Two Former Panthers Make NFL Debuts

Jul 25, 2013; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris (46), Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10), Redskins tight end Emmanuel Ogbuehi (80), and Redskins running back Roy Helu (29) warm up during opening day of 2013 NFL training camp at the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Georgia State Panthers might be new to the game of football, but it has not taken long for the team to find it’s way into NFL box scores.

Donald Russell and Emmanuel Ogbuehi, each undrafted free agent signings, made their NFL debut Thursday night for the Falcons and Redskins respectively.

Russell, who spent time at Kentucky before transferring to GSU, was right at home in the Georgia Dome last night as he suited up for the Falcons as the Panthers also call the Dome home. Wearing #33, Russell did not have any rushing attempts for the Falcons, but did find himself on the receiving end of a pass from Sean Renfree for six yards in the fourth quarter.

Ogbuehi, who was a walk on at GSU before earning a scholarship, caught a game winning two point conversion from Redskins quarterback Pat White with just over two minutes left in the game.

While their statistical impacts might have been small, Russell and Ogbuehi are making the most of their chance in the NFL. And for a budding program like Georgia State every snap at the NFL level is meaningful.

Christo Bilukidi makes his preseason debut with the Raiders Friday night and Jake Massau hits the field with the Giants Saturday. Bilukidi was the first and only draft pick for the Panthers back in the sixth round of 2012 and Massau signed on as an undrafted free agent with the Giants that same year.

Bilukidi is expected to compete for a starting spot on the defensive line out in Oakland, while Massau is working on his second preseason contract with the Giants hoping to make his way onto the 53 man roster this year at the linebacker spot.