With the 49ers and Giants on bye in Week 8, six former Hoosiers had a week off to rest, recover from injuries and prepare for the second half of the season. For many of the Hoosiers who suited up Sunday, it was a quiet afternoon. After back-to-back 100-yard games with a touchdown, Omar Cooper Jr. had ZERO targets in the Jets’ loss to the Raiders despite playing nearly 80% of the offensive snaps. In Detroit, the Lions made it a priority to keep Myles Price from breaking big returns, limiting the Vikings’ special teams in Minnesota’s first loss of the season.
Despite the quiet Sunday, there was a reunion in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Raiders and Jets put on an explosive offensive performance, and Fernando Mendoza met up with his college teammates Omar Cooper Jr. and D’Angelo Ponds for a postgame jersey swap. Kahlil Benson continued his run as Kansas City’s starting left tackle, while C.J. West received an encouraging injury update during San Francisco’s bye. With a heartfelt reunion headlining the week, let’s hop right into Hoosiers Across the NFL for Week 8.
Jump to a Matchup
Raiders vs. Jets | Vikings vs. Lions
Chiefs vs. Broncos | Steelers vs. Browns
Ravens vs. Bills | Colts vs. Jaguars
Titans vs. Bengals | 49ers (Bye)
Giants (Bye) | Free Agents
Las Vegas Raiders vs New York Jets [38-33]
Raiders
[#15] QB Fernando Mendoza (2025) [QB2]
Mendoza did not play a snap in the Raiders’ 38-33 win over the Jets. Las Vegas finally ended its four-game losing streak, improving to 4-4 after opening the season 3-0. While some fans have been calling for Mendoza to take the reins, Kirk Cousins has been doing a really good job leading the offense. Against the Jets, Cousins completed 19 of 26 attempts for 247 yards and three touchdowns, adding a rushing touchdown.
The Raiders’ problems during the losing streak have extended beyond quarterback, particularly with their run defense and running game. A tough stretch is coming up, with a trip to San Francisco, a home game against the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks, and road games against Denver and Cleveland before their Week 13 bye.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that the Raiders want to wait as long as possible before turning to Mendoza. Looking at that schedule, I could see Week 14 against the Chargers being a good time for his first NFL start if Las Vegas has fallen out of playoff contention. That is my own projection, though, rather than a start date announced by the Raiders. An injury or another change in circumstances could always speed things up.
Following the win over the Jets, Mendoza reunited with Cooper and Ponds for a jersey swap. The three could be seen smiling from ear to ear while talking to each other. It was a touching moment to see them back together at the next level.
[#80] TE Ian Thomas (2016-17) [TE2]
Ian Thomas may not have had any receiving stats, but the tight end had plenty of work in his blocking role. He played 29 offensive snaps, or 46% of the Raiders’ total, and ran just two routes without a target. Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer handled most of the receiving work at tight end, combining for 12 catches in the win.
Earlier in the week, Thomas was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday with a shoulder injury. He returned to full participation Friday and entered Sunday without an injury designation.
[#37] RB Roman Hemby (2025) [Practice Squad]
Hemby remains on the Raiders’ practice squad and was not elevated for Sunday’s game at MetLife Stadium. His most recent elevation came October 10 for the following day’s game at New England, although he did not play in that Week 5 contest. Dylan Laube remains ahead of him as the RB3 and starting kick returner, adding a spectacular 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown Sunday. For now, Hemby continues to wait for another opportunity.
Jets
[#11] WR Omar Cooper Jr. (2022-25) [WR3/Slot]
Cooper had a pretty disappointing day on the stat sheet Sunday. After back-to-back games with at least 100 receiving yards and a touchdown, the rookie receiver finished without a target. Adonai Mitchell, who returned from injury in Week 7, pulled in seven of his nine targets for 142 yards and a touchdown. Garrett Wilson caught six of his 12 targets for 83 yards, while Isaiah Williams added an 18-yard touchdown.
Cooper was still on the field for 50 of the Jets’ 64 offensive snaps (78%) and ran 26 routes, the same number as Mitchell. The opportunities simply went elsewhere in this game. It was a tough afternoon for the Hoosier as New York fell to 2-6, but the empty stat line did not mean he had been taken out of the offense.
Before this quiet Sunday, Cooper had been tearing up the gridiron with 11 receptions for 218 yards and two touchdowns over his previous two outings. His performance against Miami earned him Pepsi Rookie of the Week for the second straight week.
Cooper also had a chance to catch up with his college quarterback before kickoff. He surprised his fellow first-round pick during warmups, and the two talked and laughed together before facing off as NFL opponents.
[#23] CB D’Angelo Ponds (2024-25) [NB2]
Some news about Ponds starting at nickel in last week’s game against Miami came to light this week. Jarvis Brownlee Jr. told ESPN he had been benched for missing mandatory meetings, which is why Ponds replaced him in Week 7. With Brownlee back, the Jets again listed Ponds as the backup nickelback.
Ponds was active against Las Vegas but did not record an individual defensive statistic. The Jets’ depth chart still has him behind Brownlee, although that listing alone does not tell us exactly how many snaps he played. Defensive coordinator Brian Duker praised Ponds’s overall performance against Miami while identifying penalties as an area for the rookie corner to improve.
[#41] LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball (2016-21) [IR]
McCrary-Ball remains on injured reserve following the ankle injury he suffered in the Jets’ Week 2 overtime loss to Green Bay. The team has not announced his activation or the opening of his return-to-practice window. He has served the minimum four-game absence, but there is still no confirmed date for his return.
Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions [15-19]
Vikings
[#4] WR Myles Price (2024) [WR4/KR1/PR1]
Price had an alright outing, but Detroit did a great job limiting his return opportunities. He appeared on two offensive snaps without a target and returned three kickoffs for 72 yards (24.0 average), with a long of 26. Lions kicker Jake Bates also sent a kickoff through the end zone just before halftime, denying Price another chance.
The Lions’ punt team was even more effective. Jack Fox forced three fair catches, and the coverage unit stopped Price for no gain on his only return. Minnesota has leaned on its defense and special teams to help its offense, and Detroit took away a big part of that formula while controlling the game on the ground.
Price is one of the NFL’s most dangerous returners, and the Lions clearly knew that. During his October 29 media availability, Detroit special teams coordinator Dave Fipp discussed Price’s quick acceleration and ability to stop and change direction. The extra attention paid off in Minnesota’s first loss, but Price won’t make it easy for opposing teams to repeat that effort.
Kansas City Chiefs vs Denver Broncos [24-28]
Chiefs
[#70] RT Kahlil Benson (2020-23, 2025) [LT1]
Benson made his seventh NFL start, remaining the Chiefs’ starting left tackle in every game this season. He appeared on the injury report with an ankle issue but participated fully throughout the week and had no game injury designation.
Kansas City’s passing offense produced 321 yards and three touchdowns from Patrick Mahomes. According to CoreFootball Labs’ updated Week 8 log, Benson played 68 offensive snaps, including 45 in pass protection, and was charged with one pressure and no sacks allowed.
The Chiefs’ running game had a tougher afternoon. Kenneth Walker III rushed for 69 yards on 21 carries (3.3 average), with a long of 10. CoreFootball Labs listed Benson for 23 run-blocking snaps and graded his run blocking below his pass protection. He was also flagged for illegal formation early in the second quarter, but Denver declined it, so Kansas City lost no penalty yardage on the call.
Despite the productive passing game, Kansas City let a fourth-quarter lead slip away in the 28-24 loss. The Chiefs dropped to 5-2 and second in the AFC West behind Denver.
[#59] LB Aiden Fisher (2024-25) [Practice Squad]
Fisher remains on Kansas City’s practice squad and was not elevated for the Denver game. The Chiefs elevated defensive end Tyreke Smith but did not elevate Fisher. After Houston waived him October 17, the seventh-round pick found a new home on Kansas City’s practice squad October 21.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns [27-6]
Steelers
[#37] FB Riley Nowakowski (2025) [FB1]
Nowakowski continued to play a situational role on offense in Pittsburgh’s win. He had no carries or receptions, but Aaron Rodgers targeted him on third-and-2 with 7:05 remaining in the fourth quarter. The short pass to the right fell incomplete, and Pittsburgh punted on the next play. Nowakowski also combined with Jack Sawyer to tackle Dylan Sampson on a second-quarter kickoff return.
Baltimore Ravens vs Buffalo Bills [10-36]
Ravens
[#13] WR Elijah Sarratt (2024-25) [Reserve WR/PR2]
Sarratt was inactive for the seventh time this season. Baltimore’s depth at receiver has made it difficult for him to find game-day opportunities, and his only appearance remains the Week 4 win over Tennessee, when he caught one of two targets for 13 yards. There has been no announced change to his role.
The Ravens’ season looks grim after falling to 4-4 with the loss to Buffalo. In his first game back from a high ankle sprain, Lamar Jackson injured his thumb on Baltimore’s opening offensive play and did not return. Head coach Jesse Minter said Jackson would need surgery and go on injured reserve, with a season-ending absence possible but not yet certain.
Backup Tyler Huntley then left with a toe injury, forcing emergency quarterback Joe Fagnano, a 25-year-old undrafted rookie from UConn, into his NFL debut. With Skylar Thompson already on IR, Baltimore is assessing its options before Thursday’s game against Jacksonville. It is a severely banged-up team, but the quarterback injuries alone do not establish that Sarratt will receive a bigger role. I still think another opportunity could come this season; for now, he has to wait.
Indianapolis Colts vs Jacksonville Jaguars [7-42]
Colts
[#12] WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (2015-19) [Practice Squad]
Westbrook-Ikhine remains on the Colts’ practice squad and was not elevated against Jacksonville. Indianapolis has used his three standard game-day elevations, so the team would need to sign him to the 53-man roster for another regular-season appearance.
There could be an opening if the Colts keep moving players before the trade deadline. Indianapolis has already traded Quenton Nelson to Seattle and DeForest Buckner to San Francisco, and Josh Downs has requested a trade. If Downs leaves, I could see Westbrook-Ikhine getting consideration for an active-roster spot. That is my read on the situation, though; a Downs trade or a promotion for Westbrook-Ikhine has not been announced.
Tennessee Titans vs Cincinnati Bengals [36-43 OT]
Titans
[#79] C Pat Coogan (2025) [C2]
Coogan was active as Tennessee’s backup center in its overtime thriller against Cincinnati. He remains behind Austin Schlottmann, with his work this season coming on special teams. The game was full of mistakes but also plenty of action, and the Titans couldn’t get it done, falling to 1-7.
Bengals
[#12] WR Ke’Shawn Williams (2024) [Practice Squad]
Williams remains on the Bengals’ practice squad and was not elevated for their overtime win over Tennessee. Cincinnati waived him September 29, then re-signed him to the practice squad September 30 after he cleared waivers.
San Francisco 49ers [Bye]
49ers
[#26] RB Kaelon Black (2024-25) [RB2]
Kaelon Black has looked good as the 49ers’ RB2, especially as a rookie. The bye came after a rough outing in Atlanta, where San Francisco turned the ball over four times. With Christian McCaffrey briefly sidelined, Black stepped into a larger workload and finished with 12 carries for 63 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, he also lost a fumble that Atlanta recovered.
The bright side was his first NFL touchdown, a 30-yard run, as he led the team in carries and rushing yards. On October 26, Kyle Shanahan confirmed McCaffrey had suffered a mild hamstring strain but expressed optimism about his availability after the bye.
If McCaffrey is limited against the Raiders, Black could get another chance at a larger workload. That is still a possibility rather than a confirmed plan. Either way, San Francisco’s home game against Las Vegas brings the chance to face his former Hoosier quarterback’s team.
[#99] DT C.J. West (2024) [IR]
There’s an encouraging update for the second-year defensive lineman out of Indiana. On October 26, Shanahan included West among the injured players who have a chance to return after the bye. He emphasized that none of those returns were guaranteed and that the team would reassess after a week of rehabilitation. West remains on IR, but with the Raiders coming to San Francisco next, the 49ers could definitely use the help if he is ready.
[#14] QB Kurtis Rourke (2024) [QB3]
Rourke remains third behind Brock Purdy and Mac Jones as the 49ers’ emergency quarterback. There has been no announced change to that order, but the November 10 trade deadline gives us something to watch.
Mike Florio reported that Baltimore may explore a trade for Bears backup Tyson Bagent. Another option I could see making sense, if San Francisco were willing to part with him, is Mac Jones. The 49ers could seek draft capital or receiving help in return, which would create a path for Rourke to move up. A Rourke trade that reunited him with Sarratt in Baltimore would be fun to imagine, too, although it feels much less likely. Those 49ers scenarios are my own speculation, not reported trade talks.
Minnesota is another team I could imagine considering quarterback help after some uneven offensive performances, even with its 6-1 record. That is also speculation, rather than a report that the Vikings are shopping for a quarterback. A Mac Jones-for-Jauan Jennings swap might sound appealing for San Francisco’s receiver depth, but there is already a major obstacle to a Jennings reunion: Jay Glazer reported Sunday that the teams had worked out trade terms, contingent on Jennings wanting to return, and Jennings preferred to stay in Minnesota. The report did not identify Jones as part of that proposed deal. For now, Rourke’s place on the depth chart has not changed.
[#59] Edge Mikail Kamara (2024-25) [IR]
Kamara remains on the 49ers’ injured reserve list following his ACL tear during training camp. Unlike West, his injury has sidelined him for the season. There have been no new public rehabilitation milestones or return announcements.
New York Giants [Bye]
Giants
[#41] MLB Micah McFadden (2018-21) [MLB1]
McFadden entered the bye coming off his first start of the season, replacing the injured Tremaine Edmunds against Houston. He had a monster game, seemingly everywhere the ball went, racking up 10 solo tackles, two tackles for loss and a quarterback hit in the Giants’ overtime victory. With Edmunds out for the season, McFadden is expected to remain in the starting lineup alongside Arvell Reese.
It was a strong return to a regular defensive role for McFadden, who had played just three defensive snaps before the Houston game. He helped keep the Texans to short gains on the ground and added pressure on the quarterback. He did allow a touchdown while matched up with Marvin Harrison Jr., but that difficult assignment shouldn’t take away from the rest of his afternoon.
During the Giants’ bye-week media availability, general manager Joe Schoen praised McFadden and Edmunds as professional examples and mentors for Reese. He credited their presence as part of the rookie linebacker’s development.
The 4-2-1 Giants return against the 2-6 Eagles next Sunday. Philadelphia has struggled offensively and remains without Jalen Hurts, who is on IR while receiving treatment for blood clots. Saquon Barkley will have another chance to face his former team, giving McFadden and the Giants’ run defense plenty to prepare for. I like the opportunity for McFadden to put together another productive game, but containing Barkley will be a big part of it.
[#43] S Raheem Layne (2017-21) [Practice Squad]
Layne is back on New York’s practice squad following the overtime win over Houston. His promotion for that game was a standard game-day elevation, rather than a permanent signing to the 53-man roster. No subsequent active-roster signing has been announced.
Free Agents
- S Devan Boykin (2025): Waived by Pittsburgh during final roster cuts. Worked out for Seattle on September 15; no subsequent signing confirmed.
- WR E.J. Williams Jr. (2023-25): Waived by Las Vegas during final roster cuts. Signed to Carolina’s practice squad September 17 and released from it September 22; no subsequent signing confirmed. Waived by Carolina on Sept 22.
- WR Jonathan Brady (2025): Released by Las Vegas in July. 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
- 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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