How Former Hoosiers Fared in Week 3 of the 2020 NFL Season

Written by Evan McShane

Hoosiers in the NFL: Week 3

Indiana had seven players active on NFL Sunday and one on Thursday. This group of former Hoosiers managed one touchdown this week while several tasted victory. Let’s take a look around the league and check in on these ex-IU players and how they’re doing.

Rodger Saffold, LG, Tennessee Titans (3-0)

Rodger Saffold and the Tennessee Titans advanced to 3-0 with another last-second victory over the Vikings. Trailing by five, kicker Stephen Gostkowski hit two field goals – one of 54 yards and the other 55 yards – in the last six minutes of the game to seal the win 31-30. Saffold and the Titans O-line held up, giving up just one sack and paving the way for 134 rushing yards and 444 yards of total offense. That was just enough for Tennessee to walk out of Minnesota with a W.

Jordan Howard, RB, Miami Dolphins (1-2)

Jordan Howard and the Miami Dolphins picked up their first win on Thursday night, blowing out the Jacksonville Jaguars 31-13. Howard only carried the ball three times for one yard, but he was able to punch it into the end zone on one of those carries. Howard has scored a touchdown in each of his first three games, despite rushing for just 12 total yards on the season. The Dolphins will look to get back to .500 and Howard will try to extend his touchdown streak when Miami hosts the Seattle Seahawks next week.

Tevin Coleman, RB, San Francisco 49ers (2-1)

Tevin Coleman is dealing with a sprained knee and was placed on the injured list ahead of Sunday’s game. The 49ers defeated the Giants 36-9 in an embarrassing blowout. Coleman was banged up during the 49ers Super Bowl run last season. Hopefully this injury will not linger. Coleman will be week-to-week moving forward and will work to return as soon as possible. 

Nate Sudfeld, QB, Philadelphia Eagles (0-2-1)

Nate Sudfeld was inactive for the Eagles stalemate against the Bengals. It would appear as if Sudfeld has lost his backup role to rookie quarterback Jalen Hurts. Sudfeld will be monitored throughout the season as he works to regain that second-string spot behind Carsen Wentz. Philadelphia has struggled this season, still unable to get a win.

Dan Feeney, LG, Los Angeles Chargers (1-2)

The Chargers lost to the Panthers, unable to complete an attempted hook-and-ladder on the final play of the game. Dan Feeney got the start yet again and held his own, but the LA offense was unable to put enough points on the board. Feeney and the Chargers hope to right the ship next week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Ian Thomas, TE, Carolina Panthers (2-1)

Ian Thomas and the Carolina Panthers got the win to move above .500. It came down to the final play, but the Panthers made the stand and won 21-16. Thomas was only able to catch one pass for nine yards and was only targeted twice. Thomas has just four targets on the season. Hopefully, the young tight end can get more involved in the offense moving forward.

Jason Spriggs, OT, Chicago Bears (3-0)

Spriggs was active in a backup role as the Bears advanced to 3-0 on the season. Chicago rallied in the fourth quarter, outscoring Atlanta 20-0 en route to a 30-26 victory. Spriggs will stay ready as the Bears look to stay undefeated next week.  

Wes Martin, OL, Washington Football Team (1-2)

Wes Martin and the Washington Football Team fell to the Cleveland Browns 34-20 after taking a lead into the fourth quarter. Martin got another start at left guard and did not have a particularly good game. This year is about development for Washington. They’ll try to get back to .500 next week against the Baltimore Ravens.

Brandon Knight, OL, Dallas Cowboys (1-2)

Knight got the start at left tackle in place of the injured Tyron Smith. The Cowboys lost to Seattle in a one-score game 38-31, unable to tie it on the final drive. By all accounts, Knight has held his own thus far. When Smith returns from injury, it’s possible Knight could maintain a starting position by being shifted to right tackle or left guard.

Nick Westbrook, WR, Tennessee Titans (3-0)

Nick Westbrook found his way onto the stat sheet for the first time in his NFL career. The young wide receiver made a tackle on special teams. Westbrook was also targeted on two passes but they fell incomplete. The Titans picked up their third straight win to start the season, beating Minnesota with a last second field goal 31-30.

Simon Stepaniak, OL, Green Bay Packers (3-0)

The Packers advanced to 3-0 with a win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday night. Stepaniak was inactive as the young rookie is settling into the league.