In the Tuesday edition of The Argonaut, we ran a Vandals in the NFL piece. Since then, NFL teams had to reduce their rosters to a maximum of 75 players, and with that two former Vandals were cut — Bobby Cowan and JoJo Dickson. On Saturday, teams are required to cut their rosters to a maximum of 53 players.
Shiloh Keo – safety – Houston Texans
Keo was the Texans’ fifth round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. After he was released his first year, Houston resigned Keo to its practice squad where he eventually earned his way to the
active roster.
Last season Keo battled with future hall of famer Ed Reed for the starting free safety spot. Keo started the first two games, and by week nine the Texans had released Reed and made Keo the fulltime starter. He finished the year with 63 tackles and
one interception.
He is currently battling second year safety D.J. Swearinger for the starting spot.
Justin Veltung – wide receiver – St. Louis Rams
Veltung originally signed with the Seattle Seahawks in 2013 as an undrafted free agent. Not too long after Seattle cut him in training camp, Veltung signed with St. Louis. In his rookie season, he played in three games and was one of the Rams’ punt returners. He finished with seven returns for 61 yards.
Veltung is currently battling to make the Rams roster. He is listed as the second punt returner on the Rams’ depth chart as well as a
fourth-string receiver.
Mike Iupati – guard – San Francisco 49ers
Iupati has been a mainstay on the 49ers offensive line ever since the team drafted him with the 17th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he played in all 16 regular season games and was named to numerous all-rookie teams.
In 2012, his third year in the league, Iupati was named to the NFC Pro Bowl Team and he repeated the feat last season, but broke his ankle in the NFC Championship game against the
Seattle Seahawks.
Benson Mayowa – defensive end – Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks signed Mayowe as an undrafted free agent last year. He surprised many people by making the roster coming out of preseason. He suited up every game for the Seahawks, but only appeared in two of them.
With Chris Clemons now in Jacksonville, Mayowe is expected to compete for the backup “Leo” defensive end spot behind Cliff Avril.
Korey Toomer – linebacker – Seattle Seahawks
Toomer has battled injuries ever since being drafted by the Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
He has spent his whole career on Seattle’s practice squad. Coach Pete Carroll said Toomer is running out of time, and needs to see him stay healthy and play in back-to-back games.
In three preseason games, Toomer has three tackles.