Friday NFL Highlights: Texans' Dell Revives Touchdown Magic

In the 2023 NFL season, Houston Texans' wide receiver Tank Dell showcased his prowess with 47 receptions, amassing 709 yards and seven touchdowns before a broken leg sidelined him in the 11th game. Making a triumphant return in Friday night's preseason opener, Dell reignited his chemistry with quarterback C.J. Stroud, sealing Houston's second drive with a dazzling 34-yard touchdown catch. Post this electrifying play, both Dell and Stroud took the remainder of the game off, as the Texans secured a 20-12 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Friday Night's NFL Preseason Recap:

• Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens: Eagles' kicker Jake Elliott, after missing a 50-yard field goal by hitting the right upright with 16 seconds left in a tie game, redeemed himself with a 49-yard game-winner as time expired. A crucial fumble by the Ravens at their 32-yard line, following a sack, set the stage for Elliott's decisive kick, leading to a 16-13 Eagles victory.

• Miami Dolphins vs. Atlanta Falcons: The Dolphins' defense shone brightly, thwarting the Falcons on two critical fourth-down attempts at the 2- and 6-yard lines in their final two drives. These defensive stands ensured Miami's 20-13 win.

Alabama's Presence on the Field:

A total of 37 players hailing from Alabama high schools and colleges showcased their talents during Friday's matchups:

Miami Dolphins 20, Atlanta Falcons 13

• Lester Cotton (Central-Tuscaloosa, Alabama): Anchored the Dolphins' offensive line at right guard.

• Jack Driscoll (Auburn): Took on center duties for the Dolphins, a shift from his usual tackle and guard positions with the Philadelphia Eagles.

• Da’Shawn Hand (Alabama): Started at defensive tackle for Miami, though he didn't register any stats.

• DeMarcco Hellams (Alabama): Began at safety for the Falcons but suffered a leg injury on his second play, necessitating a trip to the locker room.

• OJ Hiliare (Alabama A&M): The Falcons' wide receiver notched a 16-yard catch. A potential touchdown on a fourth-and-goal at Miami's 6-yard line was overturned upon review, ruling him out of bounds.

• Notable Absentees: Dolphins' stars Tyreek Hill (West Alabama), Anthony Schwartz (Auburn), Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama), and Jaylen Waddle (Alabama) did not participate. Falcons' Darnell Mooney (Gadsden City) also sat out.

• Jase McClellan (Alabama): In his pro debut for Atlanta, the running back rushed for 30 yards on nine carries and secured two receptions totaling 13 yards.

• Siran Neal (Eufaula, Jacksonville State): Started at cornerback for Miami, recording two tackles on defense and two on special teams. His forced fumble and subsequent recovery at midfield paved the way for the game's first points via a field goal.

Houston Texans 20, Pittsburgh Steelers 12

• Montravius Adams (Auburn): The Steelers' defensive tackle secured a second-quarter sack on Texans' QB Davis Mills, marking a notable play given his 1.5 regular-season sacks since 2018.

• Key Players Not in Action: Texans' Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama), Tytus Howard (Monroe County, Alabama State), and Kamari Lassiter (American Christian) were absent. Steelers' Minkah Fitzpatrick (Alabama) and Tyler Murray (Troy) also didn't play, with Murray on injured reserve.

• Anthony Averett (Alabama): The Steelers' cornerback contributed two tackles and a pass deflection.

• Nico Collins (Clay-Chalkville): Started as wide receiver for Houston but didn't record any stats.

• Tank Dell (Alabama A&M): Shone with a 34-yard touchdown reception and a 22-yard punt return for the Texans.

• Other Highlights: Najee Harris (Alabama) started at running back for Pittsburgh, amassing 9 yards on three carries and a 16-yard catch. John Metchie III (Alabama) added a 7-yard reception for Houston. George Pickens (Hoover) started at wide receiver for the Steelers, securing two catches for 25 yards.

Philadelphia Eagles 16, Baltimore Ravens 13

• Jalyn Armour-Davis (St. Paul’s Episcopal, Alabama): Initiated at cornerback for the Ravens, making two tackles.

• Reed Blankenship (West Limestone): Started at safety for the Eagles, registering a tackle.

• Malik Cunningham (Park Crossing): Began at wide receiver for Baltimore without recording stats.

• Absent Stars: Eagles' Landon Dickerson (Alabama), Jalen Hurts (Alabama), and DeVonta Smith (Alabama) were among those who didn't play. Ravens' Derrick Henry (Alabama) and Marlon Humphrey (Hoover, Alabama) also sat out.

• Eddie Jackson (Alabama): The Ravens' free safety made three tackles.

• Josh Jobe (Alabama): The Eagles' cornerback tallied three tackles.

• Notable Contributions: Eli Ricks (Alabama) added a tackle for Philadelphia, while C.J. Uzomah (Auburn) had a 3-yard reception. Austin Watkins (UAB) contributed a 5-yard catch for the Eagles.