How Former Hoosiers Fared in Week 5 of the 2020 NFL Season

Written by Evan McShane

Hoosiers in the NFL: Week 5

IU had players active throughout the week, on Thursday, Sunday, Monday, and – thanks to a coronavirus outbreak in Tennessee – Tuesday. Indiana’s two running backs in the NFL were inactive and no touchdowns were scored, but several players made an impact in other ways this week. Let’s take a look around the league and see how things are going for these former Hoosiers.

Rodger Saffold, LG, Tennessee Titans (4-0)

After a wave of coronavirus subsided, Rodger Saffold and the Titans took the field on Tuesday night against the Bills. Tennessee looked like they haven’t missed a beat. The Titans scored on their first drive and never looked back. Saffold helped anchor a balanced attack as Tennessee posted 139 rushing yards and 195 passing yards en route to a 42-16 blowout win. The undefeated Titans have a chance to extend their win-streak against Houston next week.

Jordan Howard, RB, Miami Dolphins (2-3)

Jordan Howard was inactive for the Dolphins blowout victory over the San Francisco 49ers. In what should have been a showdown between former Hoosier running backs, both players were sidelined with injury. Howard has four rushing touchdowns on the season and the fifth most rushing yards in the NFL since 2016. The veteran running back hopes to get healthy soon and return to the field.

Tevin Coleman, RB, San Francisco 49ers (2-3)

Tevin Coleman was inactive for San Francisco’s embarrassing loss against the Miami Dolphins at home. The 49ers are now 0-3 at home and looking for answers. Coleman hopes to recover from injury and provide this San Francisco offense with some much-needed help. 

Nate Sudfeld, QB, Philadelphia Eagles (1-3-1)

Nate Sudfeld was inactive for Philadelphia’s loss to their in-state rival Pittsburgh Steelers.

Dan Feeney, LG, Los Angeles Chargers (1-4)

Another week, another heartbreaking loss for the LA Chargers. Dan Feeney got the start at left guard again and rookie QB Justin Herbert looks like he could be the real deal. However, after an opening week win, LA has lost four straight games by one score or less. On Monday Night Football, the Chargers controlled the game with a 20-3 lead before surrendering a comeback to the New Orleans Saints, losing in overtime 30-27. LA has a bye week to reflect on their slow start before hosting the Jaguars on 10/25. Feeney has held his own, but hopefully the Chargers can turn their season around before its too late.

Ian Thomas, TE, Carolina Panthers (3-2)

Ian Thomas and the Carolina Panthers got their record above .500 with a win on the road against the struggling Atlanta Falcons. Thomas, after catching his first touchdown of the season last week, was targeted just one time this Sunday and did not catch a pass. The young tight end is searching for ways to get more involved in the Panthers’ offense. Having won three straight games, Thomas hopes to give Carolina the impact they need to keep their streak alive.

Wes Martin, OL, Washington Football Team (1-4)

Wes Martin got the start at left guard for the Washington Football Team as they lost their fourth straight game. Washington’s offense has been unable to get anything going in 2020. In this week’s loss against the Baltimore Ravens, Washington generated just 108 yards of total offense (70 passing and 38 rushing). West Martin and the Washington Football Team hopes to turn things around quickly. They’ll have a chance next week against their struggling division rival, the New York Giants.

Brandon Knight, OL, Dallas Cowboys (2-3)

Brandon Knight had been filling in at left tackle amidst an injury to Cowboys offensive lineman Tyron Smith. After a stellar performance in this role, Knight was injected into the starting lineup. Despite a devastating injury to QB Dak Prescott, Knight and the Cowboys offense rallied to a victory. At 2-3, Dallas sits atop a weak NFC East division. Whether Knight gets his snaps at left tackle or right tackle, it’s become clear he needs to be on the field for Dallas. The former Hoosier went undrafted, but early on in his career, Brandon Knight is already proving he belongs in the NFL.

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, WR, Tennessee Titans (4-0)

The Titans blew out the Bills at home after coronavirus caused them to cancel their game the previous week. Tennessee was not phased as they handled the Bills from start to finish to remain undefeated. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine caught the first pass of his career. The former IU wide receiver was targeted once and made the most of it, catching the pass for seven yards. Hopefully, this performance will lead to more snaps in the future for Westbrook-Ikhine. His career has just begun.

Jason Spriggs, OT, Chicago Bears (4-1)

Jason Spriggs was active in a emergency backup role as the Bears came back from behind to beat Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Simon Stepaniak, OL, Green Bay Packers (4-0)

Simon Stepaniak and the Green Bay Packers had the weekend off with a bye week.

Total Hoosier Touchdowns: 4 (Jordan Howard 3, Ian Thomas 1)