NFL preseason local tracker: Ohio State rookies make early impact

The NFL preseason’s first week is over, and Ohio State alumni left an impression.

Middletown native Jalin Marshall had the biggest play of the first night of the preseason as he returned a kickoff 84 yards for the New York Jets.

Marshall also caught one pass for 10 yards.

Meanwhile, Michael Thomas put on a bit of a show in his first game a member of the New Orleans Saints. He had 67 yards on four catches, including a couple of the highlight variety.

The Jets’ win was also the unofficial pro debut of former Ohio State linebacker Darron Lee, who had four tackles, including a sack.

Those weren’t the only noteworthy debuts. Cardale Jones threw for 162 yards and a touchdown for the Bills, showing off his famous big arm in the process.

Meanwhile, his former roommate Tyvis Powell snagged an interception for the Seahawks.

The weekend ended with a moment that was great for one former Buckeye but not another. John Simon, a Texans linebacker, scooped up a fumble by 49ers running back Carlos Hyde and returned it 41 yards for a touchdown.

Hyde ended up with 27 yards on five carries while Simon had three tackles, including one for loss. In the same game, Braxton Miller caught four passes for 34 yards for the Texans…

The Broncos blasted the Bears 22-0, an offensive effort that included two catches for 20 yards by DeVier Posey and a 6-yard catch for Jeff Heuerman. Dayton Jefferson graduate Cody Latimer was Denver’s leading receiver with 82 yards on seven catches…

Ted Ginn Jr. had a 17-yard run and a 9-yard reception as the Panthers lost to the Ravens 22-19. He was a starter for Carolina, as were Andrew Norwell and Kurt Coleman…

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