What a week for the Hoosiers. Week 7 of the NFL season was jam-packed with amazing performances by former Hoosiers across the league, but the Hoosiers in New York made the biggest splash this weekend. With the Jets, Omar Cooper Jr. recorded his second straight game with over 100 receiving yards and a touchdown, while D’Angelo Ponds stepped into the starting nickel role. For the Giants, Micah McFadden took over at middle linebacker after Tremaine Edmunds suffered a season-ending injury. He was explosive to the ball in his first start of the season, totaling 10 tackles.
Elsewhere, 49ers running back Kaelon Black took on a larger workload with Christian McCaffrey missing part of the game, and a quarterback change could be coming to Vegas. Let’s jump right into this week of Hoosiers Across the NFL.
Jump to a Matchup
Jets vs. Dolphins | Giants vs. Texans
49ers vs. Falcons | Raiders vs. Rams
Chiefs vs. Seahawks | Vikings vs. Colts
Ravens vs. Bengals | Steelers vs. Saints
Titans vs. Browns | Free Agents
New York Jets vs Miami Dolphins [25-28]
Jets
[#11] WR Omar Cooper Jr. (2022-25) [WR3/Slot]
Omar Cooper is breaking out after returning from injury. In his second game back from IR, the first-round receiver had another outstanding performance, hauling in all five of his targets for 115 yards and a touchdown. He had two really explosive receptions, going for 52 and 60 yards.
Cooper has looked spectacular these past two weeks. It’s his second straight week with over 100 receiving yards and a touchdown. In his last two games, Cooper has totaled 11 receptions for 218 yards and two touchdowns. He became the first Jets rookie to record consecutive 100-yard receiving games since Al Toon in 1985. Not only that, but he is also the Jets’ first rookie to ever have at least 100 receiving yards paired with a touchdown in consecutive games.
In other news, Cooper was named Pepsi Rookie of the Week on October 22 after his stellar Week 6 performance against the Patriots. There has also been speculation about Garrett Wilson being traded, including suggestions that the 49ers could be a fit. Nothing has been announced, but a move could open up more opportunities for Cooper. The Jets play the Raiders next, so Cooper gets to reunite with his former quarterback. He’ll look to keep his strong stretch going against Las Vegas.
[#23] CB D’Angelo Ponds (2024-25) [NB1]
In other good news for Hoosier fans, D’Angelo Ponds took on an increased role as the starting nickel back this week. Jarvis Brownlee Jr. was a healthy scratch, which gave Ponds the opportunity to step up and take over the primary nickel duties against Miami. Before the game, head coach Aaron Glenn also discussed finding more ways to get Ponds on the field.
Ponds was credited with two assisted tackles against the Dolphins, but a costly defensive pass interference penalty in the end zone set up Miami with first and goal at the one-yard line before a touchdown late in the first half. Outside of the penalty, he stayed composed and held his own in space.
Ponds was in on 30 defensive snaps, about 46% of New York’s defensive plays. According to PFF, he allowed one reception for five yards on two targets. It was an encouraging performance for the rookie corner in his first game with a larger role. Glenn has made it clear that he wants to get Ponds more involved, so it’ll be interesting to see how they use him in their upcoming games.
[#41] LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball (2016-21) [IR]
McCrary-Ball remains on injured reserve with an ankle injury. He went on IR on September 22, making this his fifth consecutive missed game. There hasn’t been an official announcement opening his practice window or activating him.
New York Giants vs Houston Texans [27-21 OT]
Giants
[#41] MLB Micah McFadden (2018-21) [MLB1]
Micah McFadden came into this game with an increased role on defense, and he did not shy away. During the Giants’ 34-27 Week 6 loss to the Saints, starting middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds suffered a torn chest muscle. The injury was determined to be season-ending, and he was placed on IR on Saturday, October 24.
With Edmunds out, McFadden stepped into the Giants’ starting middle linebacker role. He had some struggles, including missed tackles, and PFF charged him with eight completions allowed on 12 coverage targets for 70 yards.
However, as the game progressed, McFadden really stepped up his game. The Hoosier alum was all over the field, with his biggest contributions coming through his tackling. He finished with 10 solo tackles, two tackles for loss, and a quarterback hit. PFF also credited him with two quarterback hurries.
McFadden played all 61 defensive snaps, according to PFF. He was a standout in the Giants’ overtime win over the Texans and gave it his all, earning a game ball for his performance. It will be exciting to see him in a more prominent role moving forward.
[#43] S Raheem Layne (2017-21) [Practice Squad — Elevated for Week 7]
Some other exciting news for the Giants: Raheem Layne was elevated from the practice squad for the game against the Texans, making his first appearance of the 2026 NFL season. It was a standard elevation for this game rather than a signing to the 53-man roster. He did not log a defensive snap, but he recorded an assisted tackle on kickoff coverage. His work came on special teams.
San Francisco 49ers vs Atlanta Falcons [20-29]
49ers
[#26] RB Kaelon Black (2024-25) [RB2]
Kaelon Black got a larger workload than initially expected in Sunday’s game in Atlanta. His duties increased when Christian McCaffrey missed part of the game with a thigh injury before returning in the third quarter. Black had a solid outing, leading the team in carries and rushing yards with 12 carries for 63 yards and his first NFL touchdown. The 25-year-old scored on a 30-yard run and said after the game that he dedicated his first touchdown to his newborn son.
Black also had one reception for a loss of four yards. While he had a pretty solid game, there were some mistakes. Turnovers played a big part in the 49ers’ first loss of the season. San Francisco turned the ball over four times against Atlanta. Just after McCaffrey left the game, Jordan James fumbled, but the Niners recovered it. Black then lost a fumble deep in Atlanta territory near the end of the first half, ending a potential scoring drive. Atlanta drove down the field for a field goal just before halftime.
Black accepted responsibility after the game, and head coach Kyle Shanahan praised his running while pointing out the mistake. “Thought he ran the ball well. He just (needed to) protect the ball on that one fumble,” Shanahan said postgame. This loss should only add more fuel to the fire as the 49ers continue marching in hopes of reaching the Super Bowl once again.
[#99] DT C.J. West (2024) [IR]
West remains on injured reserve after undergoing surgery for a bone chip in his knee in late September. There hasn’t been a new announcement about a return to practice or a firm timetable for his return. Shanahan previously said the injury was not season-ending. San Francisco now enters a much-needed bye week for an injury-riddled team.
[#14] QB Kurtis Rourke (2024) [QB3]
Rourke was inactive against Atlanta and remains behind Brock Purdy and Mac Jones on the roster as QB3.
[#59] Edge Mikail Kamara (2024-25) [IR]
Kamara also remains on injured reserve following the torn ACL he suffered during training camp. There hasn’t been a new update on his recovery, and his preseason placement on IR ended his 2026 season with the 49ers.
Las Vegas Raiders vs Los Angeles Rams [21-35]
Raiders
[#15] QB Fernando Mendoza (2025) [QB2]
Mendoza did not play against the Rams on Sunday, but there may be a development soon. Kirk Cousins remains the starter for now, with Mendoza’s only appearance coming in his Week 5 debut against the Patriots. After the Raiders’ fourth consecutive loss, head coach Klint Kubiak left open the possibility of changing quarterbacks. Asked about Mendoza, Kubiak said the Raiders were “thinking about everything” as they reviewed their personnel, scheme, and offensive struggles.
Kubiak also explained that he didn’t consider inserting Mendoza during Sunday’s contest because the Raiders were making it competitive down the stretch. Cousins finished with 295 passing yards and two touchdowns. Kubiak has not named Mendoza the starter, but there’s a chance Fernando could make his first start in the coming weeks. We’ll just have to see what the Raiders decide.
[#80] TE Ian Thomas (2016-17) [TE2]
While Ian Thomas may not be the first or even second option at tight end, he still makes his time on the field count. Thomas caught his only target for eight yards in the third quarter and played 18 offensive snaps, about 26% of the offense’s plays. PFF credited him with four pass-blocking snaps and no pressures allowed on those plays. He briefly left the game with a shoulder injury but later returned to action. His receiving involvement remains limited, with much of his role continuing to involve blocking.
[#37] RB Roman Hemby (2025) [Practice Squad]
Hemby was not elevated for the Raiders’ game against the Rams and remains on the practice squad. His only elevation this season came in Week 5 against the Patriots, when he was inactive.
Kansas City Chiefs vs Seattle Seahawks [3-20]
Chiefs
[#70] RT Kahlil Benson (2020-23, 2025) [LT1]
An important development in Kansas City’s offensive line came this week: Josh Simmons, the left tackle Benson has been filling in for, was placed on injured reserve on October 22. With Simmons’s absence extended, Benson has more opportunity to continue starting at left tackle.
While the Chiefs had a rough night, Benson still performed really well. In his sixth consecutive start at left tackle, the 6-foot-6 Hoosier played all 53 offensive snaps. According to PFF, he allowed just one pressure, a quarterback hurry, on 36 pass-blocking snaps. He did not allow a sack or a quarterback hit. The undrafted rookie’s impressive season continues.
With how well Benson has played, he is making a case to stay in the starting lineup even when Simmons returns. It will be interesting to see how the Chiefs handle the tackle positions once Simmons is healthy.
[#59] LB Aiden Fisher (2024-25) [Practice Squad]
After being waived by the Texans on October 17, Fisher cleared waivers and signed with the Chiefs’ practice squad on October 21. He played in three games for Houston, recording one tackle on special teams, and is now reunited with former Indiana teammate Kahlil Benson. He was not elevated for Sunday’s game against Seattle. His arrival came the same week Kansas City waived Cam Jones from the active roster, bringing one Hoosier linebacker into the organization as another departed.
Minnesota Vikings vs Indianapolis Colts [16-10]
Vikings
[#4] WR Myles Price (2024) [WR4/KR1/PR1]
Price had a quieter game than usual, but he still provided a spark. He took off for 46 yards on the opening kickoff, reaching the Colts’ 47-yard line. Despite the great field position, Minnesota couldn’t capitalize and turned the ball over on downs. That was Price’s only kickoff return Sunday afternoon. He also returned two punts for 12 yards, with his longest going for 12. Additionally, he played two offensive snaps but wasn’t targeted.
There was an injury development for Price during the game. The star returner was evaluated for a possible concussion and a stinger in the first quarter. He was cleared to play and returned to action in the second quarter.
Colts
[#12] WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (2015-19) [Practice Squad]
Westbrook-Ikhine remains on Indianapolis’s practice squad and was not elevated for the game against Minnesota. The Colts have already used three standard elevations on him this season. To make him available for another regular-season game, they would need to sign him to the active roster. For now, he remains on the practice squad.
Baltimore Ravens vs Cincinnati Bengals [13-35]
Ravens
[#13] WR Elijah Sarratt (2024-25) [Reserve WR]
Sarratt was inactive by coach’s decision, making him a healthy scratch against Cincinnati. This was his third straight inactive game and his sixth through Baltimore’s first seven games. His season production remains a single reception for 13 yards in Week 4 against the Titans. He remains behind Zay Flowers and Devontez Walker at his receiver position on the depth chart and is still waiting for another opportunity.
Bengals
[#12] WR Ke’Shawn Williams (2024) [Practice Squad]
Williams remained on Cincinnati’s practice squad and was not elevated for the game against the Ravens. He is still looking for another opportunity after being waived following a muffed punt in the Week 3 loss to Pittsburgh. The Bengals brought him back to the practice squad the next day.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs New Orleans Saints [16-10]
Steelers
[#37] FB Riley Nowakowski (2025) [FB1]
Riley Nowakowski and the Steelers traveled all the way to Paris, France, to face the Saints on Sunday morning in the first NFL regular-season game held in Paris. Nowakowski didn’t appear much in Sunday’s game, though. He played four offensive snaps and didn’t record a target or carry. His offensive role remains limited to situational work.
Besides that, the Pittsburgh fullback has been supporting his hometown baseball team, the Brewers, in the World Series. The Milwaukee native brought Brewers hats and World Series gear his sister sent him to Paris. “It would be electric to be there, but I’m going to root for them from afar,” Nowakowski told TribLive.
Tennessee Titans vs Cleveland Browns [24-27]
Titans
[#79] C Pat Coogan (2025) [C2]
Coogan was active as Tennessee’s backup center Sunday but did not play an offensive snap. Austin Schlottmann started at center and played all 63 offensive snaps. Coogan did appear on special teams, where his contributions have come through the first seven weeks of the season. He remains the backup at center while waiting for an opportunity on offense.
Free Agents
- S Devan Boykin (2025): Waived by Pittsburgh during final roster cuts. Worked out for Seattle on September 15.
- WR E.J. Williams Jr. (2023-25): Waived by Las Vegas during final roster cuts. Signed to Carolina’s practice squad on September 17 and released September 22.
- WR Jonathan Brady (2025): Waived by Las Vegas on July 27. Signed a CFL futures contract with the Montreal Alouettes on October 5; the deal begins after the 2026 season.
- LB Cam Jones (2018-22): Waived by Kansas City on Oct 20. No new signing has been announced.
- 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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