Phillip Lindsay, other Buffaloes impress in NFL debuts

Former Colorado Buffaloes tailback Phillip Lindsay (2014-’17) is no stranger to scoring touchdowns at Broncos Stadium at Mile High. In fact, three of his 39 career scores came in Denver against in-state rival Colorado State. Saturday night however, he just happened to find the end zone wearing Broncos orange and blue.

Lindsay’s NFL debut was highlighted by a 19-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Chad Kelly early in the fourth quarter in Denver’s 42-28 preseason week one loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

Colorado’s all-time leader in all-purpose yards finished with 81 total yards against the Vikings. He led the Broncos with three catches for 40 yards, had two carries for seven yards, and tacked on a 34-yard kick return. After going undrafted, Lindsay signed with Denver as an free agent back in April. The Broncos have five running backs on their preseason roster and entering Saturday’s game, Lindsay was listed fifth on the depth chart behind Devontae Booker, Royce Freeman, De’Angelo Henderson and Dave Williams. If he doesn’t make the Broncos 53-man roster as a running back, he very well could as a return specialist. Lindsay is currently listed as the team’s top kick returner and despite not returning a punt in 51 career games at CU, he’s third on the depth chart at punt return.

Lindsay wasn’t the only former Buff to see the field this week. Cornerback Isaiah Oliver, safety Afolabi Laguda, and wide receivers Devin Ross and Shay Fields each got their first taste of playing in the NFL. Here’s a look at how they fared.

ISAIAH OLIVER, CB (Atlanta Falcons)

A second-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in April’s NFL Draft, Oliver had two tackles and two punt returns for four yards in a 17-0 loss Friday to the New York Jets. Oliver, who also doubled as a decathlete while at CU, is listed behind Robert Alford at cornerback on the Falcons depth chart.

AFOLABI LAGUDA, SS (Los Angeles Rams)

Another member of the Colorado Buffaloes “money gang” secondary, Laguda signed with the Los Angeles Rams after going undrafted in April. He had three tackles in a 33-7 loss Thursday to the Baltimore Ravens. He’s listed fourth as the fourth strong-safety on the Rams preseason depth chart.

DEVIN ROSS, WR (Tennessee Titans)

Ross was targeted three times and hauled in two catches for 31 yards in the Titans 31-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers Thursday.

SHAY FIELDS, WR (Washington Redskins)

“Big Play” Shay Fields saw the field on 26 offensive plays in the Redskins 26-17 loss to the New England Patriots Thursday but was not targeted.