How Former Hoosiers Fared in Week 1 of the 2021 NFL Season

Written by Evan McShane

Twelve former Indiana players begin the 2021 season either on an active NFL roster or practice squad. Six of those Hoosiers were active for the opening week of the season.

Rodger Saffold – Tennessee Titans

Rodger Saffold got the start at left guard on Sunday. The Titans lost at home to the Cardinals. Saffold and his team hope to rebound next week on the road against Seattle.

Tevin Coleman – New York Jets

The Jets couldn’t complete the comeback on Sunday, but running back Tevin Coleman got the start. Coleman led all Jets players in rushing yards and carries. The former IU runner had nine carries for 24 yards in New York’s loss at Carolina. Coleman and the Jets hope to get in the win column next week at home against the Patriots.

Nate Sudfeld – San Francisco 49er

Nate Sudfeld was inactive for the 49ers win against Detroit. Sudfeld remains on the San Francisco practice squad.

Dan Feeney – New York Jets

Dan Feeney was active on the bench for the Jets opening week loss on the road against Carolina.

Ian Thomas – Carolina Panthers

Ian Thomas caught one pass for 17 yards in the Panthers’ week one win at home against the Jets. The former Hoosier tight end is poised for a productive 2021 season. Carolina hosts New Orleans next week.

Jordan Howard – Philadelphia Eagles

Jordan Howard was inactive for the Eagles win over Atlanta on Sunday. Howard remains on Philadelphia’s practice squad.

Wes Martin – Washington Football Team

Wes Martin is on Washington’s practice squad and was not active for their opening week loss to the Chargers.

Brandon Knight – Dallas Cowboys

Brandon Knight found himself on the COVID inactive list for the Cowboys week one loss to the Buccaneers. The young offensive lineman begins his third season with the Dallas Cowboys. Knight hopes to be active for week two.

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine – Tennessee Titans

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine was targeted twice in the Titans loss to the Cardinals on Sunday. Westbrook-Ikhine caught one pass for ten yards in the game. The former IU standout wide receiver begins his second year in the NFL where he hopes to carve out a niche on the Titans offense.

Jason Spriggs – Atlanta Falcons

Jason Spriggs was active for week one and saw snaps on special teams. The veteran offensive lineman has stuck around the league despite a rash of injuries to start his career. Spriggs and the Falcons lost their opener to Philadelphia, but hope to get back on track next week in Tampa Bay.

Jamar Johnson – Denver Broncos

Rookie Jamar Johnson was inactive for the Denver Broncos on Sunday. The former IU safety begins his NFL career after being selected in the fifth round of the 2021 Draft. Johnson hopes to ease his way into Denver’s defensive rotation as the season progresses.

Whop Philyor – Minnesota Vikings

Whop Philyor was inactive for the Vikings week one loss to Cincinnati. Philyor was signed to Minnesota’s practice squad this offseason.

How Former Hoosiers Fared in Week 16 of the 2020 NFL Season

Written by Evan McShane

Another week with no touchdowns from any former Hoosiers. 2020 has been a relatively quiet year for IU players in terms of statistical production, but several players helped their teams win. Jordan Howard and Tevin Coleman were both active this week after missing time throughout the season. Feeney and Saffold continue to be dependable. Let’s take a look around the league.

Rodger Saffold, LG, Tennessee Titans (10-5)

Rodger Saffold and the Tennessee Titans were blown out on Sunday night football by the Green Bay Packers. The Titans fell behind early and the offense only managed 260 yards on the snow. Early in the third quarter, Tennessee came within five points after a nicely designed QB run by Ryan Tannehill. Saffold and the Titans offense went cold after that, failing to score the rest of the game. Tennessee hopes to regroup next week and build some momentum heading into the playoffs.

Jordan Howard, RB, Philadelphia Eagles (4-10-1)

Jordan Howard was active for the first time in several weeks during Philadelphia’s loss on Sunday. Howard had three carries for eight yards in the game. The former Hoosier running back hopes to finish the season healthy and have a better 2021 season. Although Howard has four touchdowns on the season, his yards-per-carry average this year is the lowest of his career.

Tevin Coleman, RB, San Francisco 49ers (6-9)

Tevin Coleman has a quiet game as the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Arizona Cardinals. Coleman had two carries for three yards. The former Hoosier running back has battled injuries all season. Although his statistical output the past two weeks has been underwhelming, it’s good to see Coleman back on the field. Like Howard, Coleman will look to have a more successful 2021.

Nate Sudfeld, QB, Philadelphia Eagles (4-10-1)

Nate Sudfeld was inactive for the Philadelphia Eagles loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Dan Feeney, LG, Los Angeles Chargers (6-9)

Dan Feeney and the Chargers defeated the Broncos on Sunday. Feeney started at guard as usual and helped LA score just enough to outlast Denver. QB Justin Herbert was only sacked twice as he threw for 253 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions. The Chargers are eliminated from this year’s playoffs, but the future in LA looks bright with players like Feeney and Herbert.

Ian Thomas, TE, Carolina Panthers (5-10)

Ian Thomas was active for Carolina’s win against Washington, but the former Hoosier tight end did not record a statistic. Thomas has 19 receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown on the season.

Wes Martin, OL, Washington Football Team (6-9)

Wes Martin played on a few special teams snaps in Washington’s loss to Carolina on Sunday. The Football Team will have to win next week to make the playoffs. Martin started the first five games this season but has largely been relegated to special teams since then.

Brandon Knight, OL, Dallas Cowboys (6-9)

Brandon Knight played 100% of Dallas’ snaps on offense during their win over the division rival Philadelphia Eagles. Knight got the start at left tackle during the win as the Cowboys put up over 500 yards of total offense. Dallas’ offensive line paved the way for 151 rushing yards and allowed only two sacks. Knight and the Cowboys are back in the hunt for a wild card spot. 

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, WR, Tennessee Titans (10-5)

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine was active for the Titans loss to the Packers on Sunday night football. The former Hoosier played about a quarter of Tennessee’s offensive snaps at wide receiver and played a primary role on special teams. Westbrook-Ikhine caught his fourth pass of the season on a deep out for 19 yards. So far this season, Westbrook-Ikhine has three receptions for 33 yards on the season, in addition to a caught pass on a successful two-point conversion.

Jason Spriggs, OT, Chicago Bears (8-7)

Jason Spriggs saw playing time on special teams along with a handful of offensive snaps at tackle. The Bears defeated Jacksonville and are in the hunt for a wild card spot. Perhaps for the first time in his professional career, Spriggs has been healthy for most of the year.
Simon Stepaniak, OL, Green Bay Packers (12-3)

Simon Stepaniak was inactive for the Green Bay Packers win on Sunday night football against the Tennessee Titans.

Dan Godsil, Cincinnati Bengals (4-10-1)

Dan Godsil was inactive for the Bengals win over the Texans. Godsil remains on the Cincinnati practice squad. 

Tegray Scales, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers (12-3)

Never give up on your dreams!
AFC North Champs pic.twitter.com/KFP2ChNcBK

— Tegray Scales🙏🏾 (@Tegray_Scales8) December 27, 2020

Tegray Scales was active for the Steelers come from behind victory over the Colts. Scales saw playing time primarily on special teams, but he also played a few snaps at linebacker. Seeing Tegray Scales play on Sundays is a joy for any Hoosier fan.

Chris Covington, LB, Indianapolis Colts (10-5)

Chris Covington was inactive for the Colts loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Covington was signed by Indianapolis recently and remains on their practice squad.

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