Michigan State Spartans in the NFL: Week 2 edition

Plenty of Michigan State Spartans in the NFL played well enough in week two to earn more playing time moving forward. A handful of players have performed great through two weeks of play while others are still waiting for their shot.

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If you were at the Michigan State versus Air Force game this past weekend, you’d know that former Green Bay Packers draft pick and Detroit Lions preseason player Jerel Worthy was the honorary captain. He is still looking for work at the next level as a former second-round draft selection.

On the same note of defensive linemen, Cincinnati Bengals‘ tackle Domata Peko recorded two tackles in a win over the Chargers. Teammate Darqueze Dennard also added a tackle although his playing time wasn’t nearly as extensive as it was in week one.

Dennard’s former cornerback teammate Trae Waynes played mostly on special teams for the Vikings on Sunday against the Lions, and the coaches were impressed.

Kirk Cousins may have been the real star of the week as the Redskins‘ starting quarterback completed 23-of-27 passes for 203 yards and a touchdown in a huge upset win over the St. Louis Rams at home. He’s starting to earn respect out there.

Must Read: Air Force vs. Michigan State: Grading the Spartans’ performance

The former Spartan quarterbacks’s current teammate, Trenton Robinson, played very well in the defensive backfield for the Redskins, leading the team in tackles, with six, and solos, with five.

From one starting quarterback to a backup, Brian Hoyer lost his job to Ryan Mallett last week with the Texans and that position might change hands once again very soon as the latter of the two is not performing very well in Houston.

Sep 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Keith Mumphery (12) stiff arms Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Chris Conley (17) during the game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Keith Mumphery didn’t catch any passes this week with Mallett at QB, but he is the primary kick returner, finishing with six returns for 58 yards and a long of 15 yards. The punt return duties have been place in Mumphery’s hands with the trade of Keshawn Martin to the Patriots.

Dion Sims was out with a concussion on Sunday for the Dolphins in which the tight end suffered in week one against the Redskins while Tony Lippett was also inactive at corner.

Must Read: Air Force vs. Michigan State: 5 takeaways from Spartans’ win

Another tight end who doesn’t get enough recognition, 49ers’ Garrett Celek was second on the team in receiving a week ago and added another two catches for 10 yards this week. He’s becoming a solid backup option behind Vernon Davis.

Bennie Fowler made an impression for the Broncos on Thursday night as he caused a crucial fumble against the Chiefs, but caught no passes in the overtime win.

Former All-Big Ten running back Jeremy Langford scored his first career touchdown for the Chicago Bears in a blowout loss. He also added six carries for 21 yards.

Another former Michigan State back, Le’Veon Bell, finished up his suspension this week and will be back in week three against the Rams.

Last, but certainly not least, William Gholston had himself a great game at defensive end for the Buccaneers as he recorded six total tackles, three solos, and a blocked extra point. The Bucs had a huge upset win over the New Orleans Saints on the road.

That’s it for this week, check back next week to see how the Spartans in the NFL fared.

Next: Air Force vs. Michigan State: 5 Spartans who earned the game ball