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

Written by Evan McShane

Six former Hoosiers were active during week six of the 2020 NFL season. The injury bug has taken a toll on some Indiana greats, running backs Jordan Howard and Tevin Coleman have both been dealing with ailments. The Hoosiers who have stayed healthy are looking good to start the year. Let’s take a look around the league.

Rodger Saffold, LG, Tennessee Titans (5-0)

Rodger Saffold’s iron streak continues as Tennessee has looked like one of the best teams in the NFL. Saffold, who hasn’t missed a game since 2017, helped pave the way for Derrick Henry’s 212 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Titans posted an astonishing 601 yards of total offense on Sunday, including 263 rushing yards. Tennessee needed a touchdown with four second remaining to tie and overtime to win, but they were up to the task. The Titans are just one of three undefeated teams remaining. They’ll host another undefeated team next week, the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

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

Jordan Howard was inactive for the second straight week presumably as a healthy scratch. Despite scoring three touchdowns in each of this first three games, Howard has averaged less than one yard per carry. The veteran running back’s future in Miami is unclear, but for now all Howard can do is work to get back on the field on gameday.

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

Tevin Coleman has been inactive since Week 2 with a sprained knee. After a win over the Rams on Sunday, the 49ers are sitting at .500 and should be fighting for a playoff spot by the time Coleman gets healthy.

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

Nate Sudfeld was inactive for the Eagles close loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Sudfeld has been slotted as Philadelphia’s third-string quarterback as rookie Jalen Hurts is being utilized in select formations on offense.

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

Dan Feeney and the LA Chargers had a chance to regroup with a bye week. Coming off four straight losses, LA will have a chance to right the ship against the Jaguars next Sunday.  

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

Ian Thomas caught on pass for nine yards in the Panthers’ loss to the Bears at home. Thru six games, Thomas has just six catches for 39 yards and a touchdown. The athletic tight end hopes to get more involved in the offense moving forward as Carolina sits even at .500. Thomas and the Panthers look to get back in the win column next week against the Saints. 

Wes Martin, OL, Washington Football Team (1-5)

Wes Martin was active but did not see any snaps in Washington’s loss against the Giants. Washington has had an abysmal start to the season, plagued with injury and inconsistent play. Martin has not gotten off to as strong of a start as he’d like, but the rookie lineman hopes to turn things around. With Washington’s season in turmoil, player development will be put into focus.

Brandon Knight, OL, Dallas Cowboys (2-4)

The Cowboys have had an up and down season with QB Dak Prescott sustaining a season-ending injury last week. Brandon Knight, on the other hand, has been an unexpectedly steady hand for Dallas this year. The undrafted rookie offensive lineman has been thrusted into a starting role and has held his own. The Cowboys could not find any success on Monday night football, however, as they fell to Arizona 38-10. Without their QB, Dallas’ season feels derailed. All Brandon Knight can do is focus on winning his one-on-ones.

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, WR, Tennessee Titans (5-0)

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine caught his first NFL pass last week and followed it up with one more in Tennessee’s thrilling win over the Texans. In the fourth quarter with Tennessee trailing, the former Hoosier wide out used his size to get open in the back of the end zone on a two-point conversion. Westbrook-Ikhine caught the pass which proved vital to the Titans victory. This clutch play is likely to earn the trust of his coaches and teammates as Westbrook-Ikhine’s career is just getting started.

Jason Spriggs, OT, Chicago Bears (5-1)

Jason Spriggs was active in an emergency backup role for the Bears on Sunday. Chicago advanced to 5-1 and sit atop the NFC North Division.

Simon Stepaniak, OL, Green Bay Packers (4-1)

Simon Stepaniak was inactive for the Packers blowout loss to the Buccaneers. The rookie offensive lineman may be called up on in the future as Green Bay suffered some blows to their offensive line. The Packers will play the Texans next week.

Tegray Scales, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2)\

Former standout linebacker Tegray Scales was signed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad. The IU legend will have a chance to crack the roster. Either way, Scales hopes this stop in Tampa will help him find his footing in the NFL.

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