Dozens of rookies will get their first taste of NFL action on Thursday night with 12 games on the schedule for the opening full week of the league's preseason schedule.
The NFL preseason started last week when the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Chicago Bears 17-16 in the annual Hall of Fame Game. Cornerback Anthony Averett of Alabama, center Bradley Bozeman of Handley High School and Alabama and cornerback Darious Williams of UAB played for the first time as pros in the game.
This week, as many as 39 more rookies from Alabama high schools and colleges could see their first NFL action.