Hoos in the NFL: Perkins shows flash in preseason action

The NFL preseason is underway, and several former Virginia stars have already seen action this season.

Bryce Perkins played for the Los Angeles Rams in their preseason debut, splitting time with Duck Hodges at quarterback. Hodges got the start, but Perkins looked much more the star as he led the offense down the field on his first drive for the Rams’ only touchdown of the game. Perkins went 7-for-10 in the air for 42 yards with one touchdown — a pass to Syracuse’s Trishton Jackson.

Perkins also led the team in rushing, picking up 23 yards on four carries. His biggest scramble of the game came in the fourth quarter as he stiff-armed one defender before hurdling another and picking up 12 yards for the first down.

Virginia fans are well aware of Perkins’ hurdling skills thanks to several displays of that athleticism while in Charlottesville, namely (twice) against Louisville:

Perkins wasn’t the only former Wahoo in action this weekend. Across the field from the former QB was one of his primary targets, Joe Reed, who plays for the Los Angeles Chargers. Reed had just one reception on one target, picking up six yards.

Former Virginia linebacker Charles Snowden had two tackles in his NFL debut, including one sack:

Another Virginia QB saw action as Kurt Benkert played several series for his new Green Bay squad. Benkert went 8-for-12 for 88 yards and one interception in the Packers’ 26-7 preseason loss to the Houston Texans. Jordan Love looks like the favorite for the QB2 spot behind Aaron Rodgers, but Benkert has had some solid moments so far in Green Bay (and has become a bit of a fan favorite).

Juan Thornhill and Bryce Hall saw action in the secondary for the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets, respectively.

Preseason continues next week, kicking off on Thursday and running through Monday.