelson Agholor, Reuben Randle, Dorial Green-Beckham (newly acquired from the Titans), Chris Givens and Josh Huff.

While the undrafted rookie may have a disadvantage in experience, if Turner can keep his preseason momentum going, it's quite possible he could find a place in the final 53.

Fourth-year tackle Jordan Mills suffered a knee injury in practice on Tuesday, August 23. The nature of the injury is as yet unknown.

By all indications, Mills was in line to keep the starting job at right tackle that he won in the second half of last season. Hopefully the injury he sustained is minor and will not cause him to lose much time.

After Thad Lewis, with whom Driskel was contending for the third spot on the QB depth chart, tore his ACL in the first preseason game, the 'Niners signed former Florida State standout Christian Ponder on Tuesday, August 16.

Ponder came into the second preseason game against the Broncos ahead of Driskel, playing for several drives after Blaine Gabbert's exit. Both Ponder and Driskel played well; the latter finished the game going 6 for 7 for 66 yards, along with 2 rushes for 9 yards.

The fact that San Francisco felt the need to sign Ponder may be a sign that the organization is not yet comfortable with having Driskel as their third option, especially with primary backup Colin Kaepernick still dealing with arm strength issues.

Williams did not record any stats in the Browns' week 2 preseason game. He looks to start alongside Joe Haden at cornerback, but reports say 2013 second-round pick Jamar Taylor is also coming up fast on the heels of Williams.

Update: Williams left practice early on Wednesday, August 24 due to a toe injury. The severity of the injury is not yet known. Jamar Taylor took his place with the 1's on defense, and reports say he could challenge Williams for the starting job.

Dixon was the fourth Raven running back to enter the exhibition game against the Colts on Saturday. He did not really do anything to separate himself from the stiff competition, rushing 7 times for 22 yards and adding 1 reception for 12 yards.

As it stands now, Justin Forsett will start for the Ravens, will Buck Allen will serve in a pass-catching role. Terrance West is currently ahead of the rookie Dixon for backup duty.

Patton saw 12 snaps of action against the Broncos, failing to record any stats. He is expected to be locked in for one of the top receiver roles alongside Torrey Smith and Bruce Ellington.

White played for 16 snaps against the Bills on Saturday, with no stats. It seems that there is probably only one receiver spot left up for grabs on the final roster, and White is in the midst of a heated battle with several others for the opportunity.

Brice recorded 3 tackles against the Raiders in their preseason match on Thursday, August 18. He remains third on the free safety depth chart behind Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Chris Banjo.

Bates played for 11 snaps on Friday, August 19 against the Jets, recording no stats. The word is that Bates is in a battle with Willie Jefferson for the fourth and final roster spot at outside linebacker for the 'Skins.

Dora recorded 1 tackle against the 49ers on Saturday. He is currently being identified as a player on the bubble of staying on the roster, battling alongside Zaire Anderson and Dekoda Watson.

Ellis recorded 2 tackles in 18 snaps of work in the second preseason contest against the Packers. He still looks to be in line for a starting role this season. The report I shared that he had suffered a concussion last week proved to be false.

Barnes totaled 3 tackles against the Bengals in his second preseason game. He is currently on the outside looking in when it comes to final roster spots, but there is plenty of preseason left.

McCown started in place of Drew Brees once again, going 14 for 19 with 118 yards in a losing effort against the Texans. He also added 3 rushes for 25 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions.

Allen punted four times for a 44.5-yard average in the Pats' second preseason effort against the Bears. Barring injury, he will be the punter for New England entering the season.