Former Cal safety Patrick McMorris had a strong game in his first NFL preseason game, getting a good start in his bid to make the Miami Dolphins’ regular season roster.

A sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, McMorris was considered unlikely to make the Dolphins’ 53-man roster for Miami’s season opener, but he gave the Dolphins’ coaches pause for thought with his 20-13 preseason win over the Falcons last Friday.

McMorris had eight tackles, including seven solo stops, and he had two tackles for loss and a pass defense. He was not in the starting lineup but played 32 snaps on defense and 14 snaps on special teams.

He will probably get another chance to show his skills on Saturday in the second warm-up game against the Washington Commanders.

McMorris was the only Cal player selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, but former Golden Bears linebacker Jackson Sirmon is trying to make the New York Jets roster as an undrafted free agent.

In his first NFL appearance, Sirmon recorded two tackles while playing 24 plays on defense and 14 plays on special teams in the Jets’ 20-17 preseason win over the Commanders on Saturday. Sirmon will likely have to make an impact on special teams to make the Jets’ regular-season roster.

Former Cal tight end Jake Tonges is in his third season trying to make the 49ers roster, and he got off to a good start in San Francisco’s 17-13 loss to Tennessee in the first game of the preseason on Saturday. Tonges played just 11 snaps on offense, but caught three passes for 27 yards in that game.

Former Cal safety Elijah Hicks is seeking a starting position in his third season with the Bears and started both of Chicago’s preseason games. He had four solo tackles in the Aug. 1 game against the Texans but did not record any stats in 17 defensive snaps in Saturday’s 33-6 win over the Bills.

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