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What to Watch For in NFL Preseason Week 3

Some former Knights face make-it-or-break-it situations

Tre'Quan Smith was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. (Photo: Derek Warden)
Tre'Quan Smith was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. (Photo: Derek Warden)

The Knights have been all across the map this season during training camp and with the most important preseason games coming up this weekend, here are some UCF-related storylines worth taking note of.

Breshad Perriman is running out of time

Perriman shined in Week 1 of the preseason, scoring a touchdown from Robert Griffin III in the fourth quarter of their win over the Rams. But he struggled in Week 2, managing only one catch for nine yards.

The eyebrow-raising moment of Monday’s game was when rookie receivers Jordan Lasley and Janarion Grant entered the game before Perriman, likely sneaking a peak at what the Ravens might be looking to do with the receivers on the roster.

If Perriman fails to bounce back Saturday night against the Dolphins, the former Knight might be looking for a new home this upcoming season.

Tre’Quan Smith fighting for a starting job

While one former Knights receiver is trending down, another one is trending in the right direction.

Smith has had an excellent camp for the Saints, leading the team in receiving yards in their Week 2 loss to the Cardinals. As of this weekend, Smith is behind Ted Ginn and Michael Thomas on the depth chart, and he is fighting with Cameron Meredith for that third spot.

While Meredith might be a better option in the slot, the team might want to pump the brakes and play it conservatively with him as he is coming off of a major injury. Smith might be the guy the Saints are looking for. Drew Brees loves to utilize a large range of his weapons, and Smith will be featured this season. But if he could be opposite Michael Thomas all season long? Man, Smith might even make himself a case for best rookie receiver, or even Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Will Jamiyus Pittman make the Dolphins?

Pittman has had an up-and-down camp for Miami so far. In SB Nation’s The Phinsider’s Mid-preseason roster projection, Pittman was on the outside looking in after making the team in the pre-training camp projection.

He seems to be in direct competition with Cameron Malveaux, a defensive end, even though Pittman is better utilized as a nose tackle. The Fins’ defensive line is filled with veterans and one may be a cap casualty to allow the team to keep Pittman as a developmental project.

Pittman can ball in the NFL no doubt. He will be likely phasing in and out of rosters and practice squads throughout his rookie year, but he has definitely proven that he belongs. This week when the Dolphins battle the Ravens, a strong game from Pittman could give him the edge over Malveaux heading into the final week.

At this point, it’s tough to tell. The two get a similar amount of snaps and both are showing shades of potential. It’s likely going to come down to two guys, one spot, and who wants it the most.