Brandon Cisse headlines former South Carolina players to watch as NFL preseason heats up

The first full weekend of NFL preseason football is finally here, and starting on Thursday evening, we have three full days of football. Sure, preseason mostly doesn't feature starting players, as it is mostly so that guys lower on the depth chart can make some lasting impressions.

But the preseason games are a welcome reprieve after the months-long offseason in the NFL. And lucky for South Carolina fans, there are several former Gamecocks that will likely suit up as the preseason heats up.

Let's take a look at the former South Carolina players to keep an eye on in the Thursday night games.

Detroit Lions at Cincinnati Bengals: 7 p.m. ET

It's unclear if either of the former Gamecocks on both rosters, in Bengals linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. and Lions linebacker DJ Wonnum, will play, since both guys are starters.

For the Bengals, head coach Zac Taylor told reporters that offensive starters in quarterback Joe Burrow, receiver Ja'Marr Chase will play, but it's unclear if that will apply to the defense. Detroit head coach Dan Campbell has indicated that most of his starters not in position battles won't play.

Wonnum is a former fourth-round pick out of South Carolina from the 2020 NFL Draft. He spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings, and the last two with Carolina. He has 30 sacks with 250 total tackles with four forced fumbles across his NFL career. Knight, who the Bengals drafted in the second round of last year's NFL draft, played in 17 games as a rookie last season. He impressively finished with 106 tackles and three sacks with one forced fumble.

Green Packers at Pittsburgh Steelers: 7 p.m. ET on NFL Network

There are four former Gamecocks that will be in attendance for this one, in Green Bay Packers rookie cornerback Brandon Cisse and fellow former Gamecock cornerback Keisean Nixon. Pittsburgh has running back Rico Dowdle and safety Israel Mukuamu.

This should be a great opportunity for Cisse to earn himself a starting spot, as he has reportedly already been getting first-team reps. The Packers' second-round draft pick is also close to taking his teammate Nixon's, also a fellow former Gamecock, spot at left cornerback, per training camp reports. If Cisse has a big day, he could earn himself a starting role by Week 1.

As for the Steelers, both Dowdel and Mukuamu are likely to get reps. Dowdel is competing against Jaylen Warren for the starting running back spot, and Mukuamu is currently listed as the fourth-team nickelback. He signed with Pittsburgh just last week, spending the spring playing for the Columbus Aviators in the UFL. He was a sixth-round draft pick from the Dallas Cowboys, playing in 46 games across three seasons, mostly on special teams.

Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots: 7:30 p.m. ET

Just one guy to keep an eye on in this one, in New England cornerback Marcellas Dial Jr. He is expected to see plenty of reps, as he is listed as the Patriots' third-team cornerback behind starter Christian Gonzalez and his backup, Karron Prunty.

Arizona Cardinals at Las Vegas Raiders: 8 p.m. ET on ESPN Unlimited

Last week in the Hall of Fame Game, Cardinals receiver and former Gamecock wideout Jalen Brooks had a breakout performance. Although the Cardinals fell 33-30 to the Panthers, Brooks led Arizona in receiving on the night, getting three receptions for 99 yards. He also hauled in a 49-yard bomb early in the second quarter from quarterback Carson Beck. He is listed as Arizona's third-team receiver, and is fighting for a roster spot this preseason.

On the Las Vegas Raiders, second-year defensive tackle and former Gamecock Tonka Hemingway is expected to see some reps on Thursday. He is listed as the Raiders' second-team defensive end behind Jonah Laulu. Last season as a rookie, he played in nine games, accounting for nine tackles with four sacks.

Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans: 8 p.m. ET

This game will feature the most former South Carolina players, with five Gamecocks on both rosters. Los Angeles has the most, in rookie defensive lineman Nick Barrett, linebacker Kyle Kennard and receiver Dalevon Campbell. The Texans have defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and punter Kai Kroeger.

All three guys could see the field against the Texans, as Barrett is listed as Los Angeles' third-team defensive end, and Kennard is in the same spot at Will linebacker. Campbell is also third on the depth chart behind starters Ladd McConkey and second-team Brenen Thompson.

For Houston, although Texans fans will be excited to see the return of former No. 1 overall pick in Clowney, it's unlikely the star will play. But expect to see a lot of punter Kroeger, who is competing for the starting job.

Tennessee Titans at San Francisco 49ers: 9 p.m. ET on NFL Network

Don' t expect newly-signed 49ers wideout Deebo Samuel to play in this one, as San Francisco is going to save his talents for the regular season.

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