SAN DIEGO -- The NFL season started for a number of former Aztecs.
In the NFL, safety Damontae Kazee (2013-16) started and was on the field for 52 defensive snaps and two special teams snaps in Dallas' season opener on Thursday night. Kazee made a huge play to keep Dallas in the game in the fourth quarter. With 5:04 remaining in the game, he forced a fumble by Tampa Bay receiver Chris Godwin at the Cowboys' 3-yard line to keep the Buccaneers out of the end zone and give Dallas the ball to start a drive on which it would take the lead in the last two minutes. Kazee also defended a pass and made a pair of solo tackles in the game. The Cowboys travel to Los Angeles to play the Chargers in Week Two. Running back Rashaad Penny (2014-17) ran for eight yards on a pair of carries (4.0 YPC) early in Seattle's 28-16 win over Indianapolis. After seven early snaps on offense, Penny left the game after re-injuring his calf and is expected to miss Seattle's home opener against Tennessee. Offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill (2012-16) started and played all 55 snaps on offense in San Francisco's season-opening win in Detroit. Brunskill also appeared on eight snaps on special teams. Next week, the 49ers will play Philadelphia. Long snapper Aaron Brewer (2008-11) appeared for 10 special teams snaps in Arizona's win over Tennessee. Cornerback Luq Barcoo (2018-19) did not play for the Cardinals. Next week, Brunskill, Brewer and Arizona have a home matchup against Minnesota. Rookie cornerback Darren Hall (2018-20) did not appear for Atlanta in Week One against the Eagles. Next week, the Falcons will play the defending Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rookie safety Dwayne Johnson (2017-20), linebacker Calvin Munson (2013-16), defensive lineman Alex Barrett (2013-16) are the defensive players on practice squads, with Atlanta, Miami, and San Francisco. On the other side of the ball, offensive linemen Keith Ismael (2017-19) and rookie Jacob Capra (2019-20), and tight ends Kahale Warring (2017-18) and David Wells (2014-17) are on the practice squads for Washington, Green Bay, Buffalo, and Atlanta.
In MLB, first baseman Ty France (2013-15) started all six games for Seattle. On the week, France had four hits, including a double, and reached base three other times, including a walk. He scored once while also driving in Dylan Moore with a single in the fifth inning of Friday's 5-4 win over Arizona. On the season, France is batting .287 with a .359 on base percentage, 16 home runs, 61 RBIs and 72 runs. The Mariners sit in second place in the AL West, at 6.5 games behind Houston, while trailing Boston and New York by just two games for the second Wild Card.
On the PGA Tour, next weekend, Scott Piercy (1999-01) and J.J. Spaun (2009-12) will compete in the Fortinet Championship in Napa, Calif. Xander Schauffele (2013-15), who is ranked fifth in the world, will represent the United States the following week in the Ryder Cup.