How Former Hoosiers Fared in Week 15 of the 2020 NFL Season

Written by Evan McShane

Several Hoosiers were in action as we approach the end of the regular season. A few IU players have gotten over the injury bug and are poised to finish the year strong. No eye-popping stat lines recorded by any Hoosiers this week, but a number of Indiana guys helped their teams pick up much-needed wins. Let’s take a look around the league and catch up on the players.

Rodger Saffold, LG, Tennessee Titans (10-4)

Rodger Saffold and the Titans got back on track this week with a blowout victory over the Detroit Lions. Saffold and his fellow linemen helped pave the way for nearly 200 Titans’ rushing yards in the win, including three touchdowns on the ground and three through the air. Tennessee’s rushing attack is firing on all cylinders just in time for the playoffs.

Jordan Howard, RB, Philadelphia Eagles (4-9-1)

Jordan Howard was inactive for the Eagles loss to the Cardinals. Howard remains on Philadelphia’s practice squad after they signed up a few weeks ago off of waivers. While Howard has four rushing touchdowns this year, it’s been a turbulent season for the ex-IU halfback. Howard’s yards-per-carry number has cratered to a career low 1.6. Howard hopes he can finish the season healthy and find new life in 2021.

Tevin Coleman, RB, San Francisco 49ers (5-9)

Tevin Coleman was active on Sunday for the 49ers win against the Dallas Cowboys. Coleman had three carries for 11 yards as he works his way back from injury. Coleman has spent much of 2020 trying to stay healthy. San Francisco has been eliminated from the playoffs, but Coleman hopes to finish the season on a strong note. The legendary Hoosier running back has just 50 yards rushing on 26 carries and hasn’t found the end zone yet this season. Thanks in large part to injuries, Coleman has played in only six games so far in 2020.

Nate Sudfeld, QB, Philadelphia Eagles (4-9-1)

Nate Sudfeld was inactive for the Eagles loss to the Cardinals. Sudfeld has remained the third-string quarterback in Philly for most of the season.

Dan Feeney, LG, Los Angeles Chargers (5-9)

Feeney is becoming an iron man in Los Angeles. The former standout lineman at Indiana is thriving in the NFL. Feeney has not missed a single snap at right guard since early 2019. Now, the Chargers are on a two-game winning streak after a series of heartbreaking losses. While LA won’t make the playoffs this year, the future looks bright with rookie QB Justin Herbert.

Ian Thomas, TE, Carolina Panthers (4-10)

Ian Thomas caught three passes for 29 yards in the Panthers loss on Saturday night in Green Bay. Although Carolina has struggled to win games, they have been competitive all season. Thomas has six receptions in his last two games to make it 19 total catches on the year – good for 146 yards and touchdown. 

Wes Martin, OL, Washington Football Team (6-8)

Wes Martin saw some playing time on special teams as the Washington Football Team lost to the Seahawks to end a four-game winning streak. Martin has seen steady snaps on special teams for the bulk of the season. Washington is clinging to a division lead and is seeking their first playoff appearance since 2015.

Brandon Knight, OL, Dallas Cowboys (5-9)

Brandon Knight played on the offensive line during the Cowboys’ decisive win over the San Francisco 49ers. Knight was on the field for every offensive snap in the win and played on special teams as well. Dallas is not out of the playoffs yet. Knight and the Cowboys can still make a push for the postseason with a little luck on their side.

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, WR, Tennessee Titans (10-4)

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine was active for the Titans win against Detroit on Sunday. Westbrook-Ikhine was not targeted in the passing game, but he did record two tackles on special teams. The former Hoosier wideout continues to find playing time on a playoff team.

Jason Spriggs, OT, Chicago Bears (7-7)

Jason Spriggs was active and saw a few snaps on special teams in the Bears win over the Vikings. Spriggs has seen limited playing time this season, but he has finally been able to stay healthy, which a great sign moving forward.
Simon Stepaniak, OL, Green Bay Packers (11-3)

Simon Stepaniak was not active on Sunday as has been the case for all of 2020. The young offensive lineman hopes to acclimate to the NFL and work his way into the rotation next year.

Dan Godsil, Cincinnati Bengals (2-10-1)

Dan Godsil was inactive for the Bengals upset win over the Steelers on Monday Night Football. Godsil was signed to the Bengals practice squad a few weeks ago.

Tegray Scales, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers (11-2)

Tregray Scales, signed to the practice squad a few weeks ago, was elevated to the gameday roster and activated for the Steelers’ loss to the Bengals on Monday Night Football. Scales saw playing time primarily on special teams. Pittsburgh is dealing with a rash of injuries at linebacker, so it’s possible Scales will see playing time there soon.

Chris Covington, LB, Indianapolis Colts (10-4)

Former Hoosier linebacker Chris Covington was signed to the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad recently. Covington will get a crack at making the roster before season’s end.

Total Hoosier Touchdowns: 5 (Jordan Howard 4, Ian Thomas 1)