The 2022 NFL season kicks off Thursday night with the Buffalo Bills taking on the St. Louis Rams, and then a full slate of games kicks in this Sunday.
Five former Rockford-area high school players are expected to suit up this weekend: Dean Lowry of the Green Bay Packers; James Robinson and Dan Arnold of the Jacksonville Jaguars; Robert Jones of the Miami Dolphins; and Vederian Lowe of the Minnesota Vikings.
While one area player — former Harlem star Josh Black — was cut loose by his team late last month, five other guys from the area made their NFL teams' final rosters.