The NFL season is back, albeit only the preseason, but that means numerous former Colorado Buffaloes saw the field for the first time in 2026. Shedeur Sanders' up-and-down performance for the Browns was the highlight of the week, but several other Buffs continued to make strong impressions with the playing time they received. Here's how every former Buffalo performed in the opening week of the 2026 NFL preseason. WR Xavier Weaver
Statline: Three receptions for 31 yards Weaver is fighting for a roster spot in Arizona and had an unremarkable performance against the Panthers. DB Isaiah Oliver
Statline: 8 total tackles, fumble recovery Oliver is firmly in position to be a rotation defensive back option for the Cardinals. His ability to play multiple secondary positions, including the nickel, bodes well for his 53-man roster status. WR Jimmy Horn Jr.
Statline: Five receptions, 46 yards; three kick returns for 78 yards (stats from Hall of Fame game included) Horn Jr. is battling to be the Panthers' No. 3 wide receiver behind first-round pick Tetairoa McMillian and Xavier Legette. Horn's speed and ability in the return game nearly guarantee him a roster spot. A strong preseason could give the speedster a major role in the Carolina offense. WR LaJohntay Wester
Statline: Four returns for 59 yards Wester seems firmly entrenched as the Ravens' top return man, but has yet to carve out a role as an offensive option. QB Shedeur Sanders
Statline: 6/11 for 79 passing yards and one interception It was not the greatest day at the yard for Sanders, who did not look sharp for most of the second half against the Bears. He had a couple of highlight throws, including one over the middle, but missed a deep shot that would have changed the complexion of his outing. A start against the Bills next weekend could make or break his chances at the Browns' starting quarterback job. WR Will Sheppard
Statline: One reception for 8 yards Sheppard is trying to make the Packers roster in a loaded but often injured wide receiver room. If Sheppard makes Green Bay's practice squad, he likely will see action at some point during the season. DE BJ Green II
Statline: One tackle BJ Green has performed well throughout the Jaguars' training camp and is a candidate to be a rotational pass rusher, but it seems more likely that he will end up on the practice sqaud. S Cam'Ron Silmon Craig
Statline: One tackle, one pass deflection Silmon-Craig is currently listed as the Jaguars' third-string strong safety, meaning he does have work to do to make the 53-man roster. Being a special teams weapon would make him significantly more likely to keep a roster spot. DE Arden Walker
Statline: Two assisted tackles Walker is firmly a practice squad candidate and needs a standout preseason to earn a spot with the Vikings or any NFL team if the Vikings choose to move on. Follow Charlie Strella on X, Threads and Instagram. Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions. This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: How Colorado football players performed in NFL preseason Week 1