It’s the middle of September, and the NFL regular season is officially in full swing. Six former Hoosiers are free agents, four are on practice squads and 16 remain on active rosters, while Mikail Kamara sits on injured reserve for the 49ers. Most of the Hoosiers on active rosters are depth or rotational pieces, but that didn’t stop a few from making a major impact in their 2026 season debuts.
RB Kaelon Black and WR Myles Price had two of the week’s most impressive performances. Black carved out a real role in San Francisco’s offense, while Price’s 68-yard kickoff return sparked 29 unanswered points in Minnesota’s comeback win over Green Bay.
Jump to a Matchup
49ers vs. Rams | Vikings vs Packers
Raiders vs. Dolphins | Giants vs. Cowboys
Jets vs. Titans | Ravens vs. Colts
Steelers vs. Falcons | Texans vs. Bills
Bengals vs. Buccaneers | Chiefs vs. Broncos
Free Agents
San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams [27-7]
49ers
[#26] RB Kaelon Black (2024-25) [RB2]
Black was the headliner for the Hoosiers this week. After a tough battle for the RB2 role behind Christian McCaffrey, Black beat out Jordan James and earned the backup job. There was some uncertainty surrounding McCaffrey entering the season opener, which created an opportunity for Black to have a legitimate role in the offense. He did just that in the 49ers’ dominant win over the Rams in Melbourne.
Black finished with 14 carries for 65 yards (4.6 yards per carry) and one reception for five yards. He played 28 offensive snaps, accounting for 43% of San Francisco’s offense. McCaffrey finished with only three more rushing yards on four fewer carries. He wasn’t stat padding in garbage time either. Black had seven carries to McCaffrey’s three in the first half. In his NFL debut, Black did not look like a rookie. He ran hard and with purpose, showing why Kyle Shanahan trusted him with an immediate role as the 49ers’ RB2.
[#99] DT C.J. West (2024) [DT2]
West had a bigger role than initially expected for the 49ers’ season opener in Melbourne. Starting defensive tackle Alfred Collins tore his patellar tendon during Tuesday’s practice and was ruled out for the season. It is a brutal loss for an already injury-riddled 49ers team, but it also means more playing time for West. He recorded two tackles (one solo) while playing 37.7% of San Francisco’s defensive snaps.
After appearing in 14 games as a rookie in 2025, West was credited with the first regular-season start of his career. The 49ers had a dominant defensive performance against the Rams. West was not one of the stars of the unit and got pushed around on a few snaps, but he also held his own at times. With Collins out for the year, West will see considerably more work going forward.
[#14] QB Kurtis Rourke (2024) [QB3]
Rourke is the third-string quarterback, so it is unlikely he will be featured much on offense this season. The good news is that he appears to have moved beyond the rib injury that plagued him for most of the preseason. After suffering three broken ribs in the second quarter of the preseason opener, Rourke returned to practice and handled nearly a full workload this week.
[IR] Edge Mikail Kamara (2024-25)
Kamara remains on San Francisco’s injured reserve after tearing his ACL during training camp. There has not been a formal update on his recovery, but he posted a video wearing a knee brace while doing resistance-band exercises. It is an encouraging early step, but he still has a long recovery ahead.
Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers [39-22]
Vikings
[#4] WR Myles Price (2024) [WR4/KR1/PR1]
Price was outstanding Sunday afternoon against division rival Green Bay. While he was not featured on offense, he made a huge impact on special teams. With the Vikings trailing 22-10 late in the third quarter, Price broke a career-long 68-yard kickoff return that put Minnesota in scoring position. The Vikings went on to score 29 unanswered points and win 39-22. Price finished with five kickoff returns for 179 yards, averaging 35.8 yards per return, and added a 13-yard punt return. His performance on special teams sparked a wild turnaround for the Vikings.
Las Vegas Raiders vs Miami Dolphins [27-13]
Raiders
[#15] QB Fernando Mendoza (2025) [QB2]
Mendoza is officially the QB2 behind Kirk Cousins and ahead of Aidan O’Connell. There was some uncertainty during the offseason about whether the Raiders would prefer Mendoza or O’Connell in that role, but O’Connell is listed as the QB3 and designated emergency quarterback.
Mendoza was fully involved in practice this week and took most of the second-team work now that the regular season is underway. He continues to get reps and learn behind a veteran quarterback in Cousins. Mendoza is developing without being rushed and will be ready when his opportunity comes.
[#80] TE Ian Thomas (2016-17) [TE3]
Although normally the TE3, Thomas moved up to TE2 on the depth chart this week while Brock Bowers underwent a knee procedure. Thomas was clearly involved throughout practice with Bowers sidelined and received valuable reps. He did not record a reception against Miami, as Michael Mayer absorbed most of the tight-end receiving work. Thomas has primarily been used as a blocking tight end, and that was his role in Sunday’s win. Bowers is not expected to miss more than two games, so Thomas could receive more reps and playing time again next week.
[#37] RB Roman Hemby (2025) [Practice Squad]
After a solid preseason, Las Vegas signed Hemby to the practice squad. He continued to get developmental reps with the Raiders this week. It would likely take an injury ahead of him or a strong stretch of practice for Hemby to earn a game-day elevation. For now, he can continue to develop.
New York Giants vs Dallas Cowboys [28-20]
Giants
[#41] MLB Micah McFadden (2018-21) [MLB2]
McFadden is not new to the Giants, but his role has changed following the team’s overhaul at linebacker. New York added Tremaine Edmunds and drafted Arvell Reese No. 5 overall, leaving McFadden behind Edmunds at middle linebacker. Edmunds led the Giants with eight tackles, while McFadden did not record a statistic in the win over Dallas. His Week 1 role was clearly smaller than in past seasons, but his experience keeps him ready if the Giants need to call on him.
[#43] S Raheem Layne (2017-21) [Practice Squad]
Layne was waived during final roster cuts but returned to the Giants’ practice squad. He remained there and was not elevated for Week 1. Layne gives New York an experienced depth option if the team needs help in the secondary later in the season.
New York Jets vs Tennessee Titans [23-10]
Jets
[#11] WR Omar Cooper Jr. (2022-25) [WR4]
One important update for Cooper is that he changed his jersey number from 83 to No. 11, the same number he wore at Lawrence High School. Cooper acknowledged that his preseason was not his best, but he felt he improved significantly while working alongside Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, Isaiah Williams and Tim Patrick.
Cooper’s NFL debut started well. He caught a 30-yard pass on the Jets’ opening drive, helping move the offense downfield before rookie TE Kenyon Sadiq scored on a three-yard run. He looked like the Omar Cooper from Indiana spinning out of tackles and running for more yards. Unfortunately, Cooper suffered an ankle injury shortly afterward and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. It is being reported as an ankle sprain, but the severity and timeline remain unknown.
[#23] CB D’Angelo Ponds (2024-25) [NB2]
Ponds made encouraging progress during the week. He practiced for the first time in more than a month after suffering a calf strain on the first day of training camp, although he remained limited. There were no reported setbacks, but the Jets did not believe he was ready to play against Tennessee. Week 2 could be his first opportunity to return to the field.
[#41] LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball (2016-21) [LB2]
McCrary-Ball continued to earn praise in practice. Head coach Aaron Glenn said the things McCrary-Ball consistently does in practice show up in games. “He’s a key part of what we’re doing,” Glenn said after the preseason finale.
McCrary-Ball did not have the loudest performance, but he made a key play. While Titans returner Chimere Dike was fielding a kick, McCrary-Ball punched the ball loose and the Jets recovered. He finished with one solo tackle and the forced fumble. New York did not capitalize because Jason Sanders missed a 54-yard field goal, but the takeaway still created an extra possession and showed McCrary-Ball’s value on special teams.
Titans
[#79] C Pat Coogan (2025) [C2]
Coogan entered the season as the backup to center Austin Schlottmann. He participated in practice but did not record a statistic or see meaningful action against the Jets. Making the roster as a backup center is still a major accomplishment, although his opportunities will likely depend on injuries ahead of him.
Baltimore Ravens vs Indianapolis Colts [41-23]
Ravens
[#13] WR Elijah Sarratt (2024-25) [WR6/PR2]
The Ravens have a crowded receiver room, and Sarratt was a healthy scratch for Sunday’s game. Baltimore instead elevated Chris Moore from the practice squad, which is a little concerning because the team had suggested only a few days earlier that Devontez Walker’s groin injury could create more opportunities for Sarratt. His outlook could change quickly, though, after Zay Flowers and rookie receiver Ja’Kobi Lane both left the win over Indianapolis with injuries. Sarratt currently sits near the bottom of the depth chart, but Baltimore may need to call on him soon.
Colts
[#12] WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (2015-19) [Practice Squad]
Westbrook-Ikhine did not make the 53-man roster but signed with the Colts’ practice squad. There were few individual reports from practice this week, and Indianapolis did not elevate him for Week 1. For now, he continues to work with the team as an experienced depth option.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Atlanta Falcons [20-13]
Steelers
[#37] FB Riley Nowakowski (2025) [FB1]
This was a quiet week for Nowakowski. He did not record a target or carry in Pittsburgh’s 20-13 win over Atlanta. The positive news is that after dealing with an ankle injury in the Steelers’ preseason finale, he returned as a full participant in practice on Wednesday, Sept. 9. His role in the offense is still being established, but he entered the season as Pittsburgh’s top fullback, making his usage worth tracking going forward.
Houston Texans vs Buffalo Bills [31-36]
Texans
[#59] LB Aiden Fisher (2024-25) [Backup LB/Special Teams]
Houston currently lists Fisher behind Azeez Al-Shaair and Jake Hansen at middle linebacker. During Week 1, Fisher talked about how much he has learned from veterans Al-Shaair and Henry To’oTo’o, as well as special teams coordinator Frank Ross. One encouraging sign is that the Texans are already teaching him the responsibilities that come with wearing the green dot and handling helmet communication for the defense, something he did well at Indiana. Fisher did not record a defensive statistic in the loss to Buffalo, but he can still carve out an early role on special teams while he develops.
Cincinnati Bengals vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers [33-27]
Bengals
[#12] WR Ke’Shawn Williams (2024) [WR6/KR1/PR2]
Williams was a healthy scratch and did not play in Cincinnati’s win over Tampa Bay. He earned a spot on the Bengals’ 53-man roster after a strong preseason, with his return ability playing a major part. The next step is cracking the active game-day roster and earning opportunities on special teams.
Kansas City Chiefs vs Denver Broncos [MNF]
Chiefs
[#70] RT Kahlil Benson (2020-23, 2025) [LT2]
Even though Kansas City does not play until Monday night, Benson enters Week 1 with one of the biggest Hoosier storylines. He is expected to start at left tackle against Denver after Josh Simmons was ruled out with a back injury. That means the undrafted rookie is set to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blind side in his NFL debut. It is a huge assignment against Denver’s pass rush, but the Chiefs have shown plenty of trust in Benson. His performance will be one to watch Monday night.
[#45] LB Cam Jones (2018-22) [Practice Squad]
After he did not make the 53-man roster, Kansas City signed Jones to its practice squad. He previously spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Chiefs, so he already knows the organization and its system. Jones practiced with the team this week but, as of publication, had not been elevated for Monday night’s game.
Free Agents
- S Devan Boykin (2025): Waived by Pittsburgh during final roster cuts.
- WR E.J. Williams Jr. (2023-25): Waived by Las Vegas during final roster cuts.
- WR Jonathan Brady (2025): Waived by Las Vegas on July 27
- OT Trey Wedig (2024): Waived by Indianapolis during final roster cuts.
- S Louis Moore (2022-23, 2025): Waived by Miami during final roster cuts.
- TE Zach Horton (2024): Waived by Detroit during final roster cuts.
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